Isuzu Malaysia has officially taken the wraps off the new and enhanced version of the third-gen D-Max pickup truck, featuring numerous styling enhancements, improved safety features, as well as a few new convenience features.
There is no change in the model line-up, meaning that there will be eight variants that are priced as listed below:
- 1.9L Single Cab 4×4 MT – RM98,949
- 3.0L Single Cab 4×4 MT – RM105,888
- 1.9L Standard Double Cab 4×4 MT – RM109,599
- 1.9L Standard Double Cab 4×4 AT – RM116,999
- 1.9L Auto Plus 4×2 AT – RM109,499
- 1.9L Premium 4×4 AT – RM134,649
- 3.0L Premium 4×4 AT – RM141,138
- 3.0L X-Terrain 4×4 AT – RM157,938
On the exterior, the new D-Max comes with a redesigned front-end comprising a new hood, new grille, new Bi-LED headlights, LED DRLs, a new bumper with repositioned air curtains, as well as a newly designed illuminated scuff plate.
Moving to the side, we have new wheels (black for the high-spec models and silver for the lower-spec variants), as well as new stickers, and auto-folding side mirrors. Also new is this Namibu Orange colour you’re looking at, and a Welcome Light.
At the rear, the D-Max now comes with new, more rugged looking LED combination taillights, complemented by a redesigned tailgate with Tailgate Assist and a new lock mechanism. The load bed size remains the same as before.
Inside the cabin, enhancements include:
- Newly designed speedometer
- Newly designed upper instrument panel
- New colour stitching
- Newly designed garnish/bezel
- Newly designed door trim soft pad with Miura pattern
- New Type C USB ports
- New infotainment system with 9- and 10-inch display (larger than before), with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto
- Newly designed seats (combi leather / fabric depending on variant)
- 8-way powered driver’s seat
- Automatic Dual Zone Climate Control
- New steering wheel
- New audio system with 8 speakers and Live Surround Sound
Where safety is concerned, the D-Max X-Terrain now comes with new stereo camera which detects more things. Thanks to this camera, forward detection distance has also increased from 120m to 150m. There is also the 360-degree Around View Monitor (AVM) with 3D image where you can even change the colour of the D-Max displayed.
Another new feature is the Rear Cross Traffic Brake system. On top of these features, there’s a long list of ADAS features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Turn Assist, Pedal Misapplication Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitor, and Multi Collision Brake.
Under the hood, the same 1.9L and 3.0L turbocharged diesel engines and the 5-speed manual / 6-speed automatic gearboxes have been carried over. While the 1.9L engine produces 150 PS and 350 Nm, the 3.0L mill produces 190 PS and 450 Nm of torque, just like before.
Complementing the powertrain is Isuzu’s Terrain Command system that allows drivers to select between 2WD, 4WD-High, and 4WD-Low easily using a lever, as well as a Rear Differential Lock, 800mm water wading depth, a steel under-body guard, and the new Rough Terrain Mode.
What this Rough Terrain Mode does is that it manages engine power and braking to transfer the right amount of power to the right wheel to prevent the D-Max from getting stuck on rough surfaces like sand, gravel, snow, and whatnot.
