Isuzu D-Max gets facelifted and priced from RM83,000

By CARSIFU | 26 October 2016

KUALA LUMPUR: Isuzu Malaysia unveiled the facelifted line-up of its popular D-Max pick-up trucks in three distinct models to provide up to a total of eight variants and are priced on-the-road with GST and insurance from RM83,000.

The models are now made up of the entry-level Standard, mid-range Premium and range-topping Z-Prestige and are backed by an updated five-year or 150,000km (whichever comes first) warranty.

Previously, the D-Max was available in five colour options of Silver Metallic, Solid White, Blue Metallic, Black Metallic and Red Mica. Now, two new colours have been added exclusively for the Z-Prestige - Velvet Red Mica and Silky Pearl White.

The new line-up maintains the same power train with a choice of either a 2.5 or 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine with a Variable Geometry (turbo) System (VGS) from before and gets mated to a five-speed manual or automatic transmission.

There are four variants within the entry-level Standard model, such as the 2.5-litre 4X2 manual-High Ride (RM82,979), 2.5-litre 4X4 manual (RM93,006), 2.5-litre 4X4 Automatic (RM107,596) and a V-Cross 3.0-litre 4X4 automatic (RM115,690).

Moving up the ladder gets the Premium model that's available in two guises - a 2.5-litre 4X4 manual (RM103,405) or a 3.0-litre 4X4 manual (RM113,064).

As for the range-topping Z-Prestige, there's a 2.5-litre 4X4 automatic (RM120,064) or 3.0-litre 4X4 Automatic (RM128,052) for choice.

With a 76-litre fuel tank, the 4JK1-TCX 2.5-litre (2,499cc) engine produces 136PS at 3,600rpm and 320Nm from 1,800 to 2,800rpm, while the 4JJ1-TCX 3.0-litre (2,999cc) pushes out 177PS at 3,600rpm and 380Nm from 1,800 to 2,800rpm.

The standard kit for the entry-level 2.5-litre 4X2 and 4X4 manual rolls on 16-inch alloys with 245/70 series tyres, while sporting a set of pair of projector ellipsoidal headlights, LED daytime running lights, chrome front grille and door handles.

It also has a colour-matching front bumper, bee-sting antenna, power adjustable and foldable external mirrors with integrated turn signals, a bed liner and a rear bumper with single chrome step. The side steps and sports bar are optional extras.

Inside, the driver gets a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel (4X4 - Urethane), while the cabin's dashboard and door trims are in silver finish.

There's also fabric seats, manual climate controls, automatic up and down power windows with a seven-inch colour touchscreen multimedia DVD player, eight-speakers (two ceiling-mounted), A-pillar grab handles, speed-sensitive automatic door locks, arm-rest compartment and sun visors with ticket-holder (driver) and vanity mirror (passenger),

For safety, the D-Max now adds hill-start assist to the usual two airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, brake assist, reverse sensors and a reverse camera system that comes with guide-lines.

If the Standard 2.5 4X4 or 3.0-litre V-Cross - both with an automatic transmission, gets picked then the list of goodies add roof rails and side steps while having a three-spoke urethane steering wheel.

Both the 2.5 and 3.0-litre 4x4 with a manual transmission that makes up the Premium model range now ride of larger 18-inch wheels with 255/60 series tyres. Other additional kit include fog lamps, a shark fin antenna, LED rear combination lamps, automatic climate controls and a keyless entry system with push-start button (Passive Entry and Start System - PESS) gets added.

Meanwhile, the touchscreen grows to an eight-inch display and the interior is fitted with a newly designed electroluminescent (e-LUMAX) meter panel with a Multi-Information Display (MID) as well as audio and hands-free controls for the three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Lastly, the range-topping Z-Prestige, which comes in three colour options (Silky White Pearl, Velvet Red Mica and Stallion Black Metallic), adds a protective cargo lid with an aero-spoiler. The roof rails now come in matching colours (silver, grey and matte black respectively) and the B-pillars are "hidden" by a black wrap.

Inside, depending on the exterior colour of the Z-Prestige, the Italian leather upholstery is matched accordingly - brown with black accent (Silky White Pearl), black with red accent (Velvet Red Mica) and black with silver accent (Stallion Black Metallic).

"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,” said Isuzu Malaysia chief executive officer Kenji Matsuoka.

Isuzu D-Max 2.5 Z-Prestige