2021 Isuzu D-Max: Variants explained

Isuzu Malaysia has been teasing the 2021 D-Max for long time and now it has finally launched the all-new D-Max in its lineup, making it a great opportunity for prospective pickup buyers to check out the new model. From the outer surface, it is clear that the 2021 model has been upgraded in every which way possible from design, performance, to safety.

As the caption reads, we’ll be discussing the new D-Max variants and what all of them have to offer. So, that a buyer can make an informed decision.

So, let’s get started with the 2021 D-Max variants and their prices -

1.9L 4X4 Single Cab	RM 88,599
3.0L 4X4 Single Cab	RM 95,538
1.9L 4x4 MT Standard Twin Cab	RM 99,599
1.9L 4x4 AT Standard Twin Cab	RM106,999
1.9L 4x4 MT Premium Twin Cab	RM 121,549
3.0L 4x4 AT Premium Twin Cab	RM 128,038
3.0L 4X4 AT X-Terrain	RM 141,938

 

The all-new D-Max is offered in four variants including seven trims (yes, that many), it includes two single cab and five twin cab options

All the D-Max trims except the X-Terrain come with a 5-year or 150,000 km warranty as standard. The range-topping X-terrain, on the other hand, gets a 7-year unlimited mileage warranty coverage.

Also, it is clear from the trim names that the 2021 D-Max is offered in two engine options - 1.9L diesel and 3.0L turbo. The former is a tried & tested common-rail four-cylinder diesel mill which is now refined and revised for better throttle response. It makes a maximum power of 150 PS and a peak torque of 350 Nm. Next up is an upgraded 3.0-litre engine with enhanced output (13 PS and 70 Nm) thanks to a new engine head and turbocharger. It generates 190 PS of power and 450 Nm of torque. Also, it's clear from the variants name that all of them benefit from a 4x4 drivetrain and depending on the trim are available with either 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox.

While the new D-Max variants vary from one another slightly, in terms of design and features, there are a few aspects that remain common. For instance, all of them are based on the company’s new Dynamic Drive Platform that offers enhanced driving stability, structural rigidity, crash protection, and reduced NVH levels.

Other common improvements include -

• 30 mm more wheelbase
• Wider rear door apertures (calling for better ingress and egress)
• 24 degree seat back angle
• 20 mm more rear shoulder space
• Larger brakes
• Tweaked suspension geometry
• Improved aerodynamics
• Taller cargo walls with redesigned cargo bay
• Larger underbody cover (leading to lower turbulence)
• Cleaner body lines (for smoother air flow)
• 1.5 mm thick underbody steel skid plate
• 6 mm steel sump guard for gearbox and engine

2021 Isuzu D-Max variants and what they have on offer -

2021 D-Max Single Cab

Both the Single Cab trims feature the same specs, except for the powertrain differences details of which are given above. On the outside, the D-Max single cab version features black front grille, halogen reflector headlights (with Follow Me Home), and unpainted bumper at the front.

The side features power-adjustable ORVMs with unpainted caps, black door handles, and 16-inch steel wheels with 205R16C tyres. The rear gets unpainted bumper, and halogen tail lamps.

Isuzu is offering the single cab version in only one colour option - Splash White and a full-sized spare wheel is part of the kit as well.

On the inside, the entry-level pickup features a four-spoke urethane steering wheel, analogue instrument cluster with 3.5-inch LCD monochrome display, 1-DIN head unit with USB and CD support, manual single-zone climate control, vinyl seat upholstery with four-way adjustability, power windows with auto wind down for driver, assist handles, two speakers, and rubberised floor tray.

The driver and passenger safety is taken care by several active and passive safety features including two front airbags, ABS with EBD & BA, traction control system, electronic stability control, hill descent control, hill start assist, emergency stop signal, and brake override system.

