Isuzu Malaysia Facelifts Popular D-Max Pick-Up Truck
Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd introduced its refreshed range of the award-winning D-Max pickup truck at a recent media gathering. The D-Max range now sees 3 trims (Standard, Premium & Z-Prestige), and 8 models to choose from (essentially engine and transmission choices). According to Isuzu Malaysia CEO, Kenji Matsuoka, this increase in model offerings is to cater to a wider group of buyers. “The D-Max is already the preferred choice of those seeking a reliable, durable and economical workhorse. There is tremendous market potential for a dressed-up pick-up from the manufacturer like our new permanent Z-Prestige flagship variant, which stands apart from the rest but comes with full warranty for total peace of mind,” he said.
This is the first major facelift of the D-Max since it’s launch in 2013 and there are many enhancements. On the exterior, the D-Max sports a new front fascia design inspired by the Orca (killer whale), with a more dynamic and high-positioned face wearing projector headlights and LED daytime running lights. The rear gets a restyled tailgate with LED combination lights (except Standard trim), reverse sensors and reverse camera. A ‘shark fin’ antenna sits atop the twin cab of the Premium and Z-Prestige variants, while the Standard gets the conventional ‘bee sting’. The Standard range gets 16″ alloy wheels while the Premium and Z-Prestige sit on larger 18″ alloys.
Inside, the dashboard remains relatively unchanged save for the new meter cluster and touchscreen display with DVD player. There are 8 speakers (including roof-mounted speakers), 2 airbags, ABS, EBD, brake assist, hill start assist, stability control and traction control, as well as ISOFIX points across all variants.
The 2 engine choices are the 2.5-liter and 3.0-liter turbodiesel capable of producing 136 PS at 3,600 rpm and 320 Nm of torque between 1,800 – 2,800 rpm, and 177 PS at 3,600 rpm and 380 Nm between 1,800 to 2,800 rpm respectively. All 3.0-liter variants wear the V-Cross badge. Transmission choices are a 5-speed manual and 5-speed automatic with sequential shift. All variants are 4×4 except the base 2.5-liter Hi-Ride manual which is a 4×2.
The Standard trim offers the most variants i.e. 2.5L 4×2 Hi-Ride manual (RM 82,979), 2.5L 4×4 manual (RM 93,006), 2.5L 4×4 automatic (RM 107,596) and 3.0L 4×4 automatic (RM 115,690). All prices quoted are on-the-road with insurance for Peninsular Malaysia.
The Standard trim skimps on fog lights, a rear cup holder at the middle console storage box and HDMI connectivity for the audio system; it still has Bluetooth and iPod connectivity. The steering wheel is a basic 3-spoke urethane one (the Hi-Ride gets leather wrap) and air-conditioning controls are manual.
The Premium range comes with 2 models – 2.5L 4×4 manual (RM 103,405) and 3.0L 4×4 manual (RM 113,064) and gets leather wrapped steering with audio and hands-free controls, a new electroluminescent (e-LUMAX) meter cluster with multi-information display, climate control and keyless entry and start. The entertainment system also features a larger 8″ touchscreen display.
The Standard and Premium trucks are available in Stallion Black Metallic, Nautilus Blue Mica, Titan Silver Metallic and Magnum White Solid.
Topping off the model range is the Z-Prestige which is available as either a 2.5L 4×4 automatic (RM 120,064) or 3.0L 4×4 automatic (RM 128,052). On top of this, the Z-Prestige range gives you a choice of 3 color-coordinated themes i.e. Street Rugged in Stallion Black, Urban Premium in Silky White Pearl and Adventure Rugged in Velvet Red; the latter 2 colors are exclusive to Z-Prestige.
The Z-Prestige gets a cargo lid cover with body colored side bar and aero spoiler. Other trimmings are dependent on the chosen theme. For example, roof rails for the Street Rugged theme are matte black while it is silver for the Urban Premium and grey for Adventure Rugged. Likewise, Street Rugged gets Italian leather seats in black with silver accents while Urban Premium gets the same in brown with black accents and Adventure Rugged, black with red accents. The Z-Prestige also sports a leather front armrest and piano black dash and door trims as opposed to the silver trim in the Standard and Premium.
The Isuzu D-Max facelift models come with a 5-year or 150,000 km (whichever comes first) warranty.
