Isuzu D-Max Archives

Improved in all aspects, the all-new Isuzu D-MAX aims to win more customers (w/VIDEO)

Although there are a number of choices, the Toyota Hilux has been dominant in the regional pick-up truck market for many years. However, in some markets like Thailand (the second largest truck market in the world), it faces a strong challenge from the Isuzu D-MAX. The numbers can be close in some months, which has encouraged Isuzu to try harder and offer a better product to win more customers.

It has done this with the new third generation and Malaysia is the fifth country to launch this latest generation which made its debut in Thailand. We understand that its arrival in Malaysia is earlier than what was expected. The Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia’s Light Commercial Division, Masayuki Suzuki, said that the fast-tracked launch of the all-new D-MAX was made possible through the support of Isuzu Motors Ltd that views Malaysia as a strategic market.

2021 Isuzu D-MAX 4th Generation — *Masayuki Suzuki, Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia’s Light Commercial Division*

“We are extremely thrilled that this impressive all-new Isuzu D-MAX has been made available in Malaysia much earlier than expected. It stands as testament to the strong commitment from Isuzu Motors towards ensuring that the Malaysian market enjoys the latest selection of choice Isuzu vehicles,” he said.

Powertrain choices – 1.9 litres or 3.0 litres
It is available in single or double cab bodystyles and powered with a choice of two turbodiesel 4-cylinder commonrail engines – the award-winning RZ-4E 1.9-litre powerplant or a revised 4JJ-3TCX 3-litre engine. Pricing of the seven variants available is between RM88,599 to RM141,938 (excluding insurance).

*Prices shown are for private registration in Peninsular Malaysia. Insurance is not included.*

Strong road presence with sportiness
While undergoing a full model change, the overall appearance of the new D-MAX retains many of the styling elements that identify it as an Isuzu product. Developed on a design theme of bold and sporty, it continues to have a strong road presence while presenting a more athletic and dynamic stance.

The large unitary bumper design improves airflow and minimizes the coefficient of friction, thanks to the lessons learned in the same wind tunnel that shaped Japan’s famed Shinkansen bullet trains. To further improve aerodynamics and also improve wet-weather visibility, aerofoil wipers are fitted in the X-Terrain model. These wipers can be manually or automatically operated and feature the washer nozzle integrated into the wiper arm, providing a smoother and cleaner wash.

The overall dimensions have been increased with a 30 mm longer wheelbase and to further achieve the sleek silhouette, the bonnet height has been raised 15 mm while the door sill has also been raised 20 mm. The roof line has been lowered by 10 mm giving the vehicle its sporty profile. With the increased wheelbase, cabin access is easier through the larger rear door opening that has been increased by 25 mm.

Cabin spaciousness is improved in almost every aspect with better seating comfort for the rear passengers. They also get cool air delivered to them through dedicated vents and can recharge their devices with a USB port rated at 2.1A for quicker charging.

Improved interior with latest features
Since the first generation, the D-MAX interior has had a passenger car-like feel and the latest generation enhances this in design and functions. The dashboard has trim edges with an accentuated stitching effect to give a sense of craftsmanship while many of the interior trim accents are finished in satin chrome for a clean, classy look.

The interior designers revised the driving position to be more sporty (with a smaller steering wheel and 8-way power adjustment) and the driver can now reach the centre console more easily as its surface is higher and it is also wider. The automatic transmission selector has been shortened with reduced travel and the selector itself features a lighted gear indicator, the first in its class to boast this premium feature.

Using a large 4.2-inch high-definition TFT-LCD display flanked by the speedometer and tachometer, the Multi Information Display (MID) presents vital information on the vehicle functions. In the D-MAX X-Terrain, it also highlights the various driving situations, particularly the Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) functions and warnings.

Complementing the MID is the new infotainment display in the central console. Featuring a 7-inch WXGA display in the Premium variant and a 9-inch display in the X-Terrain, the system has Apple Carplay and Android Auto as well as Bluetooth connectivity and voice commands can also be used for handsfree operation.

In the past, things like the audio system were very basic in pick-ups but not today. The system in the new D-MAX has 8 speakers with ceiling-mounted tweeters, dash-top tweeters and new 6x9s mounted in the front doors. The good sound quality would certainly make motoring more enjoyable.

The seats in the D-MAX have been completely redesigned to not only provide better comfort and support but also give greater whiplash protection. The backrest springs use a new design that disperses body pressure more evenly while the cushion has dual density padding with a softer centre section and stiffer bolsters, giving better support without sacrificing comfort. The seat cushion pads also feature Anti Vibration Elastic Comfort foam that can absorb vibrations more quickly than conventional cushion material.

The tailgate is a heavy panel that is partly that way because it is sometimes used to support a heavy load. To lessen the opening and closing effort, there is a Tailgate Assist feature (in the X-Terrain) that uses dampers to soften the opening action and also assist in closing. The sliding cargo tray that has appreciated by many owners is now standard.

Two powertrain choices
The 1.9-litre Blue Power turbodiesel engine made its appearance in the previous D-MAX and has already proven that downsizing is not a disadvantage at all. In fact, it has even better performance, thanks to advanced technologies. But the Isuzu engineers have not stopped making it better and the latest version in the new D-MAX has a new turbocharger to give better response and improved top-end performance.

As for the 4JJ3-TCX engine which has a 3-litre displacement, this has also been improved to deliver extra power but run more efficiently and quietly. It is also said to have greater durability compared to the previous generation engine. The air intake has now been moved from the fender to below the bonnet allowing for ram-air effect and to allow the engine to draw cooler and more dense air.

Customers can choose either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, depending on the variant. New ratios offer better delivery of power to the ground, capitalizing on the new power characteristics of the engines. The new manual transmissions now feature a ring detent on the gear lever to prevent accidental engagement of reverse gear.

New too is the Terrain Command dial, now positioned on the dashboard for quicker access. Its operation is said to be one of the quickest in the market with switching between 2H and 4H taking only 0.61 seconds (vs 1.94 seconds previously). The X-Terrain also benefits from having a differential lock as standard. Actuation is via a button next to the gear selector and the solenoid activates a dog clutch that locks the rear differential in 4L, sending power equally to its 265/60 R18 rear tyres for added traction. The system automatically disengages when the vehicle exceeds 30 km/h to prevent damage to the drivetrain.

Adding to its off-roading prowess, the D-MAX can easily cross water up to 800 mm deep, which is almost double its previous wading capability. The underside of the vehicle is also better protected with a 1.5 mm steel skidplate up front where the vehicle is most susceptible to damage, a 6 mm steel sump guard to protect the engine and gearbox, and a 5 mm reinforced resin wind deflector for a final layer of protection. These and the ground clearance of 240 mm (for models with 18-inch wheels) contribute to the all-terrain capabilities of the D-MAX.

A better chassis and structure
In areas that cannot be seen, much engineering work has been done to improve the durability and go-anywhere capability of the D-MAX. The tougher chassis is the largest in the 1-ton pick-up segment while the 8 crossmembers – the most among its competitors – help improve torsional rigidity by 20% and longitudinal rigidity by 26%. Greater rigidity is better for driving dynamics and as the structure does not shake so much, the vehicle’s overall durability is improved.

If comparing to the previous D-MAX, drivers will notice it corners with minimal body roll. This is something that is inherent in trucks but the Isuzu engineers have made adjustments to the suspension settings that result in a more dynamic feel that will give confidence during fast cornering.

With the extension of the wheelbase, the engine is positioned further back in the chassis. Not only does this provide more room for the crumple zone, it also places more weight behind the front wheels for better handling. The further benefit is a shorter linkage to the gearbox allowing for more precise and quicker shifts.

To improve durability, the propeller shaft is now made of aluminium which not only saves 4 kgs but also has less inertia, thereby reducing torque lash resulting in longer life for the drivetrain. To further reduce unsprung weight, the rear suspension now has 3 leafsprings instead of the previous four. The ride has also improved with increased travel, newly-designed springs and the repositioning of the shock absorber top mount.

Top-class safety
With a maximum 5-star safety rating from ASEAN NCAP, the new D-Max offers superior protection to the occupants as well as other road users. Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) are available in selected variants and these use a stereo camera and radar to scan the road ahead. Other sensors detect the presence of vehicles in the blind spot, and help the driver to remain aware of possible dangers that can result in an accident.

Besides autonomous emergency braking when necessary (if the driver does not act to prevent a collision), the D-MAX can also offer some degree of autonomous motoring. This is possible by the Adaptive Control which keeps a safe distance from a vehicle in front and can operate right down to standstill, and restart automatically. However, the driver still needs to pay attention and be ready to act when necessary.

Incidentally, the brakes have been upgraded with larger 320 mm diameter and 30 mm thick disc rotors up front while the rear drums have increased swept area to provide better all-round performance, improved heat dissipation for longer service life and quieter performance.

The length of a pick-up truck can be daunting for many people, especially those new to using such vehicles. Isuzu makes it less stressful when parking with not only a rearview camera but there is also Rear Cross Traffic Alert to help when reversing out of a parking bay. If a vehicle is approaching from either side, the driver will be alerted.

Remote Start used to be a feature that, in movies, was for the owner to start the engine from a distance in case there was a bomb under the car. However, in the real world, such a feature is used for something much less fatal. In the D-MAX, it can be used to start the engine and by doing so, the air-conditioner can also be activated to cool down the cabin. So when you get in, things should be cooler and more comfortable. In the event the owner forgets the engine has been started, it will automatically shut down after 10 minutes. Of course, while it is running, the doors remain locked unless the owner (with the remote control key fob) opens the doors.

“The all-new Isuzu D-Max has made scores of new fans in the markets it has been introduced in and I believe that the same will happen here in Malaysia. This new model evokes a new level of interest in owning and driving a pick-up truck and I am confident that those who take delivery of this new D-MAX will be very satisfied,” said Mr. Suzuki.

For more information on the new D-MAX visit www.isuzu.net.my or any authorised dealership in Malaysia.

Click the links below for detailed pricelists:
2021 Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 Double Cab

2021 Isuzu D-MAX 1.9 Double Cab

2021 Isuzu D-MAX Single Cab

No replacement for displacement? Isuzu destroys that perception!

All-new Isuzu D-MAX to be launched this month, bookings now accepted at dealerships

An all-new Isuzu D-MAX for 2021 is due to make its appearance later this month, which is surprise news as this third generation model – which had its global debut just 18 months ago in Thailand – was expected to arrive only next year.

Explaining the speedy introduction, the Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia’s Light Commercial Division, Masayuki Suzuki, said that the fast-tracked launch of the new D-Max was made possible through the support of Isuzu Motors Ltd. that views Malaysia as a strategic market. It is important enough that the company even invested it having its own assembly plant locally (in Pekan, Pahang).

“We are extremely thrilled that this impressive all-new Isuzu D-Max has been made available in Malaysia much earlier than expected. As the fifth country in the world to launch this model after its global introduction in Thailand, it stands as testament to the strong commitment from Isuzu Motors towards ensuring that the Malaysian market enjoys the latest selection of choice Isuzu vehicles,” he said.

Mr. Suzuki said the D-Max has an estimated price range between RM89,000 and RM145,000, depending on the variant and subject to government approvals. He said that those who wish to be the first owners can place their booking from today at all authorized Isuzu dealerships nationwide.

“The all-new Isuzu D-Max has made scores of new fans in the markets it has been introduced in and I believe that the same will happen here in Malaysia. This new model evokes a new level of interest in owning and driving a pick-up truck hence we have initiated this pre-launch booking programme to ensure those who have eagerly awaited the arrival of the new model will be among the very first to take delivery once it has been officially launched,” he said.

*The award-winning RZ-4E 1.9-litre turbodiesel ‘Blue Power’ engine.*

Bold and sporty with more space inside
The latest D-Max model has been extensively developed to exceed the normal perimeters of a pick-up truck while adding an emotive dimension to its highly dependable and impressively-capable character. Developed on a design theme of’ bold and sporty’, it presents a strong road presence from its masculine frontal design and purposeful outline that exudes a more athletic and dynamic stance.

