For generations, Isuzu diesel engines have served with clockwork reliability and bulletproof dependability. Having produced some 25 million engines as the oldest automotive manufacturer in Japan, Isuzu proudly takes the leap into the future by introducing the new RZ4E, one of the most compact, efficient and robust diesel engines for pick-up trucks today.
Designed to meet future requirements for reduced fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions, the new 1898cc engine surpasses all its design parameters despite its small displacement by increasing engine performance, durability and better economy, lower NVH, lower friction and operating cost.
The resulting breakthroughs, particularly in its low fuel consumption and CO2 led to the 1.9-litre Isuzu D-Max being the very first pick-up truck in the country to be certified based on UN Regulations 101 with the Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) status by the Road Transport Department of Malaysia (JPJ).
Deemed revolutionary by the CEO of Isuzu Malaysia Mr Koji Nakamura, the new Isuzu D-Max 1.9-litre Blue Power he said combined cutting-edge technology and Isuzu know-how to provide users with the ideal combination of durability, performance and economy.
“Pick-up truck users place a high demand on their vehicles to help them get the job done. They require trucks that are intrinsically capable, operating with minimum fuss or cost. In this respect, 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,” he said.
To extend the benefits of the new Isuzu D-Max to a wider audience, Isuzu Malaysia has focused part of its range of eleven variants towards the business segment starting with the new entry, the 1.9-litre low ride 4×2 manual that is directly aimed at serving the business community. This is followed by the single cab models that come with 1.9-litre and 3.0-litre engines, both with 4×4 drivetrain. Then come the double cab versions available in manual or auto in basic (Type B) and premium trim. Joining this line up is the new 4×2 auto version aimed at the urban user who does not require the 4×4 function. Top of the line are the 4×4 Auto Premium variants both with the 1.9-litre and 3.0-litre engines.
The new Isuzu D-Max not only offers impressive new driving dynamics from its Blue Power 1.9-litre engine, its outlook has also been enhanced to convey these properties with distinctive new exterior paint colours available in the line-up including Sapphire Blue, Red Spinel, Stallion Black, Titan Silver, Silky White Pearl and Magnum White.
Up front, the design of its distinctive grille with its blend of black and chrome, flows seamlessly into the new headlight cluster that features bi-LED projector headlamps and LED DRL. The headlamp throw can be manually adjusted by the driver according to the vehicle load to avoid glare to on-coming road users. The bumper completes the bold new front end with the redesigned inset fog lamp garnish.
Apart from the new body decal design, the new Isuzu D-Max distinctively carries a new 18-inch alloy rim design that not only provides the vehicle with a sportier look, it provides sharper handling to the Isuzu D-Max that already benefits from a 56kg reduction in weight of the new engine. Automatically-folding door mirrors add to the convenience when parking in tight spots.
To aid loading, Isuzu have also developed a soft-touch tailgate that is available as an option. The mechanism uses a novel strut to control the opening speed of the tailgate while a torsion bar makes lifting possible using just one finger.
To fully appreciate the six percent reduction in engine noise of the new 1.9-litre engine over the current 2.5-litre version, Isuzu engineers made the new Isuzu D-Max interior more plush by adding soft-feel material on major panels. Not only do these help absorb sound to make the interior quieter, when matched to the dark interior trim and the new-design leather-fabric combination seats, the new Isuzu D-Max’s interior takes on a more inviting and comfortable outlook.
A high-speed USB charging port sits ahead of the gear selector and the Isuzu D-Max now comes with a secondary port situated behind the centre compartment for rear passengers allowing gadgets or mobile devices to remain well charged on any journey.
The gem in the new Isuzu D-Max must certainly be the 1898cc RZ4E-TC engine. Developed internally over four years by Isuzu Motors in Japan, the engine boasts technical breakthroughs that have resulted in a higher engine output of 150PS @ 3,600rpm (up by 10%) and 350Nm of torque (up by 9%) between 1,800 and 2,600rpm over the existing 2.5-litre 4JK1-TCX.
While engine output has increased, there has been no sacrifice to Isuzu’s legendary fuel economy or dependability. Tests conducted in Thailand even show a 19% improvement in fuel economy while a reduction in internal friction by 37% suggests that there will be less wear on engine components as well, thereby increasing the life expectancy of the engine.
Coupled to a new transmission system, the RZ4E offers a performance level that is superior to the 2.5-litre from the get-go. With six forward cogs for both the manual and automatic gearboxes, the new Isuzu D-Max makes the most use of the new engine characteristic to provide improved acceleration and overtaking while offering relaxed cruising from its two overdrive top gears.
The new Isuzu D-Max also features the inclusion of Hill Descent Control (HDC) making descending steep or slippery slopes a less tricky task. New too is the Vehicle Launch Assist Control that increases initial torque on gradients of 25% or more. Through this feature, the vehicle is quicker off the mark without suffering the effects of turbo lag when accelerating from idle.
As an introductory campaign, Isuzu Malaysia is conducting a nationwide test drive campaign at all its dealerships where a mystery gift awaits all who test drive the new 1.9-litre Blue Power Isuzu D-Max between September 21st and October 31st 2019. Prospects will also receive a ticket that entitles them to be in the running for a Blue Fever lucky draw at the end of the promotional period.
Those who purchase the new Isuzu D-Max during the promotional period from today till 31st October 2019 will enjoy a special 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and a free maintenance package to be enjoyed over the next eight years, terms and conditions apply.
