Limited edition Isuzu D-Max X-Series premieres at KLIMS13
The Isuzu D-Max has always been a vehicle well-regarded for its ruggedness and reliability, but falling short in style and wow factor. In an age where truck buyers have options such as the Ford Ranger to choose from, being merely tough and dependable is no longer quite good enough.
With the newly-launched second-generation model, Isuzu’s attempt to widen the D-Max’s appeal to include enthusiasts and younger buyers are obvious – sharper looks, better features, and enhanced refinement all contributing to a truck with greater urban appeal.
Continuing its efforts to lift the D-Max to become a more sophisticated product, Isuzu Malaysia has just launched the limited edition X-Series variant that is essentially a dressed-up version of the top-spec 2.5-litre VGS 4×4 automatic model for a premium of RM8,000. The new variant is on display at the ongoing Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2013 (KLIMS13) at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC).
Limited to a production run of just 300 units, the D-Max X-Series can be differentiated from a regular D-Max by its thick and prominent cargo bed spoiler, body stripes, front and rear skirts, and grey finishing on its alloy wheels and front grille, both of which otherwise look identical to the items found in the regular model. The front-mounted ‘Isuzu’ marque on the front grille is finished in red.
Inside, seats are trimmed in red and black two-tone leather, and the integrated head unit of the regular model is replaced with a 6.2″ multimedia unit with built-in GPS navigator and reverse camera. Other equipment such as dual frontal airbags, ABS, EBD, traction and stability control, ISOFIX, and projector headlamps are carried over from the regular 2.5 A/T 4×4 model.
Another version of the D-Max on display at KLIMS13, although not exactly for sale, is the D-Max ‘Monster’ which emerged unscathed from the tough 23rd Borneo Safari event to be named ‘Vehicle of the Year’ by the event’s organizing committee for its overall resilience and the fact that it was a virtually stock standard vehicle save for a raised ride height, large mud-terrain tyres, and some protective bars.
Visitors to Isuzu’s KLIMS13 booth will also get to see giant cut-away engine of the 2.5-litre VGS turbodiesel engine that powers all 4×4 variants of the current D-Max. Tuned in typical Isuzu style with a focus on durability and fuel economy, the engine pushes out conservative outputs 134hp and 320Nm mated to a choice of two 5-speed transmissions – manual or automatic.
In addition to these enhanced units of the D-Max, Isuzu is also showing two of its heavier duty commercial vehicles, namely the NPS 4×4 Jungle King, the display lorry finished in unique tiger stripes to boot, and the soon-to-be-launched FXZ 6×4 heavy duty truck, parked incognito to serve not just as a display vehicle but also as base for a giant double-sided LCD screen.
Isuzu’s booth in KLIMS13 is situated at Hall 1, PWTC, in the vicinity of Nissan and Subaru.
