Isuzu’s latest D-Max, the X-Terrain 3.0 flagship variant. BACK in 2020, I had the chance to drive the Isuzu D-Max 1.
9 Ddi Blue Power flagship variant for a week. This truck impressed me with its peppiness, light-footed feature, and a no-nonsense attitude. Even with its 1.
9 diesel engine, it drove like a lighter vehicle. Overtaking uphill was effortless, thanks to the 148 Horsepower that it packed in – quite impressive for a 2.8-tonne truck.
Quite recently, I had the opportunity to test-drive Isuzu’s latest D-Max, the X-Terrain 3.0 flagship variant, touted as a more refined and feature-packed version of its predecessor. Styling The X-Terrain is Isuzu’s top-of-the-line offering of the D-Max, and it charges on with a statement.
While it may lack the ‘aggressiveness’ and the ‘ruggedness’ as seen in some of its competitors, it compensates with subtle, classy and purposeful design elements. Plastic wheel arch flares on all four corners give the truck a ‘wide body’ and sporty look, complemented by stylish six-spoke matte black 18-inch alloy rims wrapped in 265/60R18 tyres. The Namibu Orange Mica paint on my test truck stands out even more on the road.
Plastic wheel arch flares on all four corners give the truck a ‘wide body’ and sporty’ look, complemented by stylish six-spoke matte black 18-inch alloy rims wrapped in 265/60R18 tyres. The new D-Max’s look is further enhanced with an all-new frontal appearance, creating a greater road presence. The new bonnet design features a distinctive central bulge, accented by broad angled shoulders for a muscular image.
Airflow has been carefully optimised to ensure aerodynamic efficiency, enhancing fuel efficiency particularly when cruising. The bumper seamlessly integrates with the bodyline, minimising the gaps and allowing the vehicle to cut through the air effortlessly. The bumper accents are broader, adding prominence, while the chrome bits add a touch of sportiness.
The lower radiator slats have been replaced by a honeycomb lattice design for more efficient cooling. The new air-curtain design ducts air from the fog-lamp recess through the wheel arches. Enlarged fog-lamp housings and repositioned turn signals in the headlamp housing enhance visibility and also style.
The lower radiator slats have been replaced by a honeycomb lattice design for more efficient cooling. The headlamp cluster houses new Bi-LED headlamps and integrates LED daytime running lights (DRL) with the turn signals for a sophisticated design. At the rear, the new D-Max features a redesigned tailgate with a dimple and flared lip, a new handle design, and a keyhole for locking the tailgate if a canopy or lid is fitted.
A new tail-light cluster with redesigned LED lamps is stylish by day, and even more attractive by night, ensuring high visibility in all driving conditions. The new D-Max offers a range of body colours, including the rich ‘Namibu Orange Mica’ and ‘Islay Grey’, to ‘Onyx Black’ and ‘Dolomite White Pearl’. ‘Bits and bobs’ One of the most endearing features of the third-generation Isuzu D-Max has been its amazing interior.
The X-Terrain variant, in particular, brings a level of comfort and sophistication usually seen in high-end sports-utility vehicles (SUVs). With the new D-Max, Isuzu engineers have further raised the bar with new designs and features. Before even entering the truck, a stylish welcome lamp projects in front of the doors, while the scuff plates and footwells light up once the doors open, giving it a truly welcoming feel.
The door panels imprint feature a new ‘MIURA’ design – a classic Japanese origami-inspired parallelogram design that carries over to the dashboard. The door panels imprint feature a new ‘MIURA’ design – a classic Japanese origami-inspired parallelogram design that carries over to the dashboard. Built into the seams is a new driver-selectable ambient lighting system with a choice of seven colours.
Most panels remain soft to touch, with liberal use of leather cladding on parts such as the multi-function steering wheel and seats, providing a premium feel. Most panels remain soft to touch, with liberal use of leather cladding on parts such as the multi-function steering wheel and seats, providing a premium feel. The seats feature a new pattern with perforations along the central panels for improved ventilation and comfort.
The new 10-inch infotainment head unit, enlarged from the previous nine-inch unit, offers quicker reference to key items such as the Reverse Camera and ‘360° Around View Monitor’ with 3D image guide. It also connects wirelessly for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, depending on smartphone capability. It also comes with a wireless charger for all smartphones with that capability, as well as a USB Type-C port for each front passenger and rear passenger to charge their smartphones with the traditional cable.