With its larger overall dimensions and longer wheelbase that enable a more spacious cabin and larger load bed, owners will enjoy improvements in aspects such as comfort, space and versatility making this truck ideal for every purpose.

2 bodystyles, 2 engine choices
As before, there will be single and double cab bodystyles, and customers will have a choice of the award-winning RZ-4E 1.9-litre powerplant or a revised 4JJ-3TCX 3-litre engine. Both engines, which deliver strong output, have already been proven for their durability, reliability and fuel efficiency.

*The new D-MAX has been tested by ASEAN NCAP and received the maximum rating of 5 stars.*

5-star safety
ASEAN NCAP, the independent organization which evaluates vehicle safety, has already tested the new D-MAX and after analysing data from a crash test as well as other results, the maximum 5-star rating was awarded. Besides this assurance of a high level of protection for the occupants, there’s a host of Advanced Driver Assist Systems (available in selected variants) to help avoid accidents.

To learn more about the all-new Isuzu D-Max or to find a showroom to make a booking, visit the Isuzu D-Max Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ISUZU.DMax.Malaysia/.

Isuzu Dura Miles Challenge shows fuel efficiency of 1.9-litre Blue Power engine

The Secret of Isuzu’s Success in Malaysia

2020 was undoubtedly a challenging year for the automotive industry, not just in Malaysia but worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted businesses as restrictions on movements not only affected production of vehicles but sales also slowed down as customers could not visit showrooms. Nevertheless, while the first half of the year saw a slowdown, the second half of 2020 made up for the lost sales. New vehicle sales in the Malaysian market closed at 529,434 units, 12% lower than 2019 but well past the forecast of 470,000 made by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

In fact, some companies did even better in 2020 compared to the year before, and Isuzu Malaysia was one of them. While the brand continued its dominance in the commercial vehicle market for the 11th consecutive year, a large contribution came from the new D-MAX pick-up truck which had its first full year of sales (it was officially launched in Malaysia in September 2019).

We talked to Masayuki Suzuki, Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia, to get insights into the company’s impressive performance in 2020, in spite of the difficult conditions and limitations due to the Movement Control Order (MCO).

Extracts from the interview:

Congratulations on another successful year for Isuzu Malaysia! How was it possible to maintain and even improve the business performance in spite of such tough conditions brought on by the pandemic?
Thank you! Yes, Isuzu Malaysia did remarkably well in 2020 with a total number of 8,820 vehicles delivered to our customers nationwide. We were happy to maintain our leading position in the light commercial vehicle segment for the 11th consecutive year but what helped to push our overall numbers up was the D-MAX which had its first full year of sales.

*The latest D-MAX range has up to 11 variants to choose from, meeting different needs and budgets.*

How many units of the D-MAX were sold and why was it so popular?
We sold 4,031 units, which was around 4% higher than the number sold in 2019. Of course, in 2019, we had a mixture of sales of the previous generation as well as, from September, the all-new model with the 1.9-litre turbodiesel RZ4E engine. The fact that our volume of D-MAX sales rose confirms that the new engine size is acceptable to customers and even moved the position of the model up one place in the pick-up truck segment in Malaysia.

That’s impressive! Certainly, it was a bold move for Isuzu Malaysia to introduce an engine with a smaller displacement as pick-ups have usually used big engines. Why did Isuzu go for a smaller engine when it had the capable and proven 2.5-litre engine?

Isuzu, as you know, has much experience in engines and the reliability, durability and fuel efficiency of our engines has firmly established the brand in many countries, including Malaysia. Traditionally, light commercial vehicles and pick-up trucks have used bigger engines because they are heavier and they also carry heavy loads. The simple solution before has therefore been to just install a big engine which would provide sufficient power and torque.

However, with the beginning of the 21st century, the need to conserve resources and also reduce pollution has been clear. While there is now a trend towards electrification of powertrains, internal combustion engines will still be around for some time and therefore, it was necessary to find new solutions to address the issues. This led the industry to downsize engines and the benefits were many – reduced weight, reduced size, lower emissions, better fuel efficiency and in countries like Malaysia, lower annual roadtax (in Peninsular, the roadtax for the 1.9-litre engine is 52% lower compared to the 2.5-litre engine).

