YOU probably did not know this, but Isuzu has just launched a brand new premium pickup truck in Malaysia. Until the arrival of this brand new Isuzu D-MAX, the Ford Ranger was the premium truck leader, followed by the latest Mitsubishi Triton which combined rugged looks and ability with a SUV like cabin, and then there was the Toyota Hilux, the sales leader for many reasons including well known toughness and rugged reliability.
All the rivals have been selling well for the past two years and it was only the Nissan Navara that was feeling the sales bug as it was the oldest product in the segment.
Now comes a brand new Isuzu D-MAX and it is already breaking sales records in all the countries that it has been launched in.
In February this year, this new D-MAX had outsold the Toyota Hilux in Thailand. In September 2020, this D-MAX was selling so well that it had a 4 month waiting list in Australia right after it was launched. In September 2020 this all new D-Max was awarded a five-star rating by the ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) that comprehensively assesses the safety of new vehicles.
It has scored the five-star rating under new 2020 protocols making it the first pickup truck to standardize advanced life-saving safety systems across every model, including AEB with Turn Assist, Lane Departure Prevention, Emergency Lane Keep, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring and these advanced safety equipment is joined by Automatic Headlights with High Beam Control, Reversing Camera, Intelligent Speed Limiter, Driver Attention Assist and 7 airbags.
Now in all Isuzu showrooms around the country, this new D-MAX presents a strong road presence from its masculine frontal design and a more athletic and dynamic stance.
With its larger overall dimensions this D-MAX measures up at 5265mm long, 1870mm wide and 1790mm high. It has an approximate 1890kg kerb weight and a maximum 1024kg payload.
So it now has a longer wheelbase, more spacious cabin and larger load bed. This provides passengers with all-round improvements to its comfort, space and versatility making this a more desirable pickup truck for every purpose. Elevating the journey experience for all occupants is a premium 8-speaker surround sound system working with a new-generation infotainment touchscreen system that has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Plus, it has SUV features like electric driver’s seat, dual zone air conditioning, with rear passengers also benefiting from rear air vents.
Convenience is further enhanced on the D-MAX X-TERRAIN version, with the welcomed addition of a new Smart Key that provides Remote Engine Start, Smart Keyless Entry, Push Button Start, Welcome Light, and Walk Away Door Lock.
Do not worry, it is still a workhorse pickup truck. While adding a hearty serve of off-road capability and prowess, this D-MAX has a sizable 240mm of ground clearance, an electromagnetic rear differential lock and an impressive 800mm water wading depth which matches the segment rivals.
Available in a variety of configurations including single or double cab guise and powered by a choice of the award-winning RZ-4E 1.9-litre power-plant or a revised 4JJ-3TCX 3-litre engine with 5-speed manual gearbox and or a brand new 6-speed auto-gearbox, this all-new Isuzu D-Max range is set to be a game changer for the segment.
This all-new Isuzu D-MAX is priced between RM89,000 and RM145,000 depending on model and subject to final government approvals. Visit an Isuzu showroom and take a test drive. – The Vibes, April 18, 2021
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