Isuzu telah mengumumkan rancangan untuk memperkenalkan versi elektrik D-Max ute yang popular di Australia. Mereka mendedahkan konsep yang dipanggil ‘konsep D-Max EV’ sebelum Pameran Motor Antarabangsa Bangkok. Konsep ini memberikan gambaran sekilas tentang model ‘D-Max BEV’ yang akan datang dan ditetapkan untuk dilancarkan di Eropah pada 2025 dan dijangka tiba di Australia pada 2026.
Konsep EV adalah berdasarkan ute D-Max semasa yang dikeluarkan pada 2020. Ia didatangkan dengan bateri litium-ion 66.9kWh, keupayaan 4X4 sepenuh masa, dua motor elektrik yang menghasilkan 174hp dan 325Nm, kapasiti muatan 1000kg, dan kapasiti towing 3500kg. Ia mencapai kelajuan maksimum melebihi 130km/j.
Walaupun jarak pemanduan yang tepat dan kelajuan pengecasan belum disahkan, Isuzu memberi jaminan bahawa D-Max BEV akan mengekalkan keliatan yang diharapkan daripada trak pikap. Ia sepatutnya berfungsi dengan baik di kawasan yang kasar, dengan pecutan yang lancar dan mantap seperti biasa bagi kenderaan elektrik.
Trak pikap yang menerima banyak pengiktirafan, Isuzu D-Max, meneruskan pertumbuhan mengagumkan melalui rekod jualan memberangsangkan pada 2023 dengan mengatasi angka 9,211 unit yang dijual pada 2022, melibatkan pertambahan jualan sebanyak 439 unit.
Rekod baru dengan jualan 9,650 unit bagi tahun lalu menjadi bukti kepada keberhasilan rekaan dan ciri yang ditawarkan oleh trak pikap berkenaan, yang telah mengubah pasaran dan meraih lebih banyak penggemarnya. Dengan rekod jualan dua tahun berturut-turut di Malaysia, Isuzu D-Max generasi ketiga berjaya membuka jalan tersendiri dan menjadi trak pikap pilihan pengguna.
Sejak D-Max generasi ketiga diperkenalkan di Malaysia pada 2021, minat terhadap model ini sangat konsisten tinggi disebabkan oleh cirinya yang canggih, karektor pemanduan cemerlang, operasi versatil dan nilai yang menguntungkan. Model baru ini juga telah memperluaskan lingkungan pelanggan kami dan mencatatkan perluasan jualan sebanyak 185%, dan dalam masa yang sama mengekalkan kelompok pelanggan sedia ada.
Dengan barisan lapan varian komprehensif untuk Isuzu D-Max, pelanggan boleh memilih model mana yang bersesuaian dengan kegunaan mereka, bermula dari versi Single Cab hinggalah kepada yang paling canggih dan model flagship, X-Terrain.
Menjadi pilihan utama sekali lagi adalah varian 1.9L Standard yang menyumbang sebanyak 28% jualan. Varian ini menjadi begitu popular kerana kapasiti enjinnya yang menjimatkan bahan api serta memberi manfaat kadar cukai jalan dan kos penyelenggaraan yang rendah, tetapi dengan prestasi yang mengagumkan.
Permintaan terhadap varian X-Terrain juga terus meningkat sepanjang 2023, didorong oleh tahap kecanggihan dan penampilannya yang segar serta kemampuan prestasi off-road yang diberikan. Walaupun masih baru dalam segmen trak pikap gaya hidup, X-Terrain semakin ke depan dan meraih banyak perhatian. Jualannya juga meningkat sebanyak 24.5% sejak pelancarannya. Ciri menariknya termasuklah Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) dan juga jaminan tujuh-tahun tanpa had perbatuan.
Permintaan kukuh yang berterusan untuk Isuzu D-Max membolehkan jenama ini untuk berada di kedudukan No. 2 di Sabah, Kedah dan Pahang bagi segmen trak pikap. Sementara untuk kedudukan peringkat nasional pula, ia berada di kedudukan No. 3 dengan kadar perkongsian pasaran sebanyak 16.6%.
Isuzu’s acclaimed D-Max pick-up truck has set a new sales record in Malaysia, surpassing the company’s previous all-time high. In 2023, sales reached 9,650 units, exceeding the 2022 record of 9,211 units by a significant 439 units. This achievement solidifies the D-Max’s position as a preferred pick-up truck, showcasing its impressive design and features that have resonated with customers.
