Max Davies
2025 Isuzu D-Max LS-U+ review
The Isuzu D-Max is a staple in the Australian ute market, and it still stacks up well against the segment leaders.
2 Months Ago
4 Comments
News Editor
Isuzu Ute Australia and Walkinshaw are working on a tougher-looking version of the popular D-Max.
A government approval filing published this week details a vehicle called the Blade.
It notes “modifications are styling only”, with bigger wheels and different springs increasing height by 26.5mm up front and 29mm at the rear.
No photos are included in the filing.
The Blade also gains a sailplane, a high-mounted brake light, wheel arches, and a sump guard.
The filing also notes axle ratings and gross vehicle mass (GVM) are unchanged.
That indicates the Blade is likely Isuzu’s rival for the likes of the Mazda BT-50 Thunder, featuring a tougher look but not much in the way of extra capability.
“Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) and Walkinshaw Automotive Group (WAG) are collaborating on possible future product developments—however, we are not currently able to provide any further details,” an Isuzu Ute Australia spokesperson told CarExpert.
Advertisement
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
Keyboard Shortcuts
Shortcuts Open/Close/ or ?
Play/PauseSPACE
Increase Volume↑
Decrease Volume↓
Seek Forward→
Seek Backward←
Captions On/Offc
Fullscreen/Exit Fullscreenf
Mute/Unmutem
Decrease Caption Size-
Increase Caption Size+ or =
Seek %0-9
It appears likely the Blade will stick with the D-Max’s 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, which produces 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque.
The presence of an approval filing indicates a launch is coming soon, though Isuzu hasn’t provided specific launch timing.
This isn’t Walkinshaw’s first rodeo working over a ute.
It’s collaborated in the past with Mitsubishi (for the Triton Xtreme) and Volkswagen (for various Amarok models), among others.
MORE: Everything Isuzu D-Max
Expert Reviews, Expert Advice, Expert Prices
CarExpert does the hard work to get you the best price. No negotiating, no hidden costs, just expert help and real savings on your next new car.
William Stopford is an automotive journalist based in Brisbane, Australia. William is a Business/Journalism graduate from the Queensland University of Technology who loves to travel, briefly lived in the US, and has a particular interest in the American car industry.
You might also like
Max Davies
2025 Isuzu D-Max LS-U+ review
The Isuzu D-Max is a staple in the Australian ute market, and it still stacks up well against the segment leaders.
2 Months Ago
4 Comments
James Wong
2025 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV review
GWM's answer to the BYD Shark offers rugged capability with equally tough looks. It's a compelling PHEV ute, especially with its sharp price.
2 Months Ago
14 Comments
Max Davies
2025 Ford Ranger PHEV review
The Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid is finally here, and it has a lot to live up to if the Blue Oval wants to overcome new Chinese rivals.
2 Months Ago
105 Comments
Max Davies
2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 review
The Amarok remains a solid choice in Australia's booming ute market, but it isn't best suited to the working life.
25 Days Ago
8 Comments
Damion Smy
2025 Ford Ranger and Everest cop price rises
Australia’s most popular vehicle – the Ford Ranger – and the related Everest SUV have followed the Mustang with price increases of their own.
20 Days Ago
59 Comments
Jordan Mulach
2025 GWM Cannon Alpha price and specs: PHEV here, hybrid axed
GWM has revised pricing for its Cannon Alpha PHEV once again, while also axing the hybrid. Here's a breakdown of the range.
18 Days Ago
46 Comments
