Thursday, April 02, 2026

A Totally new generation of Isuzu D-MAX 2.2L turbocharged diesel engines arrive replacing the 1.9l turbodiesel in the latest round of D-MAX upgrades - ALso Malaysia’s first Automatic Single Cab joins the D-MAX pick up truck line-up

 



Yesterday, the new 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel-powered Isuzu D-MAX had its Malaysian launch. An-award winning pick-up truck, the Isuzu D-MAX already offers a significant number of benefits to owners. In particular, its excellent fuel efficiency (important especially in times like this when diesel prices have gone up and up), dependability, performance and its overall versatility have all been exemplary traits that owners have come to adore. Add its good looks and well-specified comfort and safety kit make the Isuzu D-MAX one of the most complete and capable pick-up trucks in the market.

Of course, this latest major upgrade is down to the new engine. Faturing the latest 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine that registers improvement in every aspect over the 1.9-litre version; from power, torque, driveability and refinement to fuel efficiency, eco-friendliness and reliability. It is so technologically advanced, it is quickly being touted as ‘Isuzu’s Best Engine ever! The engine capacity may be larger, but most of the time, added cubic centimeters of engine is welcome especially if you want to do some heavy duty load carrying or driving on rough terrain also.

The new, larger sized engine produces 8.7% more power over the older 1.9-litre engine at 163PS at 3,600rpm. It also has a better  torque output by 14.3 %  now making 400Nm mark between 1,600rpm to 2,400rpm.The entire 2.2-litre Isuzu D-MAX range fully complies with Euro 5 exhaust emission standards making it one of the greenest pick-up trucks in its class.

 Chief Executive Officer of Isuzu Malaysia Tomoyuki Yamaguchi stated at the launch, “Our 1.9-litre Isuzu D-MAX range has been very popular among users who come away impressed with its ability to make every journey a smooth, comfortable and efficient one. Today, we bring a new level of performance and driving pleasure with the introduction of the all-new 2.2- litre turbocharged diesel powered Isuzu D-MAX range. I believe Malaysian motorists will appreciate that the new model boasts improved driving character while offering greater fuel efficiency,” said Yamaguchi.

“Significantly, 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. Coupled to this, the new engine comes paired with a new 8-speed automatic gearbox with sequential shift, bringing a new level of driving dynamics be it for business or leisure,” added Isuzu Malaysia’s Chief Operating Officer Kenichi Kudo.

The flagship of the Isuzu D-MAX range will continue to be the X-Terrain powered exclusively by the famed 3.0L engine while the 2.2L engine comes in from the highly-popular Premium 4x4 variant. As always, the reason for the large sized engine is partly to do with East Malaysia, where they favour large capacity engines. This will be followed by the 4x2 Auto Plus and the best-selling variant of the range, the Standard 4x4 model.

Joining the line-up will be Malaysia’s first Single Cab to feature an automatic transmission. The Isuzu D-MAX 2.2L Single Cab Auto will share the same 8-speed automatic gearbox with the rest of the 2.2-litre range albeit with a revised final drive to match up to its greater payload capabilities. It also receives the Rough Terrain Mode, Isuzu’s off-road traction control system that makes dirt driving easier.

Apart from the engines, the new 2026 Isuzu D-MAX also receives a number of updates including new light clusters, grille, rims and side steps. Noticeably, the new models feature two additional colours namely Inishmore Green Metallic and Obsidian Gray Mica available in selected variants.

The 2.2L Single Cab Auto is also available with the option of Mercury Silver Metallic apart from Splash White, which was the only option previously. The automatic variants enjoy body-coloured bumpers for a more contemporary outlook.


In addition, the 2026 Isuzu D-MAX range further receives upgrades notably a new 10” infotainment system (as seen below) for the X-Terrain, Premium and 4x2 Auto Plus models. The Standard variant receives a new 7” head unit (above) and now comes with Tailgate Assist. Rough Terrain Mode is now standard across the board in all 4x4 models including the Single Cab 4x4 Manual.


Based on the fresh appeal of its design, the new driving dynamics, improved fuel economy and marginal road tax variance of RM 172.00 compared to the 1.9L in Peninsular Malaysia, the all- new 2.2L turbocharged diesel-powered Isuzu D-MAX is expected to continue carrying the mantle as the volume model for Isuzu.

Prices start from RM103,121.20 on the road without insurance for the new Isuzu D-MAX 2.2L Single Cab (M) in Peninsular Malaysia; RM 105,204.60 in Sabah; RM 105,267.60 in Sarawak while the Isuzu D-MAX 2.2L Premium 4x4 is priced at RM 141,821.20 in Peninsular Malaysia; RM 144,804.60 in Sabah; RM 144,867.60 in Sarawak.

All 2026 Isuzu D-MAX 2.2L and 3.0L variants come with a 20,000km/2-year free periodic maintenance service package and enjoy a 150,000km or 5-year warranty except for the flagship X-Terrain that enjoys a class-leading 7-year unlimited mileage warranty.\\ 

The new 2026 Isuzu D-MAX models will be available at authorized Isuzu showrooms nationwide at the date of its official launch.






No comments: