2019 Isuzu D-Max - What’s new?

In Malaysia, we are no strangers to pick-up trucks. They are becoming an increasingly common sight on our roads, and there’s no shortage of variety, either. In this article, we will be focussing on the all-new 2019 Isuzu D-Max - one of the newest members in the country’s popular pick-up truck segment. The latest iteration of the Isuzu D-Max that has been launched in Malaysia just last month is more of a facelift rather than a completely new design.

Officially, the first launch of this second-generation D-Max took place back in 2015 in Thailand, which was soon followed up by a facelift two years later. The second-gen D-Max arrived in Malaysia for the first time in 2013 and was subsequently updated twice in the coming few years - leading up to the unveiling of the new 2019 model in September.

With each passing year, the market sees a boost in sales of midsize pick-up trucks, and this trend is likely not going to let up anytime soon. Of course, these numbers are also helped by the fact that these vehicles are also used by commercial entities. So, what kind of competition does the 2019 Isuzu D-Max face in Malaysia? Some of its arch-rivals include the Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi Triton, and the Mazda BT-50.

So, what exactly is new about the 2019  D-Max over its predecessor? One of the most important revisions found on the 2019 D-Max comes in the form of its brand-new, 1.9-litre four-cylinder RZ4E-TC diesel engine. This smaller (but more powerful) unit is a direct replacement for the older model’s 2.5-litre mill, and is part of the brand’s BluePower family of diesel engines.

According to Isuzu, the new BluePower motor powering the 2019 D-Max boasts 19 percent lower fuel consumption, while internal friction within the engine has been slashed by 37 percent. Meanwhile, the 3.0-litre four-banger with variable geometry turbo from before continues as it is, putting out the same 175 hp at 3,600 rpm and 380 Nm from around 1,800 rpm. Transmission choice for this mill comes in the form of either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic.

As for the new diesel engine, its details are as follows…

2019 Isuzu D-Max engine and transmission:

Engine	1.9-litre, 4-cylinder, common-rail diesel injection with variable geometry turbo and DOHC
Transmission	6-speed automatic/6-speed manual
Power	148 hp at 3,600 rpm
Torque	350 Nm between 1,800 - 2,600 rpm
Claimed Fuel Economy	12.5 kmpl

The all-new BluePower oil-burner found in the 2019 Isuzu D-Max is not only lighter than the unit it replaces but when combined with the new 6-speed transmission, it also allows the pick-up truck to be quicker than before. According to the Japanese automaker, the BluePower-equipped, four-wheel drive D-Max with the 6-speed manual ‘box can do the 0 to 100 kmph sprint in 13.9 seconds. Meanwhile, the D-Max variants with 6-speed automatic tranny are capable of performing the same feat in 13.7 seconds. These new figures represent an improvement of 1.1 and 1.6 seconds, respectively over the older model.

2019 Isuzu D-Max dimensions:

Measurements	2019 Isuzu D-Max (Single Cab)	2019 Isuzu D-Max (Double Cab)
Length	5,215 mm	5,295 mm
Width	1,860 mm	1,860 mm
Height	1,780 mm	1,785 mm
Wheelbase	3,095 mm	3,095 mm
Ground Clearance	225 mm	235 mm

Exterior

The 2019 Isuzu D-Max specs sheet tells that it is available in six different color options, of which, shades such as Magnum White, Silky White Pearl, Stallion Black and Titan Silver remain just as they were. However, Isuzu has introduced two new colours for 2019, which are Red Spinel Mica and Sapphire Blue Mica.

In terms of its exterior styling, not much has been changed on the 2019 D-Max when compared to the previous iteration from around three years ago. To begin with, the front fascia of the new 2019 Isuzu D-Max sports a revised grille that now extends right into the headlamps. Speaking of which, the headlamps are now full-LED units and are also accompanied by stylish, L-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs).

On higher variants of the 2019 D-Max, the side profile of the pick-up is dominated by bold-looking 18-inch alloy wheels that now don a revised 12-spoke layout. On the variants that are powered by the new diesel engine, there are prominent ‘1.9 BluePower’ decals on the sides and at the rear on the tailgate.

Interior

So what’s new on the inside of the 2019 Isuzu D-Max? Well, if you are someone who is looking for a fresh new design, you won’t really find that here. That’s because the tweaks made to the interior of the 2019 Isuzu D-Max aren’t all that drastic; not to mention that most of the new stuff can only be seen in the top-spec variants.
However, the changes that have been made are not entirely inconsequential.

