Isuzu Ute Australia has upgraded its popular D-Max utility and brought a new X-Runner special edition back to market after a two-year absence.

It has also ushered in an improved aftersales care package which includes a six-year warranty.

The new ‘6-6-7’ ownership program sees the warranty period extend by a year to now run to 150,000km (up from 130,000km previously), and includes six years of roadside assistance and seven years (or 105,000km) of capped-price servicing. The latter is up two years/30,000km and equates to $3,600 in total over the period.

Following major overhauls for the D-Max in both 2017 and 2018, the 2019 model year has brought a relatively modest update that is largely cosmetic but adds useful equipment and sees the model line-up revised slightly, with the EX single cab chassis and LS-U space cab pick-up discontinued due to lack of demand.

The comprehensive range now covers 21 variants spanning the usual three cabs (single, space and dual), two back ends (pick-up and cab chassis), four trim levels (SX, LS-M, LS-U and LS-T), and 4×2 and 4×4 drivelines with a six-speed manual/auto transmission option and just the one powertrain: an unchanged 130kW/430Nm 3.0L four-cylinder turbo-diesel.

The flagship LS-T is the main beneficiary in the 19MY update, picking up various matte-black features including machined-face 18” alloy wheels wrapped in newly specified 255/60R18 Toyo Open Country Highway Terrain tyres that are claimed to reduce road noise.

Revised matte-black roof rails are now standard on LS-T, while LS-T and LS-U gain redesigned side steps that are made from durable fibre-reinforced polymer and have better underfoot grip and improved water dispersal. Extra black styling treatments are now applied to the front end of all LS-grade variants – and on the B-pillars of the crew cabs.

Keyless entry/start functionality also comes on board the 4×2 LS-T, putting it on a par with the equivalent 4×4 spec, and front park assist (using a three-stage radar sensor system) is now offered as a $545 dealer-fit accessory across all LS models in this model year and 17MY and 18MY.

The new X-Runner steals the show, however, with its unique exterior styling elements and accessories such as matte-grey grille with red Isuzu badge, dark grey finish to the front fog lights and tailgate branding, X-Runner decals on the bonnet, doors, rear quarter and tailgate, a satin-black sports bar and, in the tub, a spray-on liner.

Based on the LS-T 4×4 dual cab, the X-Runner is limited to 645 units and only available in red or white exterior paint. It carries rear park assist, which is an option on the regular model, while the cabin features red/black leather-accented seats (with red stitching), branded X-Runner scuff plates, piano-black and dark-red trim elements on areas such as the dashboard, doors and steering wheel, and black roof and pillar lining.

The X-Runner is priced from $54,990 drive-away, while the permanent D-Max line-up starts at $28,600 (plus on-road costs) for the SX 4×2 single cab chassis manual, topping out at $54,800 for the LS-T 4×4 dual cab pick-up.