Isuzu Malaysia has launched their D-Max pickup truck with the new RZ4E 1.9liter turbo diesel engine. A very compact, efficient and robust diesel engine for pick-up trucks as well as the smallest in terms of engine capacity (but not performance) to be sold here in Malaysia today. Aside from launching the 2019 Isuzu D-Max 1.9 liter Blue Power, they've also introduced a slightly refreshed D-Max 3.0liter designed for those that still want a large displacement engine.
Both the 1.9l and the 3.0l D-Max in high spec look identical on the outside, but the 3.0 also comes with 6 airbags instead of 2 but while it has a 30Nm more torque, and some more power, it has 1 gear less with 5 speed instead of a 6 speed automatic transmission. So it may be quite a close call, Isuzu Malaysia feels there is still a market for the big boy. Most likely because the folks over in Sabah and Sarawak actually appreciate cubic capacity over anything else (and they have cheaper road tax too!).
According to Isuzu, the new 1898cc engine surpasses all its design parameters despite its small displacement by increasing engine performance, durability and better economy, lower NVH, lower friction and operating cost. All of this has resulated in the 1.9- litre Isuzu D-Max being the very first pick-up truck in the country to be certified based on UN Regulations 101 with the Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) status by the Road Transport Department of Malaysia (JPJ). Because of that, the prices for this pickup truck is quite impressive, with the low rider spec coming in at RM80,000 to RM115,000 approx for the 1.9l and RM119,000+ for the 3.0l. Attractive pricing (the full prices are in the photos below at the end).
CEO of Isuzu Malaysia Mr Koji Nakamura said that the new Isuzu D- Max 1.9-litre Blue Power combined cutting-edge technology and Isuzu know-how to provide users with the ideal combination of durability, performance and economy.
“Pick-up truck users place a high demand on their vehicles to help them get the job done. They require trucks that are intrinsically capable, operating with minimum fuss or cost. In this respect, the new Isuzu D-Max offers excellent value from its enhanced performance, lower fuel consumption, lower operating costs and with the road tax structure in many parts of Malaysia, lower road tax too,” said Mr Nakamura at the launch.
One interesting detail on this engine is that it was first introduced over in Thailand during the 2015 facelift of the D-Max. The engine is a completely new unit designed in-house by Isuzu and it features a lot of interesting technology which allows this small and lightweight turbo diesel engine to produce 150hp and 350Nm of torque. Note that the larger 3.0liter engine produces a little bit more, with the torque only at 380Nm. So coupled with the new 6 speed transmission (vs the 3.0's 5 speed automatic transmission), the new 1.9liter D-Max is indeed a marvel in some ways.
You may ask why it had taken Isuzu Malaysia quite a while to bring this engine here but it is all about market acceptance and also whether the engine is suitable for our diesel. Isuzu Malaysia probably wanted to be very sure as if you note, diesel in Thailand is different from the one here. In Thailand, the B20 biodiesel does not run a palm oil based system whereas, the B10 here, is a palm oil based biodiesel. So sometimes, these things take time to get it right.
On a similar note for Malaysian B20 biodiesel, if introduced here, Isuzu Malaysia said that a small retrofit of a different fuel rail hose would be needed for this 1.9liter once if it is introduced. It would take about an hour and a half if this B20 biodiesel happens. No big deal though.
Now back to the new D-Max pickup trucks! The 2019 D-Max seems well engineered when I first viewed it. The engine is about 56kg lighter than the 2.5 turbodiesel it replaces. This is down to everything being slightly smaller in all dimensions - the block is still cast iron so it is all down to pretty good engineering at work here also. This would also improve the turn-in and overall handling of the D-Max from the looks of it.
The 2019 D-Max also seems to have been better put together inside with a little bit better quality of materials used than before. More like their MU-X interior in terms of how it feels. Aside from that, the optional one finger, easy lift tailgate is a must on every pickup. With the slide out tray as an option, these two items make loading and unloading a breeze.
Isuzu Malaysia is currently conducting a nationwide test drive campaign at all its dealerships where a mystery gift awaits all who test drive the new 1.9-litre Blue Power Isuzu D-Max between September 21 st and October 31 st 2019. Prospects will also receive a ticket that entitles them to be in the running for a Blue Fever lucky draw at the end of the promotional period. So go test drive one now.