The third-generation Isuzu D-Max, introduced in Malaysia in 2021, has consistently garnered high interest, attributed to its features, driving characteristics, versatile operation, and value for money. The model’s popularity has expanded Isuzu’s customer base, with conquest sales increasing by 185%, while retaining a strong core customer base.
The Isuzu D-Max lineup offers eight variants, catering to diverse customer needs, from the hard-working Single Cab to the sophisticated X-Terrain flagship. The 1.9-litre Standard variant, known for its modest engine displacement providing lower road tax and running costs, contributed significantly to sales, representing 28% of the total.
The flagship X-Terrain variant, known for its exceptional finish, sophistication, and impressive on- and off-road performance, has maintained positive momentum in 2023. Despite being a newcomer in the premium pick-up truck segment, the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain has set trends, growing by 24.5% since its launch. It introduced class-leading features, including Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) and a generous 7-year unlimited mileage warranty.
The strong demand for the Isuzu D-Max has propelled the brand to the No.2 position in Sabah, Kedah, and Pahang in the pick-up truck segment, securing the No.3 position nationwide with a 16.6% market share. The model’s success underscores its widespread acceptance and appeal among Malaysian customers.
The Isuzu D-Max Single Cab is gearing up to conquer the 31st annual Borneo Safari, known as one of the world’s most challenging off-road adventures. With its exceptional versatility and dependability, the Isuzu D-Max Single Cab has been selected as the official workhorse for the event, making its mark in Malaysia’s automotive scene.
This hard-working one-ton truck is designed to cater to a wide range of tasks, from urban goods deliveries to tackling heavy loads in rugged terrains. Isuzu Malaysia is making a unique impression by offering two engine options for the Single Cab, enabling customers to meet their specific business needs. Moreover, the Single Cab boasts a competent four-wheel drive system with a standard differential lock, making it well-equipped to navigate various terrains.
Two units of the 1.9-litre Isuzu D-Max Single Cab will be put to the test in this year’s Borneo Safari, joining three Isuzu D-Max X-Terrains as the official media vehicles. Isuzu Malaysia’s CEO, Shunsuke Okazoe, selected the Single Cab for its exceptional capabilities as a workhorse. The Borneo Safari is renowned for its challenging jungle tracks, and the Isuzu D-Max’s reputation for dependability and strength has solidified its status as the preferred choice for this grueling event.
As the returning Diamond Sponsor, Isuzu Malaysia recently handed over sponsorship documents and the keys to the official media vehicles for the event, showcasing their commitment to supporting this iconic adventure challenge.
The Borneo Safari is set to commence on October 29, 2023, in front of the Sabah Tourism Board office. Over the course of a week, participants will navigate the treacherous mountainous regions of Sook and Ranau before returning to Kota Kinabalu.
Isuzu Malaysia is partnering with Tourism Malaysia, the Sabah Tourism Board, and Red Springs Sdn Bhd to create a captivating web video series aimed at promoting the Borneo Safari and Sabah as an adventurous destination. The series will highlight the formidable challenges of the Borneo Safari and offer viewers a chance to win exclusive event merchandise through a watch-and-win contest to be held after the event. Stay updated on the latest developments and thrilling moments of the event by following Isuzu Malaysia’s social media platforms.
Isuzu Motors Limited introduced its significantly enhanced one-ton pickup truck, the Isuzu D-MAX, in Thailand on October 6. Sales are set to commence on October 12 in Thailand, followed by a gradual rollout across the globe.
The D-MAX, now in its third generation, has been a popular choice among drivers for its robust design, agile performance on challenging terrains, and impressive fuel efficiency since its debut in October 2019. The latest upgraded model is aimed at better meeting the market’s demands by refining both interior and exterior designs, catering to diverse needs of drivers worldwide.
The exterior updates focus on a redesigned front end, showcasing a 3D-look grille, new headlights with Bi-Led technology in high-spec trims, and modified bumper intakes with air-curtains on the sides. The rear now features a new tailgate with an integrated spoiler and revised taillight graphics. The D-Max V-Cross 4×4 flagship trim stands out with extra plastic cladding, aluminum-style skid plates, wide fender extensions, matte black 18-inch alloy wheels, and other rugged enhancements.
The Isuzu D-Max pickup truck line now includes reverse cameras as standard equipment, making driving and owning one safer and more convenient. With the addition of this function, parking will no longer be difficult, especially when hauling large loads, which the D-Max is more than capable of doing.
While the top-of-the-line X-Terrain and high-spec Premium variations have benefited from this function since their launch, the entry-level Standard 1.9-litre versions now have it in response to trader requests for the parking aid’s secure use in theirs.
The Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain shocked the trucking world when it was introduced about two years ago. The D-Max has always been regarded as a single-minded utilitarian workhorse for those who wanted a no-frills pick-up truck.
But the X-Terrain changed all that and proved that Isuzu knew how to make a pick-up truck that was at home both at the farm and in the urban jungle. It sold well and many chose it over some of its rivals because it offered reliability in a handsome package that also happened to offer great features too.
The Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain was so well received that Isuzu Malaysia even sponsored the ultra-chic 2022 KL Fashion Week in a bid to position the D-Max X-Terrain as the pick-up truck of choice for those who wanted something that bridged both worlds. It’s not like anyone needed further convincing but that’s the direction Isuzu chose, and it worked.
And for 2023, Isuzu is taking it further by introducing updated D-Max models including a new X-Terrain, one that will appeal to those who wanted just a little bit more from an already very capable pick-up.
For starters, the new X-Terrain offers three new colours – Islay Grey (seen here), Valencia Orange (carried over from the previous model), Onyx Black and Dolomite White Pearl. The popular Sapphire Blue has been ditched altogether and replacing it is a new Biarritz Blue Metallic that is only available in the Premium model and will not be offered for the X-Terrain.
The exterior of the new X-Terrain is further distinguished by a new darkened front grille that also features fang like appendices. The 18-inch rims too have been updated while new body trimming has been sprinkled around as a further distinguishing factor between old and new.
Inside is where things truly get exciting, and a little sad depending on who you’re asking. This writer for one really liked the old brown leather seats that gave the interior of the X-Terrain a true upmarket feel. But that sadly has been replaced with some regular looking black leather seats, but despite the leather looking rather dull, the stitching of the seats give it a sporty look.
Talking about the seats, they are still some of the best in the pick-up truck business. With full body support that stretches to the shoulders and cocoons your back and lower body ever so gently in that plush leather. The only pick-up truck that has better seats than the X-Terrain is the Ranger Raptor, but that is nearly double in price.
The new X-Terrain also offers a new wireless charge pad with a 15W output that makes it great for a quick juice up while on the go. A feature also available in the Premium and the Auto Plus variants. There’s also a 2.1A USB-C port available.
One of the key highlights of the X-Terrain is the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This may not sound like much but when backed up with the large nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system as well as the eight-speaker system, makes the X-Terrain perfect for those who are particular about entertainment while on the move.
Further perfecting a seemingly already perfect package is the new built in Digital Video Recorder system that offers class-leading front and rear cameras. The front camera is mounted into the ADAS module and captures clear 1440 pixel video while the rear records in high definition 1080 pixels. Videos can be saved into a memory card or can be downloaded to a phone via a dedicated application.
There is no change in the powertrain department with the X-Terrain and Premium variants still powered by the same 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine putting out 190PS and 450Nm of torque.
While the Auto Plus, Standard and Single Cab variants are still powered by the same 1.9-litre turbocharged engine making 150PS and 350Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to the same six-speed gearbox with Sequential Shift.
Though there are no changes as far as the powertrain is concerned, there are some significant changes in other areas such as the suspension system. The X-Terrain and Premium variants benefit from an updated suspension system that has been configured to handle heftier payloads – increasing from 580kg previously to 775kg, an improvement of 195kg. However this is only available for the 3.0L Premium automatic variant.
This gives the Isuzu D-Max a wider range of capabilities, but as we found out during a short urban drive, it makes the new truck feel a little lumpy as the stiffer suspension picks up on all the bumps, dips and ruts on the road rather than absorbing them.
One final update to the mechanical bits of the new Isuzu D-Max is the fact that the entire range of 4×4 variants now come with an electronically-actuated rear differential lock. This is particularly useful for those who use their D-Max on rough, uneven or slippery terrains where four-wheel-drive capability is required.
On the safety front, the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain remains one of the best equipped trucks in the business, featuring a complete ADAS safety suite, seven airbags and other passive and active safety systems that number in at nearly 30 systems when combined.
The new Isuzu D-Max and all of its variants are now available at all Isuzu dealerships across the country at the following prices not inclusive of insurance:
When Zhang Ying Xuan went shopping at Pavilion KL in August, she did not expect that her purchases would get her a new Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain truck as well. The truck was the Grand Prize in the mall’s Tokyo Street 11th Anniversary celebrations ‘Shop & Win‘ contest.