Of course, a smaller displacement should mean less power is developed and that was true in the past. Today, there are many new technologies which our engineers used and with these advanced technologies, the new engine has 10% more power, 9.4% more torque and lower carbon dioxide emissions compared to the 2.5-litre engine. Not surprisingly, it also has as much as 19% better fuel consumption figures.

*Isuzu RZ4E 1.9-litre DDi Blue Power turbodiesel engine*

What sort of technologies are used in this new RZ4E engine that have made it possible to achieve such impressive improvements?
There are so many and it is the combination of all the technologies that has led to the great achievement for an engine of such a size. Our engineers used Isuzu’s original analytical technology of diesel combustion and designed the pistons and combustion chambers to burn the fuel and air more completely, extracting every bit of energy available. They also worked hard to reduce internal friction levels and these much lower levels increase performance while also enhancing fuel efficiency.

Incidentally, the engine has 4 valves per cylinder so breathing is efficient but just as importantly, fuel delivery is optimised with the high-pressure injection system. The high pressure sends in fuel that is fully atomised and that makes combustion very efficient, so there is no wastage. Using a turbocharger is not new and has been a solution to boosting output for decades. However, the turbocharger installed in the RZ4E engine has variable geometry vanes. This variability gives better engine flexibility with stronger response, even at the lower rpm range. It is no longer necessary to use a large turbocharger for better boost as the variable vanes can adjust the pressures according to operating conditions. This means that the engine can deliver its best performance at all times.

I should add that we also developed a new 6-speed transmission that gives a higher drive force compared to the transmission used before. The new unit comes with two overdrive gears for fifth and sixth – benefitting fuel economy – and a ‘Gear Change Control Learning’ function to adapt its performance to the driving style.

*Isuzu 1.9-litre DDi Blue Power turbodiesel engine won an award from Carlist.My. It was received by the CEO of Isuzu Malaysia, Koji Nakamura (left) and COO of Isuzu Malaysia, Masayuki Suzuki (right).*

The engine sounds very advanced but what about reliability? Doesn’t a smaller engine have to work harder and that can affect its service life?
As I mentioned earlier, our D-MAX has been well known for reliability and durability, making it one of the more popular pick-up trucks in the region. For years, the dependability of Isuzu engines has meant fleet operators do not have to worry about downtime in the service centre to carry out repairs or change parts. This was something our engineers ensured would be the same with the new engine. In fact, the extensive testing done in extreme conditions showed that the new engine will have better service life, which means reduced cost of ownership and maintenance in the long run.

The Isuzu Blue Power turbodiesel powertrain as well as the rest of the latest D-MAX have been engineered for the most extreme conditions. This capability was proven when standard vehicles (except for safety equipment) completed the gruelling Borneo Safari last year.

The cast iron engine block, for example, is tougher with not only 13% more stiffness than the 2.5-litre engine but also more wear-resistant, thanks to induction hardening. The timing chain is made of steel, and that will last a long time. The valves also used Hydraulic Valve Lash Adjusters to maintain their settings constantly so that operation is kept at optimum.

Overall, therefore, I am confident that the new 1.9-litre engine is a better engine than what we have offered before – with no drawbacks because of its small size. It is also properly tuned for Malaysian fuel quality, including biodiesel (B20 compliant).

What have your customers said about the new D-MAX?
Our products have fundamentally enjoyed a strong appeal in difficult times. There are many factors that customers have always appreciated, such as good value, low operating cost, high dependability and good all-round capabilities. With the new D-MAX, we have added new technologies that enhance all those aspects.

Those who have bought the new D-MAX have been surprised by how it performs. Some reported that it feels quieter and smoother and that is not their imagination. The engine has actually been engineered to run more smoothly and quietly. Driveability is also noticeably better, the feedback tells us, and this is partly due to the new Vehicle Launch Assist Control that increases engine revs when moving off.

