It was only less than two weeks back when we went all the way to Thailand to test drive the new 2019 Isuzu D-MAX 1.9 and today, the new pickup truck from Isuzu Malaysia has been officially launched for the Malaysian market.
The biggest update to the current D-MAX line-up is the new 1.9l-litre turbocharged diesel engine which will be replacing the outgoing 2.5-litre. So, is smaller any better? In short, yes! Producing 150hp and 350Nm of maximum torque, the 1.9-litre is actually around 10% more powerful than the 2.5-litre!
The key enhancements to the new 2019 Isuzu D-MAX variant is not just on better performance but also better fuel economy, enhanced durability, improved comfort, and several user-friendly features that fellow Malaysians will definitely appreciate driving in and out of the country’s roads.
The 1.9-litre engine is actually 19% more fuel efficient than the current 2.5-litre and that’s not all, folks. It’s also 6% quieter, lighter by a whopping 56kg, more environmentally friendly, and requires less maintenance in the long run. This also means that you can save a lot more for long term use.
The new 2019 Isuzu D-MAX offering also comes with a new six-speed transmission with a wider ratio that’s available for both automatic and manual variants. The new unit comes with two over-drive gears for fifth and sixth and other features such as ‘Gear Change Control Learning’ function, triple cone synchronizers, plus many more.
Its host of safety features have been further updated with the addition of a new Hill Descent Control (HDC) function as standard. Other standard features include:
- Front dual SRS airbags
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Brake Override System (BOS)
- Hill Start Assist (HSA)
- ABS + EBD
In terms of design, it’s more of a visual update rather than a completely new look as the 2019 Isuzu D-MAX comes with a new aggressive and bold front grille design, new Bi-LED projector headlamp with LED daytime-running lights, and a new fog lamp garnish design.
Moving towards the side, the new D-MAX is garnished with new 18-inch alloy wheels, new auto-fold side mirrors, and a refreshed body decal for a more modern and aggressive façade. The rear also comes with updated decals and emblem and there’s also the option for you to add the new tailgate assist which allows you to operate the tailgate with ease.
The interior has also been updated with the addition of some soft touch materials, new black colour trims, and new seats made out fabric and leather combination. Passengers in the second row also benefit from the addition of USB ports for mobile charging convenience.
With that being said, Isuzu has chosen to update their current D-MAX line-up for a more wider audience with 11 variants on offer which starts from the base low rider 4×2 for more commercial uses up to the range-topping 3.0-litre 4×4 AT-P.
Price starts from RM80,149.20 all the way to RM120,838.40 (on-the-road prices without insurance). Eight variants for available in the 1.9 and rest for the 3.0. For more information, head over to http://www.isuzu.net.my/pickup/.
