Just over six months after its global introduction that began in Australia in September 2020, Isuzu Malaysia has unveiled the all-new D-Max pick-up truck, with Malaysia being the latest country to offer the new generation after the Philippines.
The all-new third-generation Isuzu D-Max will be offered in seven variants across two engine choices (1.9L or 3.0L single cab, 1.9L Standard manual or automatic transmission, 1.9L Premium, 3.0L Premium, and 3.0L X-Terrain), with prices starting at RM88,599.20 for the workhorse single cab 1.9L model and all the way to RM141,938.40 for the flagship 3.0L X-Terrain model.
EXTERIOR
There aren’t any revolutionary design changes transitioning from the current to the new generation Isuzu D-Max. Upfront, the bonnet is now placed 15 mm higher for a sleek silhouette while the “four-prong” accent on the radiator grille gives a more masculine look.
Bi-LED projector headlamps with “follow-me-home” function and LED DRLs are used from the double cab Standard 1.9L AT. The Premium variants get roof rails, LED tail lamps and fog lamps together with chrome finishing on the grille, door handles and side mirrors. The wheel sizes are 17 inches for Standard while the Premium variant gets 18 inches.
Identifying the flagship X-Terrain variant will be easy, as the model is only available in Valencia Orange or Sapphire Blue paintwork and highlighted by dark grey-painted overfenders that blend cleanly onto the front bumper.
The X-Terrain variant also receives dark grey finishing on the radiator grille, side mirrors and door handles, as well as the tailgate and 18-inch rims.
Five colours are available for the Standard and Premium variants- Mercury Silver, Onyx Black and the above-mentioned orange and blue colours. The fifth colour, white, is split into two finishing- Premium gets Silky Pearl White while Standard variant gets Splash White.
PERFORMANCE
Two choices of engines are continued to be on offer for the new-generation Isuzu D-Max. The recently launched 1.9L turbodiesel with outputs of 150 hp and 350 Nm of torque will be available in the single cab, the Standard variant and the Premium variant.
| Variant | 3.0 X-Terrain AT, 3.0 Premium AT, 3.0 Single cab MT | 1.9 Premium AT, 1.9 Standard MT & AT, 1.9 Single cab MT |
| Engine | 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel (4JJ3-TCX) | 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel (RZ4E-TC) |
| Max horsepower | 190 hp @ 3,600 rpm (+13 hp) | 150 hp @ 3,600 rpm |
| Max torque | 450 Nm @ 1,600 rpm – 2,600 rpm (+70 Nm) | 350 Nm @ 1,800 – 2,600 rpm |
The new 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, codenamed 4JJ3-TCX, has been improved with a new piston and combustion chamber design, delivering 190 hp and 450 Nm of torque, an increase of 13 hp and 70 Nm respectively, compared to the outgoing model. Isuzu also highlights that the new 3.0-litre engine is quieter, more efficient and more durable.
Both engines have been upgraded to be compatible with biodiesel and petroleum diesel blend of up to 20% or B20, surpassing the previous B10 design parameters.
All variants are offered with the Terrain Command shift-on-the-fly 4×4 system, with the two engines in the single cab variants paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Apart from the 1.9L Standard MT, all other double cab variants are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual sequential shift mode.
Other additional performance upgrades include a wading capability of 800 mm thanks to a redesigned air intake system, plenty of under-engine protection plates and larger brakes both front and rear.
INTERIOR
Here we arrive at the biggest visual change for the new-generation Isuzu D-Max- the interior. In the Premium and X-Terrain variants, the dashboard, centre console and door panel feature soft-touch plastic, which the X-Terrain exclusively in a brown hue.
The wheelbase of the new-generation D-Max has been increased by 30 mm to measure 3,125 mm, which creates a more spacious cabin. And with that, the rear seatback is now angled less upright for a more comfortable seating position, together with an increase of 20 mm in shoulder room.
All variants get a 4.2-inch colour TFT multi-information display for key driving information. Two sizes of infotainment screens are assigned- 7 inches for the Premium and 9 inches for the X-Terrain. Both variants also have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.
SAFETY
All the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) goodies are only offered in the flagship 3.0L X-Terrain variant, which not only offers autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning, but also adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, which is a best-in-segment feature.
Here’s the full list of ADAS features that are featured on the all-new Isuzu D-Max:
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Turn Assist
- Pedal Misapplication Mitigation (AT variant only)
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go (ACC)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Automatic High Beam (AHB)
- Blind-Spot Monitor (BSM)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
One notable feature that is not found in many other vehicles but only in the new D-Max is the Turn Assist. The ADAS system monitors opposing traffic when turning into junctions and automatically apply the brakes to avoid a collision.
The larger ladder frame chassis now has eight cross members, the most among its competitors. The result is an increase in torsional rigidity by 20% while longitudinal rigidity is up by 26%. The ASEAN NCAP has also awarded the new Isuzu D-Max with a five-star rating.
The Premium variants only get the blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert features. Standard safety features across all variants (also in the single cabs) include two airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, hill start assist, brake override system, seatbelt reminders and emergency stop signal.
PRICING
The new-generation Isuzu D-Max will be officially launched in Malaysia on April 26.
Pricing for the 2021 all-new Isuzu D-Max double cab 4×4 in Malaysia starts at RM99,599.20 for the 1.9L Standard MT and RM106,999.20 for AT, RM121,549.20 for the 1.9L Premium AT, RM128,038.40 for the 3.0L Premium AT and RM141,938.40 for the new flagship 3.0L X-Terrain variant. All variants are fully imported (CBU) from Thailand for now.
Prices mentioned above are on the road, without insurance, individual private registration and valid for Peninsular Malaysia that has higher road tax pricing than East Malaysia. As for warranty coverage, all models come with a standard five-year/150,000 km warranty (whichever comes first), but the flagship 3.0L X-Terrain variant comes with a best-in-segment seven-year unlimited mileage warranty coverage.
The sports bar found at the deck is an optional accessory and is priced at RM1,320.
GALLERY
