Getting a 5 star ANCAP safety rating is no mean feat, and each year it gets harder as the standards are raised. So Isuzu are very proud that the entire new D-Max range has been awarded the highest safety rating, and is the only ute in New Zealand to do so.

For 2020, ANCAP overhauled their testing regime, to better reflect common crash scenarios and the types of vehicles that Australasians are driving. Testing protocols to capture a broader range of injury risk scenarios were broadened and as a result safety features to help minimise those risks were developed.

“The D-MAX rating has been highly anticipated by fleet and private buyers, and re-establishes the safety benchmark for the competitive ute segment which has traditionally tended to lag that of passenger cars and SUVs,” said ANCAP Director of Communications and Advocacy, Rhianne Robson.

Some of the new additions to the ANCAP test and rating criteria included an increase to both speed and mass of the striking vehicle to better reflect the increased mass of the vehicles on the road today, and new Far-Side Occupant Protection tests, to assess occupant safety during side impact crashes.

Every Isuzu D-Max includes a huge array of safety features. For a start there’s Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Support System on auto models, Lane Departure Warning, Blind-Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. All this in addition to eight airbags including a front seat centre airbag – unique to the ute market. Plus LED daytime running lights.

With each D-Max there are many lesser known features to help avoid accidents and make driving safer. Here are a few:

• Post Collision Braking – in the event of an accident where airbags are activated, the brakes are automatically applied to help bring the vehicle to a safe stop.

• Misacceleration Mitigation – in slow moving areas such as carparks the stereo cameras determine whether the accelerator has been applied accidently. Should a potential collision be detected, the brakes are automatically applied (Auto transmission only).

• Bi-LED low and high beam headlights – arguably the best around providing a very tightly concentrated and focused beam near the centre.

The Isuzu design team developed the all-new D-Max from the ground up, so safety was a big focus, and as a result the driver, passengers and other motorists all benefit.

Because every model in the range has a 5 star ANCAP safety rating, you can be sure that whatever D-Max model you are interested in will provide you with the very best safety available. That’s a massive consideration for New Zealanders, helping to keep all motorists on the road safer.

“Our customers can reassuringly drive away knowing this D-Max is equipped with cutting-edge safety systems to keep them out of trouble at a moment’s notice. And given double cab utes are proving a popular family vehicle, receiving one of the highest scores awarded by ANCAP for Child Occupant Protection will no doubt be very comforting for families.”

Sam Waller, Isuzu Utes New Zealand General Manager

Find out more here.