*Isuzu D-MAX powered by the 1.9-litre DDi Blue Power turbodiesel engine encountered no difficulties travelling over the Titiwangsa mountain range with a full load on board.*

The strength of the D-MAX does not need proving any more but as this model has a smaller engine, we decided to demonstrate its capability once again. We did this by loading a Single Cab model to its maximum permissible capacity of a ton and took it over some of the highest accessible hills along the Titiwangsa Mountain Range. It performed well and in total, over 1,000 kms were clocked – and two bars of fuel still remained in the tank at the finish!

By the way, we also provided the latest D-MAX for the Borneo Safari last year. Isuzu Malaysia has been a major sponsor and supplier of official vehicles for this tough off-road event for 13 years. Naturally, with the introduction of the D-MAX with its new 1.9-litre engine, we saw an opportunity to demonstrate its capabilities and prove that it can do equally well. It completed the event which had heavily-modified off-road vehicles and certainly was an eye-opener for many people!

Who are the people who buy the D-MAX? Are they mostly bought for private use or for workhorse functions?
In the past – and I am talking about before the 2000s – pick-up trucks were mainly used for commercial purposes to transport goods in rough terrain. That changed as the vehicles became more comfortable with many convenience features added. So the buyer profiles changed from commercial vehicle operators to include private owners as well. I feel it is quite an achievement that one vehicle type can satisfy both types of customers as it obviously ticks all the right boxes!

*The D-MAX is a versatile vehicle for private use as well as for tough workhorse duties.*

Pick-up trucks have come a long way from their workhorse days and while they do offer very tough and durable characteristics, the level of development also makes them more appealing to a mass market through their sophistication, comfort features and safety.

Besides the 1.9-litre engine, we also offer the 3-litre turbodiesel engine which is required by some customers in East Malaysia. However, it is clear that most people appreciate all the benefits of the smaller engine as it accounted for 85% of D-MAX sales last year. We also saw a spike in sales of our workhorse models such as the Single Cab and low-rider variants.

2020 Isuzu D-MAX Stealth Edition — *The Stealth Edition of the D-MAX was a limited edition model and sold out within 2 months of being introduced.*

Continuing the tradition of offering limited edition versions, we developed a Stealth Edition for the D-MAX and it was a hit. Within two months of its launch in August 2020, all units were sold out. Incidentally, we assemble the D-MAX at our own plant in Pekan, Pahang.

How do you see the market in 2021? Will Isuzu Malaysia be launching new models or just focus on consolidating its position as conditions hopefully get better?
The Malaysian Automotive Association is optimistic about the market improving and forecasts an 18% increase in the volume of commercial vehicle and pick-up sales. It is still early to say how the market will be but with the good news that the vaccine for COVID-19 is available in Malaysia, we expect that consumer confidence will grow and with it, new vehicle sales will also go up.

We are always looking at giving customers more variety to choose from, and there are some new models under consideration. At the same time, we will continue to strengthen our network which is especially important to our commercial customers. We will make sure that Isuzu owners are never far from an Isuzu dealership where they can get support and replacement parts.

Visit www.isuzu.net.my to know more about the D-MAX and other Isuzu products and services available in Malaysia.

New Mazda BT-50 – first pictures and details!

Mazda and Ford had a relationship that went back to the mid-1970s and by many accounts, it was a successful one. One of the successful joint efforts to come out of the partnership was the pick-up truck program which saw the development of the Mazda BT-50 and Ford Ranger, along with a 50:50 investment in a brand new factory in Thailand to build the vehicles.

However, by 2015, the automotive world had changed substantially, and Ford was also going through challenging times. It decided to end the long partnership with Mazda that year by selling off its remaining shares in the company. Further collaboration was also not considered, and an announcement was made that the next Ranger generation would not involve Mazda (and we now know that it will involve Volkswagen).

A new association with Isuzu
At the time of the announcement in 2017, a Mazda executive would only suggest that the reason for not developing the next Ranger and BT-50 together with Mazda was due to ‘business considerations’. The Ford package was not as commercially attractive to Mazda as what was offered by Isuzu Motors for its next generation of pick-up trucks.

