Peter Lyon
January 15, 2024
Isuzu D-Max sales have done well over the past year. The D-Max sold 9,650 units in 2023, some 439 units more than the previous year, according to data released by Isuzu Malaysia. With 16.6% of the national market, the D-Max ranked third in terms of sales in 2023. It also held the top spot in Sabah, Kedah, and Pahang.
The 1.9-liter Standard turbodiesel version, which develops 150 hp and 350 Nm of torque, accounted for 28% of all units sold in 2023. According to Isuzu, the base standard variant hit a nerve in the market because of its adequate yet modest engine displacement, which benefits from a cheaper road tax and lower operating expenses while still providing perky enough performance.
On the upper end of the D-Max spectrum, the 190 hp 3.0-litre diesel flagship X-Terrain version has grown by 24.5% since its debut and had a strong upswing in 2023. Considering how recently it joined the premium pick-up truck market, this is impressive.
“Since the third-generation D-Max was introduced into Malaysia in 2021, interest in this model has remained consistently high thanks to its good features, excellent driving capability, ample power, and impressive value for money,” stated Shunsuke Okazoe, Chief Executive Officer of Isuzu Malaysia. By growing our acquisition sales by 185% while keeping our solid core customer base, this new approach has increased our customer base.
He continues, “This third-generation D-Max has been a revelation for the brand as it combines the best of the brand’s engineering with modern sophistication and mindful ergonomics that customers demand. Because of this, the D-Max fulfills the needs of every pickup user by being a very capable yet livable vehicle.”
In Malaysia, the D-Max is offered in eight different configurations, including 4X4, 4X2, single cab, and double cab models. A 3.0-liter or 1.9-liter turbodiesel engine is an available engine option. There are manual and automatic gearbox options for the D-Max.
OUR THOUGHTS
CEO Shunsuke Okazoe makes some big claims about the D-Max. But we’ll have to admit that, well, they’re pretty much all true. The D-Max is one of the toughest-looking trucks on the market. And with those two turbodiesel powertrains, offering a combination of subtlety and power, we’d have to say that Isuzu offers some of the best cost performance in this segment.
