Isuzu has just launched a brand new D-MAX and it is already breaking sales records around the globe. We recently took its top variant, called the X-Terrain, for a test drive and here’s what we think.
The new D-MAX Success
Last July, this new D-MAX outsold the Toyota Hilux in Thailand for the first time in 30 years. By September, this D-MAX was not only awarded a five-star rating by the ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program), but it was selling so well that it had a four month waiting list in Australia right after it was launched. In December, this D-MAX was also sold-out in Norway even before it disembarked the cargo ship.
Isuzu Background
Isuzu is primarily a truck and diesel engine company. Yes, there was a time when they ventured into the passenger car and SUV segment, but this was decades ago.
These include the Isuzu JJ and the Isuzu Trooper of the 1980s, the latter of which had three generations launched in Malaysia. Built in the Isuzu Fujiawa factory in central Japan, these well-engineered machines were the preferred workhorses for many.
However, Isuzu then focused on growing the pickup truck segment and the commercial vehicle market with robust and reliable diesel engines, a winning recipe till today.
They also introduced the groundbreaking Isuzu VehiCROSS SUV in early 1997, which remains unrivalled in terms of its futuristic looks. Even so, it was expensive and sold in very limited numbers.
D-MAX X-Terrain Drive Impression
This is one handsome vehicle with evergreen looks, one that should last between five to eight years without looking dated.
Unlike its rivals, the Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain does not sit very high which means entering and exiting is easy. Its SUV ride height suits urban cowboys and commercial use such as navigating mining sites, logging trails and plantations.
Despite its muscular build, it features a SUV-styled cockpit, dashboard and seats. Once you’re seated in the electric powered semi-bucket leather seat, you will forget that this is a pick up because of the tasteful cabin design.
The nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes with seamless Apple CarPlay and Android integration, while neat soft-touch buttons make toggling the climate control an easy affair. Over at the back, the legroom made available is sensibly good and its semi-bucket seats offer plenty of comfort.
Under the hood is a new, well-engineered 4JJ1 diesel engine with 3L displacement. It features an electronically-controlled VGS turbocharger, heat-insulating coating on the pistons, double-scissors gear which all add up to deliver good power, low fuel consumption and low engine noise.
It’s a smooth engine, complete with a slick shifting, six-speed automatic transmission that makes overtaking easy. The truck’s surprising stability is down to how the engine sits further back in the bay (for better weight distribution), the longer wheelbase and the Isuzu Dynamic Drive Platform.
Steering feel in traffic is much like a SUV, and as you gather speed, it never feels floaty or uncommunicative. If you are using the rear load bay, take note that the tailgate now is easier to use. If you do have some river crossings to tackle, the pickup now has 800mm of water wading depth capability.
Features & Safety
The new Isuzu D-Max offers a host of Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) available in selected variants. High praise is due for the safety features in this D-MAX.
It is the first pickup truck to standardize advanced life-saving safety systems across every model. Features such as AEB with Turn Assist, Lane Departure Prevention, Emergency Lane Keep, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring and much more are included.
Additional safety features also include headlights with high beam control, Intelligent Speed Limiter and Driver Attention Assist.
Final Word
Well, it’s definitely all-new from the ground up. It has a SUV-like cabin and its safety features rival a premium competitor, not to mention that it has a reliable diesel engine that has been proven over the years. It’s time for you to test drive this D-MAX and decide if it fits your needs, be it commercial or urban.
ISUZU D-MAX X-Terrain 3.0L Diesel Specifications
Engine: Inline-4, BluePower Diesel
Capacity: 2999cc
Transmission: 6-speed auto Sequential Shift
Max Power: 190PS @ 3,600rpm
Max Torque: 450Nm @ 1,600 – 2,600rpm
Price: RM88,599.20 for the base model, up to RM141,938.40 for this X-Terrain tested here.
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