Actually, Isuzu and Mazda had already been working together for some years on commercial vehicles in the Japanese market. The new agreement would see Isuzu providing its D-MAX pick-up for adaption to become the new generation of the Mazda BT-50. It’s not known how much involvement Mazda had in the current D-MAX which was launched in October last year.

2020 Mazda BT-50 — *Like other Mazda models, KODO design language is used and differentiates the BT-50 from the Isuzu D-MAX (inset).*

The result of the project has now been revealed with preliminary information and pictures of the new BT-50 being released. Mazda’s designers have done a good job of differentiating the Mazda model from the D-MAX. It’s not one of those vehicles which will draw remarks like ‘just a badge-engineered job’.

Immediate brand recognition
As with all current Mazda models, the KODO design language is used, giving immediate brand recognition. Mazda’s designers have adapted the KODO design theme to present an image of ‘power, toughness and utilitarian functionality’ suited to a pick-up truck.

ISUZU D-MAX PLATFORM — *The platform for the new BT-50 is identical to the one developed for the latest D-MAX.*

Just as there were tiny engineering differences between the Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape SUVs, there seems to be the same subtle differences between the new BT-50 and D-MAX. Mazda says it developed the BT-50 ‘with the intention of making travel and the time spent inside the vehicle exceptionally pleasant’. Its focus is therefore on personal transport for leisure more than a workhorse role although the D-MAX genes should still give it plenty of capability for those who use it for business.

The 1.9-litre Blue Power engine too?
The information available is still limited and a 3-litre turbodiesel engine is mentioned. This would be an Isuzu unit and it remains to be seen whether the 1.9-litre Blue Power turbodiesel will also be offered in the BT-50. Mazda’s strategy could be to cater to a niche segment with smaller volumes, rather than try to compete over a broad spectrum of customers with extra engine options.

Isuzu Manufacturing Thailand — *The BT-50 will be manufactured for Mazda at Isuzu’s global production hub for the D-MAX in Thailand.*

The new BT-50 will be manufactured by Isuzu Motors at its D-MAX production hub in Thailand. It will go on sale in that market later this year and as it is also a CBU import for the Malaysian market, we could see it here before the year ends too.

Visit www.mazda.com.my to know more about Mazda models available in Malaysia.

Revised Mazda Prices with Sales Tax exemption (from June 15, 2020)

Isuzu Malaysia to expedite delivery of new vehicles to customers

As the country continues to transition towards the recovery phase of the pandemic, Isuzu Malaysia is doing its best to fulfil customer orders, particularly those that were placed before the Movement Control Order (MCO) came into effect in March. Efforts are underway to ensure vehicles are speedily processed from the plant in Pekan, Pahang to be dispatched to dealerships around the country.

The company had received some 300 orders for various Isuzu D-Max models but as movements were restricted and the JPJ also closed its branches so registration and application for roadtax could not be done, customers could not get their vehicles.

Isuzu vehicles for the Malaysia market are assembled at its plant in Pekan, Pahang. — *Isuzu vehicles for the Malaysian market are assembled at its plant in Pekan, Pahang.*

“While our customers do understand the circumstances for the delay, we empathise that during these trying times, our customers require Isuzu vehicles even more as these robust and versatile trucks play a key role in keeping them moving dependably and efficiently. It is therefore our aim to ensure that customers are able to take delivery of their new Isuzu D-Max pick-up trucks as quickly as possible,” said the Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia, Masayuki Suzuki.

No procedures at dealerships
At the dealerships, a new delivery process has been put in place to ensure customers and staff are well-protected in line with the government’s call to effectively curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Standard operating procedures include a temperature record of every staff member prior to the start of each work day, compulsory use of surgical masks, disinfecting of all touch-points in the outlets three times daily, while demonstration vehicles and customer vehicles are disinfected after each human contact.

All visitors to Isuzu outlets are also required to have their temperatures while hand sanitizing liquid and if required, a face mask, will be made available at all facilities. Customers collecting their new vehicles will be informed of the delivery dates by their sales advisor and provided an appointed time of the hand-over in order to avoid crowding or prolonged exposure in the outlet.