2021 D-Max Standard

The Standard trim is offered in two trim options - 1.9L 4X4 MT and 1.9L 4X4 AT. Apart from the transmission changes, the two trims differ from one another on the exterior lighting front. The automatic trim gets Bi-LED projector headlights with ‘Follow Me Home’ function and bulb DRLs while the MT version comes with multi-projector halogen units. Available as standard is 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 255/65 tyres, body-coloure ORVM caps with integrated LED turn indicators, body-coloured door handles, matte grey front grille, and painted bumpers.

The twin cab body style pickup is offered in five exterior hues including - Sapphire Blue, Splash White, Mercury Silver, Onyx Black, and Valencia Orange.

The cabin benefits from tilt & telescopic steering, 12V, 120 watt power socket, all-four power windows with auto wind down for driver, carpet mats, woven-texture fabric upholstery, six-way adjustable driver seat, four-adjustable front passenger seat, 2-DIN head unit with Bluetooth, CD, & USB support, 4.2-inch colour LCD e-Lumax instrument cluster, six speakers, rear air vents with USB charging ports, speed-sensing auto door lock, and assist handles on A- & B-pillar.

Along with the safety items present in the single cab versions, this one gets four reverse parking sensors, ISOFIX with top tethers, and child protection safety lock for rear doors.

2021 Isuzu D-Max Premium

The D-Max Premium versions feature chrome front grille, automatic bi-LED projector headlights with “Follow Me Home” function, front and rear LED fog lamps, LED combination tail lights, 18-inch alloy wheels with 265/60 all-terrain tyres (18-inch steel spare tyre with 265/60 profile tyre), chrome side mirror with integrated LED turn indicators, chrome door and tailgate handles, silver side steps, and tailgate assist.

Colour options: Silky Pearl White, Valencia Orange, Onyx Black, Mercury Silver, and Sapphire Blue

The cabin is fitted with a 7-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Miracast, MirrorLink, WiFi, USB and Bluetooth support. It also gets eight speakers with roof-mounted tweeters, automatic dual-zone climate control, welcome light, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, keyless entry with push-start button, walk-Away Door Lock, front sun visors with sunglass holder, black combination leather seats with six-way adjustability for driver and four-way for front passenger (six-way in AT model), power windows for all four doors with auto up/down with anti-pinch for driver, electrochromic rear-view mirror, leather gear knob with satin chrome trimming, and black soft-touch plastics on the instrumentation, centre console and door panels.

The Premium model safety kit adds blind spot monitoring system, reverse camera, rear cross-traffic alert, four rear parking sensors, and passive cruise control.

2021 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain

It's easy to distinguish the X-Terrain trim from the rest of the D-Max models. It features top-class exterior, interior, and safety features that justify its RM 141,938 price tag.

Its front fascia features auto-levelling bi-LED headlights, dark grey grille, LED DRLs, LED fog maps, aerofoil wipers with integrated spray nozzle, and silver bumper. The side profile features the striking 18-inch dark grey alloy wheels covered with 265/60 all-terrain tyres, roof rails, dark grey side steps, dark grey ORVM caps, over fenders, and door handles, and infrared-cut front windows and windscreen. The rear gets LED combination lamps, silver bumper, tailgate assist, and sliding cargo tray.

On the inside, a 9-inch touchscreen information display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Miracast, MirrorLink, WiFi, USB and Bluetooth connectivity takes care of driver and passenger needs. It also gets remote engine start, 8-way power adjustable driver seat with lumbar support. Giving it a premium look and feel is the brown leather seat and dash upholstery.

Included in its long list safety kit is an Adaptive Cruise Control with stop and go function, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, automatic high beam assist, anti-theft alarm system with key-coded immobiliser, pedal misapplication mitigation system, turn assist, manual speed limiter, lane departure warning, multi-collision brake, and seven airbags with driver’s knee airbag.

Overall, all the four Isuzu D-Max variants differ for one another distinctly, giving customers a wide range of options to choose from depending on their requirement.

Also Read: After ANCAP, Euro NCAP awards 5-star safety rating to Isuzu D-MAX