Due to the proximity of her workplace within walking-distance to the mall, Ms Zhang visits Pavilion KL regularly. So she tried her luck by submitting 5 contest entries with receipts worth over RM300 during the month-long contest, and her entry was the lucky one.
Additionally, Isuzu Malaysia also teamed up with Super Sunday, a homegrown streetwear brand, to introduce a super sleek collection called ‘Sunday Bois’ during KLFW 2022.
Well known for its streetwear having a mixture and display of fashion, music and other popular street culture, namely skateboarding and graffiti, the latest ‘Sunday Bois’ line showed how the brand has gone through several evolutions while still maintaining its core design DNA.
The new creations were also inspired by the D-MAX X-Terrain which Super Sunday’s founder, Zulkifli Salleh aka Bob aka Mr Kioue, travelled in. Bob established a multi-level store for independent artists from humble beginnings in 2007.
“For Sunday Bois, the collection still maintains its house codes and creative polymath. However, it feels elevated and boosted in various ways. While its core skate roots and unmistakably innovative take on the hooded sweatshirts will no doubt ensure it retains a strong following among the cool set, this collection seems to go parallel with the brand’s growth, not just in aesthetics but in business,” said Bob.
Isuzu Malaysia’s CEO, Shunsuke Okazoe (right) and Chief Operating Officer, Kenkichi Sogo (left) with Bob, the founder of Super Sunday streetwear which the company collaborated with.
“The collaboration with Isuzu D-MAX, Hikari, Homebois/Daddyhood, VANS and SSST – brands that have created a big impact globally – is important, both creatively and as a strategic business proposition,” he added.
Commenting on their involvement in KLFW 2022, Isuzu Malaysia’s Chief Operating Officer, Kenkichi Sogo, said: “With its cutting-edge design, superlative features and extraordinary go-anywhere, do-anything capabilities, the Isuzu D-MAX is all about challenging the norm and allowing you to forge your fondest memories. Together with the KLFW, we aim to bring forward novel, imaginative and inspiring designs to share with the Malaysian audience.”
The latest Isuzu D-MAX is clearly a winner for Isuzu Malaysia, having set a national sales record last month with 1,233 units delivered around the country. That was the company’s highest ever monthly sales since being established in 2005. The new figure eclipses the previous record of 885 units recorded in December 2014 following the introduction of the D-MAX 3-litre V-Cross.
Although the industry has been facing difficulties in getting enough vehicle stocks, Isuzu Malaysia was fortunate to get a large shipment of vehicles which enabled it to address the backlog of orders that began almost from the time the third generation model was launched.
According to the Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia, Kenkichi Sogo, the boost in deliveries allowed the company to relieve some of the customers’ waiting time for their new vehicles. “Our customers depend on Isuzu vehicles to serve them faithfully so, as a customer-centric brand, our priority was to hasten supply to meet the increased demand for this highly-popular and versatile pick-up truck,” he said. “I wish to thank our customers who have eagerly and patiently waited for their brand new Isuzu D-Max. We hope to continue ramping up supplies over the coming months to further reduce the waitlist for our vehicles.”
The increased supply that was achieved through additional allocation from the factory meant that the top variant delivered in March was of the 1.9-litre Premium Auto variant, with close to 350 units. The Premium Auto variant offers stylish design, excellent driving performance, premium interior features and the lowest roadtax in its segment, which is why it is the popular choice.
Demand for the flagship X-Terrain variant was also met with an increase of 163 deliveries. However, this version is one of the most popular globally and so supplies have been limited. It has advanced safety and comfort features which can be compared to passenger cars, so it is ideal for personal use as well as workhose duties when needed.
An Isuzu 3S dealership in Taiping, Perak
The strong performance in March would have pleased the company’s new CEO, Shunsuke Okazoe, who emphasises the need to prioritize customer satisfaction through improved sales and aftersales efforts. Mr. Okazoe, who has been involved in the Isuzu business for the past 26 years, has served in various countries such as Japan, America, India and Thailand. He aims to strengthen the Isuzu network and build greater customer satisfaction in Malaysia.
“While Isuzu Malaysia is still a relatively young company, our customer base has grown significantly in the past 17 years. Isuzu’s strong brand reputation, dependable product line-up and a strong support network has helped us create a very strong platform for growth. Our immediate aim therefore will be to enhance our support system in tandem with the growing population of Isuzu customers,” he said.
Isuzu Malaysia currently has a network of 54 outlets positioned strategically in populated centres around the country. It will soon embark on a network enhancement exercise with its authorised dealers to ensure customers enjoy a more comprehensive experience in a conducive and comfortable environment.
