During our test drive of the new Isuzu D-Max from Krabi to Phuket, we got to speak to Isamu Tetyama, General Manager of Isuzu Technical Centre of Asia’s Engine Design Department on the new engine and a question was raised on the compatibility of the new RZ4E-TC engine for the MU-X.
Tetyama explained that the “new” engine, 6-speed automatic and manual transmission is compatible with the MU-X but there isn’t a timeline as to when it would be implemented, if ever.
The new 1.9-litre engine is not only more powerful than the 2.5-litre engine it replaces with 150 hp and 350 Nm, it’s also lighter by some 56 kg which reflected really well on fuel economy.
Our 200km drive from Krabi to Phuket, with a mix of urban driving and “heavy inputs” on the throttle along the highways barely caused a dent to the D-Max’s fuel reserves as you can see in the picture above.
Annually, it would be easier on the wallet too when road tax renewals are due. Isuzu said the new 1.9-litre D-Max would save owners 52% in road tax renewals compared to the 2.5-litre engine – from RM839.20 to RM 399.20 – almost RM4,000 in savings throughout 9 years.
Prices for the new D-Max starts from as low as RM80,149.20 and 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.
