FIRST LOOKS

Eye-catching headlights would not look out of place on a car.

DI turbodiesel intercooler engine has a 3-litre displacement, half a litre more than rivals in Malaysian market.

Pushbutton convenience for selecting 4x2 and 4x4 which can be done while moving (high range only).

Mention pick-up and chances are many older people will wonder why you would want to own one unless you plan to spend time on a construction site or visit a logging camp? But to today’s generation of drivers, a pick-up is no longer just a utilitarian machine that has no business being in the ‘urban jungle’. In fact, it is ‘cool’ to be driving one and many do regard it as an alternative to owning a ‘boring’ sedan which almost everyone else has anyway.

No wonder than that the pick-up segment has been a growing one and more and more companies are introducing their offerings. Most have products which have gained prominence in Thailand – the second largest pick-up market in the world after the USA – but for the Malaysian market, they have had to add more comfort features and play down the workhorse image.

The latest pick-up to roll into town is the Isuzu D-MAX, one of the most popular models in the region and also sold globally. The locally-assembled D-MAX is the latest version of Isuzu’s pick-up and is the first product being distributed by newly-formed Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd. This company is majority owned by Isuzu with local partner DRB-HICOM Bhd having a 49% share. The shareholding reflects the increasing interest that manufacturers have in Malaysia that they now want to become more seriously involved in marketing activities.

Though there’s not much you can do with a pick-up body (although Toyota has done a fairly good job with its Hilux) but up front where the ‘face’ is, styling skills can make a difference. With the D-MAX, the frontal presentation is bold and has eye-catching headlights flanking a chromed grille. The back edge of the double cab also has a ‘built-in spoiler’ although it’s value is questionable on this sort of vehicle!

The D-MAX comes with only a 3.0-litre direct-injection turbodiesel engine (with intercooler) which produces 294 Nm of torque at 2000 rpm (280 Nm for the version with a manual transmission) and 96 kW/130 ps of power at 3800 rpm. A 2.5-litre engine is likely to also be available later on, we heard.

Both 4x4 and 4x2 drivetrains are available with manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions but the 4x2 is available only with the automatic transmission. This automatic transmission is optimised for driving on hilly terrain with its Grade Logic Control. The intelligent programming also makes sure that when driving downhill, a lower gear is used instead of top gear so that there is better engine braking.

For those who have always found operating the second lever for engaging 4x4 a hassle, the D-MAX does away with that requirement. Instead, you can do everything by pushing buttons; in the High range, you can go from 4x2 to 4x4 at speeds up to 100 km/h. When selecting Low range, however, it would be necessary to stop as the ratios are very low. Free-wheel hubs on the front wheels lock/unlock as needed when 4x4 is engaged while a limited-slip differential (LSD) maintains stability on slippery surfaces.

Like virtually all pick-ups (except a couple of new-generation types), the D-MAX rides on a chassis frame with independent front double wishbone suspension and a rigid axle with leafsprings at the rear, Rack and pinion steering (with power assistance) is used, another indication that sharp steering – which is more preferable for street driving – is of a higher priority than steering which is damped to reduce shocks from rough ground. In the latter case, recirculating ball steering has long been used but its drawback is lack of precision. For wheels, the D-MAX has 16-inch alloys with a 7-inch width and shod with 245/70R16 tyres.

Aiming to challenge the Ford Ranger in the area of occupant protection, the D-MAX comes with a full complement of safety features. Dual airbags are standard (except for the 4x4 with manual transmission) and so is ABS with EBD enhanced by a G-sensor. Each of the four doors has an anti-intrusion beam and the windscreen is of laminated glass. Also notable is the provision of a 3-point seatbelt for the middle passenger in the second row – the first pick-up in Malaysia with this type of seatbelt.

Can you believe this is a pick-up cabin?	Sporty instrument panel

Cargo bed appears a bit short but for many owners, perhaps that won’t be an issue.

The cabin has all the comforts of a sedan and even looks like one with fabric seats and door trim. Looking a bit odd in such a vehicle but which certainly will be appreciated by owners is the sporty instrument panel. The centre portion of the dashboard has well laid out controls and a 2-DIN audio system with a CD-player.

Isuzu Malaysia is confident that the D-MAX, which has prices starting from RM85,000.80 (without insurance) will get a good reception in Malaysia as it has in Thailand where it battles the Toyota Hilux and owns a big share of the market. In the remaining months of 2005, the company expects to sell at least 1,300 units to take 10% of the pick-up segment and aims to double its share within three years.

The company will concentrate on pick-ups for now but is considering SUVs and MPVs for introduction later on. It should be remembered that, though the Mitsubishi Pajero had greater prominence as the first ‘SUV’ in the early 1980s, it was actually the Isuzu Trooper which was the first SUV to be introduced here in 1982. The company also had some passenger cars in the 1980s, the ‘legendary’ one being the Gemini which was much loved by taxi drivers because it was tough and lasting. Towards the end of the 1980s, Isuzu ceased its efforts in making passenger cars to concentrate on SUVs and pick-ups but maintained a few car models which were actually Hondas (but not sold in Malaysia).