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.
Isuzu Motors Limited and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. have announced the signing of a partnership agreement to have Honda develop and provide the fuel cell system for the fuel cell-powered heavy-duty trucks that Isuzu plans to launch in 2027.
What are fuel cell-powered heavy trucks? A fuel cell truck is an electric truck that generates electricity from fuel cells that are powered by hydrogen stored in tanks in the truck. In a fuel cell, hydrogen and oxygen are combined through an electrochemical reaction to generate electricity, heat and water.
As Malaysia continues its recovery from the depressed years of the pandemic, new vehicle sales are also growing. Last year’s record Total Industry Volume of 720,658 units – the highest ever since the Malaysian Automotive Association began keeping records in 1967 – already indicated the upward trend.
While the commercial vehicle segment’s share remained at 11%, the total number of vehicles sold rose (compared to 2021) by 39.9% or 22,488 units to reach 78,885 units. Within this segment, Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd (IMSB) again topped the list of brands with combined retail sales of 6,546 units, including light, medium and prime mover trucks.
It was the highest ever volume in the company’s history while capturing the market-leading position again as Malaysia’s top-selling truck brand for the 9th consecutive time and also the top-selling light-duty truck for the 13th time.
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:
Ever since the latest generation of the Isuzu D-MAX made its debut in Malaysia in 2021, sales have kept growing. Already popular in its previous generation, the substantial changes in styling and more premium nature of the new truck attracted even more customers.
With average monthly orders much higher than for previous generation, it’s not surprising that the total number sold in 2022 was just slightly short of being double the number achieved in 2021. During 2022, Isuzu Malaysia delivered 9,211 units of the D-MAX nationwide, exceeding its original target of 8,000 units and eclipsing the previous record of 6,480 units in 2016. Given the disruptions to supply that affected the whole industry, perhaps the number could have been even higher if more vehicles had been available.
Isuzu owners in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor have one more outlet where they can obtain full sales and aftersales support. The outlet is located along Jalan Jinjang Permai in the northern fringes of Kuala Lumpur and offers the full range of Isuzu models.
Operated by Autoexec Corporation, the 3S (sales service and spare parts) centre has a bolder and more vibrant façade with a distinctive logo tower, major elements in Isuzu Malaysia’s new retail outlet design.
From the fashion world back to nature – that will be the journey for the Isuzu D-MAX when it once again participates in the Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge. This will be the 14th year that Isuzu Malaysia is supporting the event which was not run in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Isuzu Malaysia is providing 3 units of the D-MAX X-Terrain as Official Media Vehicles during the week-long event organised by the Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA). The vehicles were recently handed over by Isuzu Malaysia’s Marketing Manager, Alan Lee, to the association’s President, Hj. Faez Nordin.
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.
Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd now has a medium and heavy-duty (MHD) truck dealership in Sabah to provide a complete range of sales and aftersales services to customers. The first MHD truck dealer is Universal Motor Sdn Bhd which is located in the state’s capital city of Kota Kinabalu. With this new MHD dealership, Isuzu Malaysia now has 12 MHD dealerships nationwide.
The dealership, which occupies a land area of 3.5 acres, has a total of 20 service bays, 13 of which are for light-duty trucks, medium, heavy-duty trucks and prime movers. The remaining 7 bays are for the D-MAX pick-up truck, a popular Isuzu model with multi-role capabilities for business and personal use.
