Apart from its modern gadgets, the sturdy and comfy 4X4 roadster is both practical and economical
MENTION a 4X4 pickup truck, the first thing that normally comes to mind is off-road. But not everybody who owns or intends to own one, needs to go off-roading.
So, why choose such a vehicle in the first place?
Simply put, the key appeal is its practicality in carrying a heavy or huge load, much like a small lorry, but with the comfort of a saloon car or an SUV.
Finding a 4×4 pickup truck that strikes the right balance between a hardy truck and a comfortable saloon car or a luxury SUV is no easy task though, especially those under the RM120,000 price range.
After resetting the Trip A to 0km on full tank refuel, thesundaypost only managed to use up less than a quarter of the tank after about 261.5km.
But look no further – Isuzu recently introduced the D-Max 1.9, which is right on the money.
While most pickup trucks boast huge displacement of up to 3.0 litres, the new D-Max 1.9 turbo diesel does not blow a hole in your pocket when it’s time to renew your road tax – without compromising too much on the truck’s power.
While the CO2 emissions are greatly reduced, the revolutionary 1.9-litre engine can churn out an impressive 150 horsepower (PS) at 3,600 revolutions per minute (RPM) and an impressive 350Nm of torque.
On top of that, the fuel economy is superb – thesundaypost took the D-Max 1.9 for a 300km spin and only managed to use up a quarter of the full tank (about 76 litres).
The Cogoo seven-inch Android touch-screen eight-speaker in-car entertainment system blends neatly with the centre console.
Mind you, the 1.9 engine is about 56kg lighter than its 2.5 predecessors, and feels lighter as well on the throttle, making it a breeze to drive around urban roads. It’s even more fun with the six-speed auto gearbox.
With the 4×4 variant, you can select between standard 2H gear ratio to 4H ratio without the need to stop the vehicle.
For harsher roads, the driver can even select 4L for a lower gear ratio – suitable for off-roading or hauling heavy loads up steep slopes with the aid of the new D-Max’s hill start assist (HSA), hill descent control (HDC).
The exterior design is no less impressive with new paint colours available, including Sapphire Blue, Red Spinel, Stallion Black, Titan Silver, Silky White Pearl, and Magnum White.
The fat medium diameter steering wheel gives the driver a sporty saloon feel.
The design of its distinctive grille with its blend of black and chrome flows seamlessly into the new headlight cluster that features bi-LED projector headlamps and LED daytime running lights (DRLs).
The new Isuzu D-Max also distinctively wears the new 18-inch alloy rims that not only provides a sportier look but also sharper handling to the vehicle.
The LED daytime running lights (DRLs) will come on automatically as soon as you turn on the ignition.
Plus points
In terms of accessibility, the new D-Max comes optionally with a sports bar, bed liner with an elective cargo tray to easily slide heavy load in or out of the bed and side steps.
As for safety, all of the new D-Max twin cab variants come standard with SRS Airbags (six for the 3.0-litre variant), anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD) with brake assist (BA), hill start assist (HSA), hill descent control (HDC), electronic stability control (ESC), traction control system (TCS), reverse sensor and, of course, keyless entry alarm system.
Except for the lower Type B specification, the new D-Max also has a reverse camera, paired with a Cogoo 7-inch Android touch-screen eight-speaker in-car entertainment system.
The optional cargo tray for easy access to heavy load by sliding it in and out of the bed.
The interiors of the Type B and Hi-Ride variants come with fabric seat lining while the top two variants (1.9-litre and 3.0-litre) are upholstered with faux leather and fabric combinations.
The on-the-road price of the top variant of the new 1.9-litre D-Max for Sarawak is RM118,270.30, while the top 3.0-litre variant costs RM122,811.10. The cheapest is the Type B variant at RM107,070.30 on the road in Sarawak.
For the manual transmission type, the highest specification for the new 1.9-litre D-Max is RM108,270 – the obvious difference from the auto transmission version being that it comes with fabric seats.
As well, there is the 3.0-litre variant for the manual transmission, which also comes with fabric seats. Its Sarawak price is RM108,311 on the road.
For more information and the latest updates on D-Max promotions or news on the new Isuzu D-Max, go to www.isuzu.net.my/pickup or look for Isuzu DMax Malaysia on Facebook.
The new Isuzu D-Max 1.9/3.0 Ddi BluePower comes in Sapphire Blue, Red Spinel, Stallion Black, Titan Silver, Silky White Pearl or Magnum White.
Faux leather and fabric combination seat linings for the top two variants.
High and spacious ride with a saloon-car feel while driving.