It also has automatic dual-zone climate control, as well as air-conditioning vents meant for the rear passengers. The new D-Max also has automatic dual-zone climate control, as well as air-conditioning vents meant for the rear passengers. The instrument panel features a new seven-inch e-Lumax Multi Information Display (MID) for easier access to information and vehicle settings, controlled via the steering wheel.
The panel has new graphics for critical displays such as fuel level, coolant temperature, and engine speed, customisable to the driver’s preference. Safety Earning a maximum 5-Star Asean Ncap rating for safety, the Isuzu D-Max boasts unparalleled safety features. The new generation of Allsight safety functions makes the D-Max X-Terrain one of the safest and most advanced pick-up trucks on the market.
Equipped with a new and improved fourth-generation stereo camera with a 120° viewing angle, the vehicle can detect and recognise more objects, especially from the sides. Equipped with a new and improved fourth-generation stereo camera with a 120° viewing angle, the vehicle can detect and recognise more objects, especially from the sides. The forward detection distance has improved from 120m to 150m, enhancing the ability to filter potential dangers, alert the driver, or take action to avoid accidents.
New safety updates include the ‘Rear Cross Traffic Brake’, which provides audible and visual signals when an oncoming vehicle is detected while reversing. If a collision is imminent, the vehicle will apply the brakes – a helpful feature in urban settings. ‘Heart of the beast’ Isuzu Motors, a Japanese company, has a long and storied history with diesel engines, renowned for their reliability and innovation.
They are known for their durability, fuel efficiency, versatility and low maintenance. The 4JJ3-TCX 2,999cc, or the 3.0 inline-four cylinder VGS turbodiesel produces around 190Ps or 187.
4Hp at 3,600rpm and 450Nm of torque from 1,600rpm to 2,600rpm, while the RZ4E-TC 1,898cc or 1.9 inline-four cylinder VGS turbodiesel that makes 150Ps or 148Hp at 3,600rpm and 350Nm of torque from 1,800rpm to 2,600rpm. The 4JJ3-TCX 2,999cc or the 3.
0 inline-four cylinder VGS turbodiesel produces around 190Ps or 187.4Hp at 3,600rpm and 450Nm of torque from 1,600rpm to 2,600rpm. These are mated with either a six-speed automatic with sequential shift, or a six-speed manual, with electronically-actuated differential lock.
‘Off the road’ With its excellent 240mm ground clearance, class-leading 800mm wading capability, and all-terrain tires, the Isuzu D-Max is built for off-road adventures. The driver-selectable ‘Terrain Command’ switch allows experienced off-roaders to quickly adapt the vehicle to the conditions ahead by selecting 2H, 4H, or 4L. The rear differential lock as standard helps navigate extreme off-road conditions.
For those less familiar with off-road driving, the new D-Max Double Cab 4×4 models feature the ‘Rough Terrain Mode’, which uses wheel sensors to detect grip levels and apportion power from spinning wheels to those with the most grip. The system combines torque distribution and individual wheel-braking to smoothly transmit power, regardless of the transmission mode. The ‘Rough Terrain Mode’, along with ‘Hill Start Assist’ (HSA), ‘Hill Descent Control’ (HDC), and ‘Diff Lock’, ensures that drivers can confidently venture onto unpaved roads, keeping both vehicle and occupants safe.
In summary, the new Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain has taken technology, comfort, and capability to the next level, now with even more finesse. ‘Commitment to innovation, excellence’ The new Isuzu D-Max stands out as a testament to Isuzu’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the pickup truck segment. With its refined styling, advanced safety features, and enhanced off-road capabilities, the D-Max X-Terrain variant is not just a workhorse, but a versatile vehicle designed to meet the demands of both urban and rugged environments.
The interior improvements bring a touch of luxury and comfort, making every drive enjoyable. Whether you are navigating city streets or exploring off-road trails, the D-Max delivers performance, reliability and style, solidifying its position as a top contender in the competitive pickup truck market. Pricing The X-Terrain top-of-the-line variant goes for RM160,061.
10 (without insurance) in Sarawak; the Premium 3.0 variant for RM143,461.10; and the Premium 1.
9 for RM137,870.30. The 1.
9 4×2 Auto Plus variant is at RM112,320.30. All variants come with automatic transmission.
Meanwhile, the 1.9 4×4 Standard automatic variant is priced at RM119,820.30, and the manual transmission, at RM112,020.
30. For more information about the new Isuzu D-Max, visit pickuptruck.isuzu.
net.my ..
