KUALA LUMPUR: The all-new Isuzu D-MAX is finally here. It was unveiled earlier today by Isuzu Malaysia.
The pickup truck is offered in 11 variants and is priced from RM80,149.20 for the 4X2 Low Ride all the way up to RM121,038.40 for the 4X4 AT Premium.
The new D-MAX gets an all-new diesel engine, a 1.9-litre Ddi Blue Power unit that replaces the previous 2.5-litre 4JK1-TCX mill.
Despite only displacing 1,898cc, the new RZ4E-TCX engine extracts 10 per cent more power and nine per cent more torque than the 2.5-litre unit it replaces, with outputs now rated at 150PS and 350Nm of torque.
The new engine was developed to be fuel-efficient, have better performance, be more quiet and have better durability. It is also lighter by 56kg.
With that, the new Ddi Blue Power engine makes the D-MAX the first pickup truck in the country to be certified based on UN Regulations 101 with the Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) status by the Road Transport Department (RTD).
Alongside the new engine, depending on the variant, the new D-MAX is also powered by the 3.0-litre VGS turbo diesel and can be had in both 4x2 or 4x4 layouts.
Isuzu Malaysia chief executive officer Koji Nakamura said: “The new Isuzu D-MAX offers excellent value from its enhanced performance, lower fuel consumption, lower operating costs and with the road tax structure in many parts of Malaysia, lower road tax too.”
To fully utilise the character of the new engine, a brand new six-speed transmission – both automatic and manual – have been developed.
The new gearboxes offer closer ratios for better acceleration while the two top ratios are optimised for a more comfortable cruising feel.
The exterior has been refreshed with new bi-LED headlights, new front grill, fog light garnish, new 18-inch wheels, power folding side mirrors, “Blue Power Ddi” badge and some new decals around the sides and on the tailgate.
Also new is the Tailgate Assist, which is a soft-opening mechanism that can be opted for at RM650.
Meanwhile, updates on the cabin includes more soft touch materials on the dashboard and door cards, new black trims, new USB port for the second row and a new seat design with leather and fabric combo.
Safety features on the new Isuzu D-MAX comprise Hill Descent Control and the new Vehicle Launch Assist Control that increases initial torque on gradients of 25 per cent or more.
These new kits are fitted on top of the usual pack, including two airbags, anti-lock braking system with electronic braking distribution, hill-start assist, electronic stability control, traction control system, reverse camera, reverse sensor and vehicle security system.
Customers who purchase the new Isuzu D-MAX 1.9-litre Blue Power range until Oct 31 are entitled to enjoy a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and a free maintenance package for the next eight years (terms and conditions apply).