“The procedures in the Isuzu Delivery System have been revised somewhat to incorporate the recommendations of the Malaysian government where dealing with the pandemic is concerned. We remain mindful that customers will continue to seek high-value Isuzu vehicles to serve their daily needs thus we endeavour to create the most conducive and safe environment for prospects, customers and our frontline teams,” added Mr. Suzuki.

Warranty extension
Isuzu vehicle owners whose vehicle warranties were to have expired during the MCO period will automatically enjoy a further 30-day extension from May 13, 2020 while those whose vehicles were also overdue for scheduled maintenance during this period can rest assured that their warranty will not be affected by the delay.

Customers intending to bring their vehicles in for service are advised to make prior appointments with their respective Isuzu Authorised Service Centres as each outlet is operating according to CMCO regulations in their respective states. They now practice social distancing and therefore have to limit the daily intakes based on the capacity of the individual service facility.

To arrange for viewing or test drive of Isuzu vehicles, customers may make an appointment via Isuzu Malaysia’s Facebook page.

Isuzu Dura Miles Challenge shows fuel efficiency of 1.9-litre Blue Power engine

Isuzu Dura Miles Challenge shows fuel efficiency of 1.9-litre Blue Power engine

Isuzu Malaysia’s Dura Miles Challenge has proven that the Isuzu D-MAX is a champion when it comes to fuel economy. It has seen the pick-up truck being driven from Bangkok to Singapore on just one full tank of fuel, certainly an impressive achievement.

In the automotive world, technology constantly advances and the Isuzu D-MAX has become a more efficient all-round vehicle with new capabilities as well as those already embedded in its DNA. It has the new 1.9-litre Blue Power turbodiesel engine that produces more power and torque than the 2.5-litre powerplant it replaces.

To demonstrate its capable performance and engineering supremacy, Isuzu Malaysia loaded a 1.9-litre Single Cab model to its maximum permissible capacity of a ton and took it through some of the highest accessible hills along the Titiwangsa Mountain Range. In total, it clocked over 1,000 kms and two bars of fuel still remained in the tank.

“The prowess of the Isuzu D-Max continues to astound with its remarkable capabilities. Despite being the pick-up truck with smallest displacement on the market, the 1.9-litre Isuzu D-Max completed the challenge with absolute ease and confidence. It truly suggests that the Isuzu D-Max 1.9-litre Blue Power has what it takes to get any job done,” said Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia, Masayuki Suzuki.

Prior to starting its journey from its ‘birthplace’, the Isuzu-Hicom Malaysia factory in Pekan, Pahang, a thorough inspection of the vehicle was conducted by PUSPAKOM. This was to verify its conformity as a showroom-standard unit.

With its crates, bonnet and fuel tank sealed, the D-Max headed north for its first challenge – the East-West highway linking Jeli in Kelantan and Gerik in Perak with a climb to the peak of 1,052 metres before ending at Ipoh for the night.

The next day, the route was even more daunting as the lone white D-MAX travelled up 1,112 metres to Tanah Rata in Cameron Highlands before heading on to Fraser’s Hill (1,222 metres) via Raub. From there, the journey took on an even-bigger challenge: the climb up to Genting Highlands at 1,604 metres before ending at the Isuzu Service Centre in Shah Alam, Selangor after clocking 1,145 kms.

It was certainly a very long way to go from Pekan to Shah Alam but the D-MAX passed through the gates of the finish point with ample fuel to spare in its 76-litre tank. Based on the reading from its on-board computer, the 1.9-litre engine had consumed an average of just 7.2 litres/100 kms or 13.7 kms/litre.

“Through advanced technology, the new 1.9-litre RZ4E-TC engine is by far the most fuel-efficient engine ever produced by Isuzu Motors and this was clearly demonstrated in this exercise. Perhaps some vehicles can travel long distances on a tank of fuel, and some can probably manage to carry a ton of weight or climb mountains. But to achieve all three criteria with one vehicle is a true feat of a competent vehicle,” added the CEO of Isuzu, Malaysia Koji Nakamura.

All D-Max models (including the 1.9-litre Single Cab) come with a 5-year 150,000-km warranty. To know more about the range and to locate a showroom for a test-drive, visit www.isuzu.net.my/pickup.