Isuzu has tried to improve upon the quality of the 2019 D-Max’s interior by adding some soft-touch materials on certain parts of the cabin. These higher-quality soft touch-points include the armrests on the doors and the one in between the front passenger & driver, the area right above the instrument cluster and the covering of the upper glovebox.

Variants

For 2019, Isuzu currently offers a total of eleven different variants within the D-Max line-up. Out of these, nine are sold in Double Cab forms while the remaining two comprise of Single Cab trims. Out of these, only three variants of the 2019 D-Max are powered by the 3.0-litre engine -- the rest are all equipped with the new 1.9-litre four-popper.

Furthermore, the D-Max variants with the 3.0-litre mill are all fitted as standard with four-wheel drive (4WD). Out of the total eleven variants, seven can only be had with a manual gearbox -- out of which five are powered by the new 1.9-litre engine, while the remaining two get the 3.0-litre motor. As for the variants that are fitted with an automatic transmission, only one gets the 3.0-litre engine, whilst the remaining three automatics sport the 1.9-litre unit under the bonnet.

2019 Isuzu D-Max price:

2019 D-Max variants	Price
1.9L 4X2 MT Low-Ride (Double Cab)	RM 80,149
1.9L 4X4 MT (Single Cab)	RM 85,799
1.9L 4X2 MT High-Ride (Double Cab)	RM 86,699
3.0L 4X4 MT (Single Cab)	RM 92,838
1.9L 4X4 MT Type-B (Double Cab)	RM 96,699
1.9L 4X2 AT Hi-Ride (Double Cab)	RM 100,049
1.9L 4X4 AT Type-B (Double Cab)	RM 104,599
1.9L 4X4 MT-P (Double Cab)	RM 105,999
3.0L 4X4 MT Type-B (Double Cab)	RM 106,738
1.9L 4X4 AT-P (Double Cab)	RM 115,799
3.0L 4X4 AT-P (Double Cab)	RM 120,838

So, that's 2019 Isuzu D-Max price and variant list. Is the pickup priced right? Well, with the range commencing from RM 80,149, the 2019 Isuzu D-Max is considerably cheaper than rivals such as the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Nissan Navara. And while the new Mitsubishi Triton, costing from RM 78,890, is even more affordable, the fully-loaded variant of that vehicle costs significantly more (at RM 137,900) than a similarly-equipped 2019 D-Max.

Isuzu Malaysia will offer the new 2019 D-Max with a comprehensive 5-year/150,000-kilometre warranty. However, if you were to buy the new D-Max prior to October 31st this year, you will benefit from a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty along with a free 8-year/80,000-kilometre maintenance package for Double Cab models, with Single Cab variants being offered with a 6-year/60,000-kilometre free maintenance deal.

Equipment list and safety features

The 2019 Isuzu D-Max may not be the most luxurious car on the road, but it can be had with some nifty features. Some of these come in the form of:

• Bi-LED projector headlamps
• LED daytime running lights (DRLs)
• Front fog lamps
• Power-adjustable & power-folding wing mirrors
• Automatic climate control
• Part-leather seat upholstery
• 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, Wi-Fi, smartphone mirroring, AUX, USB, iPod, and Bluetooth connectivity.
• 8-speaker sound system
• Rear parking sensors with a reversing camera

Apart from these, there’s also keyless entry with push-button start, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, 6-way adjustable front seats, split-folding rear seats, and a color multi-information driver’s display to name a few other features.

On the safety front, the new 2019 D-Max specs sheet gets more equipment than before. Overall, the list includes some of the following items:

• Six airbags (front, front side, and curtain)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force
• Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Hill Descent Control (HDC)
• Hill Start Assist (HSA)
• ISOFIX rear-seat anchor points

Final words

While the new 2019 Isuzu D-Max may not be an “all-new” model as such, the Japanese marque has applied their appreciable expertise to make this iteration far more appealing in the overall sense. The company also claims that they have made the D-Max more refined with improved durability and lower emissions. Along with all that, the 2019 Isuzu D-Max now comes with better safety equipment and convenience features, quieter cabin experience and as can be expected of Isuzu, a competitive pricing strategy as well.

Also Read: RM 17K raised for Sarawak Charities by team Isuzu