This newly-facelifted Isuzu D-Max lands locally with a stylish new face and more tech toys within.
Following on from its global debut in October last year, the facelifted iteration of Isuzu’s third-generation D-Max has since recently landed locally. This mid-life update to the Japanese automaker’s popular pickup has brought with it some minor styling tweaks, in addition to a few new tech toys.
Starting with the styling tweaks first, the entire front end of this facelifted D-Max receives a new facial treatment that is headlined by a redesigned 3D-look front grille. This aggressive snout is then flanked by a new pair of headlights and a new hood with a power bulge, which is then finished off by a mildly revised bumper with air-curtains on its sides.
Down the profile of this newly updated pickup meanwhile are new alloy wheel designs (17- or 18-inches depending on trim), with there also now to be a new tailgate featuring a more pronounced integrated spoiler round its rump, as well as revised taillight graphics with three-level L-shaped styling too. The aforementioned tailgate is to be lockable on the flagship X-Terrain variant of this newly updated D-Max as well, with this range-topper further netting branded puddle lights for that extra premium touch.
Moving on inside now, this freshly refreshed D-Max nets the usual seat pattern and trim changes. Isuzu has also gave this pickup a new e-Lumax multi-info display (MID) within its gauge cluster, along with USB-C ports replacing the outgoing Type A units.
Mid-spec D-Max variants (Auto Plus and Premium) of this updated Isuzu D-Max further nets a 9-inch central infotainment touchscreen, growing from the 7-incher that came before. The flagship X-Terrain meanwhile features a 10-inch system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, to complement the new interior ambient lighting and LED illuminated scuff plates.
And while on the topic of the range-topping D-Max too, this flagship Isuzu pickup gains a new stereo camera that boasts a wider 120° view. This in turn brings improvements to the autonomous emergency braking (AEB) feature within its revised Allsight active safety suite, which most notably now also includes Rear Cross Traffic Brake (RCTB) and a 360º surround view camera with a 3D view function on this top trim as well.
As for what lies under the hood of this updated D-Max, this Isuzu is to still be powered by the same pair of 1.9-litre or 3.0-litre turbodiesel four-pots as before, albeit now in Euro 4 compliant guises now. The smaller oil burner outputs 150 hp and 350 Nm of torque, while the more potent 3.0-litre unit is rated for 190 hp and 450 Nm of torque.
The same 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions continue to also send power to either the rear or all four wheels of this refreshed D-Max, but there is nevertheless a new Rough Terrain Mode for the 4×4 Double Cab trims of this updated Isuzu. With the mode activated — be it in 2H, 4H or 4L — Isuzu claims for traction to be enhanced significantly, with the vehicle managing power distribution seamlessly.
There are currently 8 variants of the newly updated D-Max available locally, with on-the-road prices without insurance in Peninsula Malaysia ranging from RM 98,949.20 for the 1.9-litre Single Cab to RM 157,938.40 flagship X-Terrain. Isuzu proudly proclaims for Malaysia to be the third country (after Thailand and Australia) to receive this refreshed pickup, with hopefully the same to be true too when its upcoming all-electric iteration is finally launched in the rather near future.
In the meantime, to share the Isuzu Experience with prospective buyers, Isuzu Malaysia is currently conducting a nationwide launch of the newly revised Isuzu D-Max at all its dealerships. Those who come to experience the VR(!) or physical test drive of the flagship X-Terrain between May 15th and June 30th 2024 will receive an exclusive gift.
