The date is set. On May 14, the newly updated Isuzu D-Max will land in showrooms. First announced on an Isuzu Malaysia website, teasers for the D-Max facelift have also been posted by the company on its Facebook and Instagram sites.
The facelifted D-Max was introduced in Thailand in October of last year and comes with either a 1.9-litre and 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine. The 1.9-litre version generates 150 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, while the 3.0-litre version generates 190 horsepower and 450 Nm. Isuzu’s website states that the redesigned Isuzu D-Max is offered in five different models in Malaysia.
Both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gearbox are available, with the automatic version now offering gearshift paddles. With updated headlamps, daytime running lights, front bumper, and front grille, the exterior has an all-new, aggressive appearance. A new set of 18-inch wheels have also been designed to go with the D-Max’s gutsier appearance.
Additionally, the back has been updated with ‘triple-stacked’ taillights, a restyled tailgate and a muscular rear bumper. Namibu Orange Mica is a new colour option for the revamped exterior.
The revised D-Max gets new trimmings, new displays for climbing and turning angles, a new metre design, a wider angle for its 3D vision system and a new Rough Terrain mode inside, but the dashboard arrangement stays mostly the same.
Rear Cross Traffic Braking has been introduced to improve safety. The current pricing range for the D-Max is RM152,938 for the 3.0-litre automatic X-Terrain model and RM94,949 for the 1.9-litre 6-speed manual Single Cab variant.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
That is some very keen pricing from Isuzu. Given the cost performance, design flare and rugged off-roading credentials, this SUV is without doubt one of the best in the segment—if not No 1. I think the new face, especially that bold, meshed grille and the up-slanting headlights really set the car off.