Owners of the current-generation Isuzu D-Max ute and MU-X SUV who find themselves irritated at the time-consuming process of switching off its lane-keeping aids now have access to a quick fix from their local dealer.
Previously, if an owner wanted to turn off all the dual-camera-based active and passive lane-keeping aids (including steering assist), they had to cycle through menus in the trip computer via steering wheel controls each time they started the vehicle, on an opt-out basis.
These features helped the D-Max attain a maximum safety score against ANCAP’s most stringent 2020-22 protocols. This result was swiftly followed by the related MU-X SUV, which got a five-star score in September this year just post-launch.
But the process of switching off these functions took 20-30 seconds on startup, if the owner decided the system’s warnings and steering interventions weren’t for them.
That time has been cut to two seconds, via one button, thanks to a firmware update available on request, at no cost.
Once done, the existing button serves as a shortcut for the full ‘off’ sequence for all lane assists – while retaining the separate AEB and adaptive cruise control functions.
Future owners need not worry about this step, by the way. The updated 2022 D-Max range announced in December comes from the factory with this functionality installed already, and a similar fix will presumably be rolled out from the factory in the next MU-X update.
Despite this (now sorted out) irritating user interface, the new D-Max is a smash hit, firmly entrenched in third place behind the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger on the sales charts. Isuzu Ute Australia has sold 23,107 D-Max utes this year to the end of November.
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