Furthermore, those who actually purchase the new Isuzu D-Max during the promotional period from today till 31 st October 2019 will enjoy a special 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and a free maintenance package to be enjoyed over the next eight years, terms and conditions apply.
To extend the benefits of the new Isuzu D-Max to a wider audience, Isuzu Malaysia has
focused part of its range of eleven variants towards the business segment starting with the
new entry, the 1.9-litre low ride 4x2 manual that is directly aimed at serving the business
community. This is followed by the single cab models that come with 1.9-litre and 3.0-litre
engines, both with 4x4 drivetrain. Then come the double cab versions available in manual or
auto in basic (Type B) and premium trim. Joining this line up is the new 4x2 auto version
aimed at the urban user who does not require the 4x4 function. Top of the line are the 4x4
Auto Premium variants both with the 1.9-litre and 3.0-litre engines.
The new Isuzu D-Max not only offers impressive new driving dynamics from its Blue Power
1.9-litre engine, its outlook has also been enhanced to convey these properties with
distinctive new exterior paint colours available in the line-up including Sapphire Blue, Red
Spinel, Stallion Black, Titan Silver, Silky White Pearl and Magnum White.
Up front, the design of its distinctive grille with its blend of black and chrome, flows
seamlessly into the new headlight cluster that features bi-LED projector headlamps and LED
DRL. The headlamp throw can be manually adjusted by the driver according to the vehicle
load to avoid glare to on-coming road users. The bumper completes the bold new front end
with the redesigned inset fog lamp garnish.
Apart from the new body decal design, the new Isuzu D-Max distinctively carries a new 18-
inch alloy rim design that not only provides the vehicle with a sportier look, it provides
sharper handling to the Isuzu D-Max that already benefits from a 56kg reduction in weight of
the new engine. Automatically-folding door mirrors add to the convenience when parking in
tight spots.
To aid loading, Isuzu have also developed a soft-touch tailgate that is available as an option.
The mechanism uses a novel strut to control the opening speed of the tailgate while a
torsion bar makes lifting possible using just one finger.
To fully appreciate the six percent reduction in engine noise of the new 1.9-litre engine over
the current 2.5-litre version, Isuzu engineers made the new Isuzu D-Max interior more plush
by adding soft-feel material on major panels. Not only do these help absorb sound to make
the interior quieter, when matched to the dark interior trim and the new-design leather-fabric
combination seats, the new Isuzu D-Max’s interior takes on a more inviting and comfortable
outlook.
A high-speed USB charging port sits ahead of the gear selector and the Isuzu D-Max now
comes with a secondary port situated behind the centre compartment for rear passengers
allowing gadgets or mobile devices to remain well charged on any journey.
The gem in the new Isuzu D-Max must certainly be the 1898cc RZ4E-TC engine. Developed
internally over four years by Isuzu Motors in Japan, the engine boasts technical
breakthroughs that have resulted in a higher engine output of 150PS @ 3,600rpm (up by
10%) and 350Nm of torque (up by 9%) between 1,800 and 2,600rpm over the existing 2.5-
litre 4JK1-TCX.
While engine output has increased, there has been no sacrifice to Isuzu’s legendary fuel
economy or dependability. Tests conducted in Thailand even show a 19% improvement in
fuel economy while a reduction in internal friction by 37% suggests that there will be less
wear on engine components as well, thereby increasing the life expectancy of the engine.
Coupled to a new transmission system, the RZ4E offers a performance level that is superior
to the 2.5-litre from the get-go. With six forward cogs for both the manual and automatic
gearboxes, the new Isuzu D-Max makes the most use of the new engine characteristic to
provide improved acceleration and overtaking while offering relaxed cruising from its two
overdrive top gears.
The new Isuzu D-Max also features the inclusion of Hill Descent Control (HDC) making
descending steep or slippery slopes a less tricky task. New too is the Vehicle Launch Assist
Control that increases initial torque on gradients of 25% or more. Through this feature, the
vehicle is quicker off the mark without suffering the effects of turbo lag when accelerating
from idle.
For more information on the new Isuzu D-Max 1.9-litre Blue Power range, visit
www.isuzu.net.my/pickup or go to the official Facebook page @ISUZU.DMax.Malaysia.
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