Isuzu D-Max – Has it Gone Too Soft?

The Isuzu pick-up truck has been closely associated with being tough, resilient workhorse trucks, but now with the introduction of the All-New D-Max, there are questions as to whether it has gone too ‘soft’.

This is because after close to nearly half a century of making trucks, Isuzu are getting more serious about the ‘lifestyle’ users, i.e., the part of the workforce that commute daily to an office environment for the most part of the week, and on weekends, take to the outdoors in their vehicles, either in a SUV, or a pick-up truck. To this end, Isuzu have launched the D-Max X-Terrain, a more up-market pick-up truck with additional power, more comfort features and incorporating the latest passive and active safety features. The X-Terrain even comes with a remote start function.

The big question is – will this make the Isuzu D-Max any less tough?

From the overall viewpoint, Isuzu actually has a few variants for the customer to select from. Basically there are two engine variants, the smaller capacity 1.9 litre turbo-diesel that produces 150 PS, and 350 Nm max torque, and the heftier 3.0 litre turbo-diesel with 190PS and 450 Nm of torque. For the double cab variants, there are three levels of trim, the highest being the X-Terrain, followed by Premium and Standard trim. The X-Terrain is available with the 3.0 litre engine, while the Premium is available with either the 3.0 litre engine or the 1.9 litre engine. For the Standard, there is only one trim, but the buyer can go for either an automatic transmission or a manual transmission, both of which are 6-speed. In addition, there is a single cab variant, available with either a 1.9 litre or a 3.0 litre engine, both with manual transmissions.

With a total of seven variants covering single cab, double cab Standard, double cab Premium, and the X-Terrain, there is actually a vehicle that can suit every pocket-book. The hardcore workers would be looking at the single cab pick-up truck, very affordable at RM88+k for the 1.9 litre version, and RM95+k for the 3.0 litre version. At the double cab level, there is the Manual transmission 1.9 litre Standard at RM99+k, and the Automatic version at RM106+k.

Moving up into the Premium you can pick up the 1.9 litre version at RM121+k, and the 3.0 litre version at RM128+k. The range topper would be the X-Terrain at RM141+k.

Fundamentally, all the variants are built on the same base platform, so structurally, they are strong and durable. Isuzu was a truck maker before venturing into pick-up trucks and SUV’s, so they are very familiar with steel bodies and ladder frames.

Isuzu are also one of the world’s pioneers and leaders in diesel engine technology, and the engines that go into the D-Max product line are really well-proven units. In fact, the engines in Isuzu pick-ups are well known for reliability and excellent fuel efficiency.

Insofar as the Premium variants are concerned, they are mechanically the same, but come with a nicer and wider selection of colours, and more premium interior and exterior features. As for the X-Terrain, it comes with additional ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist System) features such as Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with Autonomous braking, Turn Assist, Pedal Misapplication Mitigation (PMM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). These features do not restrict the ‘workhorse’ capabilities in any way.

In conclusion, yes, the D-Max has become a more matured product, and has evolved in keeping with the market demand and trends, but the basic ‘tough’ heritage is retained – and Isuzu have not forgotten its loyal followers because it has a more comprehensive product range to cater for every possible user.