12/04/2026

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powered by SCAN ME Improved & efficient SUNDAY | APR 12, 2026

D-Max gets bigger, better engine with upgrades across the board

BY DINESH APPAVU

MENTION pick-up trucks and the Isuzu D-Max will undoubtedly pop up, being one of the popular models in the segment due to its robustness and fuel efficiency. Now, Isuzu Malaysia has refreshed the range with the introduction of a new 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine that brings further improvements, alongside a Malaysian-first

automatic vari ant of the work ing-class single cab variant The latest

A redesigned light cluster and signature.

The D-Max pick up only required some minor touches for a cosmetic refresh.

2.2-litre turbodiesel engine registers improvement in every aspect over the out going 1.9-litre version, in terms of power, torque, drivability and refinement as well as fuel efficiency. Its numbers are impressive, producing 8.7% more power over the 1.9-litre engine at 163PS and 14.3% more torque with a flat 400Nm between a very usable 1,600 2,400rpm. When compared against the marginal annual road tax variance of RM172 com pared to the 1.9-litre, the improvements are significant. “More than half of the maximum torque is generated from 1,000rpm, giving the new model plenty of low-end grunt making it supremely pleasurable to drive,” said Isuzu Malaysia’s chief operating offi cer Kenichi Kudo. “Coupled to this, the new engine comes paired with a new 8-speed automatic gear box with sequential shift, bringing a new level of driving dynamics be it for business or leisure.” The flagship of the range will continue to be the heavy-hitting 3.0-litre X-Terrain while the new 2.2-litre mill will drop into the highly popular Premium 4×4, 4×2 Auto Plus and the bestseller Standard 4×4. Alongside the new engine is a Malaysian first in the form of an automatic single-cab variant. The D-Max 2.2L Single Cab Auto will run the same 8-speed automatic as the rest of the range but with a revised final drive to better match its greater payload capabilities. It is also equipped with the Rough

Changes at the rear are minimal. With the most noticeable being the new 2.2TD emblem.

Mercury Silver Metallic, a refreshing change compared to the Splash White that almost every other single-cab pick ups are coloured with. Setting the automatic single-cabs apart from the manual version are body-col oured bumpers that makes a huge differ ence in aesthetics. There are also minor equipment updates across the range. This includes a new 10-inch infotainment system for the X-Terrain, Premium and 4×2 Auto Plus models while the Standard variant receives a new 7-inch head unit and Tailgate Assist. Rough Terrain Mode is now standard across the board in all 4×4 models including the Single Cab 4×4 Manual. DID THEY JUST BORE OUT THE OLD ENGINE? Not even remotely close. It is thor oughly reworked with a new block. Isuzu are not shy about tooting their own horns when it comes to diesel engine architec

Redesigned side steps.

lifted D-Max also sports new light clus ters, grille, rims and side steps for a cos metic refresh. For the colour swatch, Isuzu have added two new shades, Inishmore Green Metallic and Obsidian Gray Mica, though they are limited to selected variants. On top of that, the 2.2L Single Cab Auto is also available with the option of

Terrain Mode, Isuzu’s off-road traction control system for improved dirt road driving. If all that was not impressive enough, the entire 2.2-litre D-Max range is also Euro 5 emission compliant. WHAT ELSE IS NEW? Aside from the new engine, the face