The wait is over – the 1.9-litre Isuzu D-Max is now in Malaysia!



Years after it was introduced in Thailand, Isuzu Malaysia has finally deemed fit to introduce the latest D-Max fitted with a 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine priced from as low as RM80,149.20!

The 1.9-litre D-Max is introduced along with a 3.0-litre model, with single and double cab models available for both engine options, for a total of 11 different variants.

Although the facelift model retains a largely familiar look from the model it replaces, the devil is in the details with redesigned headlamps, now equipped with Bi-LED projectors, a new grille design and a new fog lamp housing and new wheels.

At the back, there’s now a damper available for soft opening and closing of the tailgate and a tray which can be rolled in and out for easier loading of cargo. These however, are optional extras.

Inside, the facelift D-Max comes with added padding in all the vital touch points such as the arm rest, door trims and dashboard, with newly designed seats wrapped in a mix of fabric and leather. The facelift model now also features an 8-inch touchscreen display with eight speakers and reverse camera display and a rear USB port.

That said, the highlight of the new D-Max has to be the 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine which Isuzu says is quieter, more powerful, more efficient and reliable than before.

The new RZ4E-TCX engine, with a new Variable Geometry Turbo and fuel injection system, makes 10% more power and 9% more torque than before with 150 hp and 350 Nm of torque on the taps.

The outgoing 4JK1-TCX 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine before made 136 hp and 320 Nm of torque. Funnily enough, the 3.0-litre model makes just 27 hp more at 177 hp and 30 Nm more at 380 Nm.

The 6-speed automatic and manual transmission offered is also new. Isuzu explained that the new drivetrains, featuring a new final drive and wider ratios, were developed side by side with the new engine to better complement each other.

While these figures may not matter in a pick-up, the facts may intrigue you. The new 1.9-litre D-Max with the 6-speed automatic transmission does 0 to 400 metres in 19.3 seconds and 0 to 100 km/h in 13.7 seconds. The previous 2.5-litre model did it in 20.3 seconds and 15.3 seconds respectively – borderline disturbing stuff this.

Isuzu has even worked on noise dampening on the engine, although not by much, with the new engine now 2-3 dB quieter when idling than the engine it replaces. This is contributed by a more robust construction of the engine and reduced combustion noise from more precise fuel injection.

Isuzu said the delay from introducing this new powertrain in Malaysia was due to the extensive development work to ensure that the 1.9-litre would perform reliably in our environment.

Not only is the new engine 56kg lighter than the 2.5-litre engine, it’s more efficient with 37% less friction of the engine components and produces 14% less emissions. With that, the new D-Max comes with a claimed fuel consumption of 8L/100km.

Safety wise, the D-Max has been enhanced with Hill Descent Control with Hill Start Assist, to go with the six airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control etc.

Lastly, those who book the new 1.9-litre or 3.0-litre Isuzu D-Max between 18th of September to 31st of October 2019 will be given 5-years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with up to 8-years or 80,000 km Free Maintenance.


IMAGE GALLERY