FIRST LOOKS

Only exterior difference for the D-MAX 2.5 is the absence of foglights in the front bumper. At the rear, there are also no reverse sensors provided.

Aiming to capitalise on the continuing interest in the D-MAX, Isuzu Malaysia has added a 2.5-litre turbodiesel version to the range which began with only the 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine. However, unlike the D-MAX with the bigger engine, this new version is not a 4x4 but a 4x2 and only with manual transmission, suggesting that the company is targeting buyers who have more urban applications, eg small traders and individuals who just want something different from a passenger car.

The availability of a 2.5-litre engine has been necessary since all its rivals have this displacement and until very recently, it was also a more practical displacement because the 3-litre size meant that the roadtax was pretty high. This has changed now because the government announced a 40% reduction in roadtax for diesel Green Engines (those meeting the required emission control standard) which are 1.6 litres or larger. This has enabled Isuzu Malaysia to price the D-MAX 2.5 at RM67,837 (without insurance, Peninsula Malaysia, private registration), RM15,833 cheaper than the cheapest 3-litre D-MAX which has 4x2 and automatic transmission. Compared to the 3-litre 4x4 with manual transmission, the price difference is RM17,397. The roadtax for the D-MAX 2.5 is RM1,037.10, which should be easier to pay than the RM1,996.10 for the bigger version.

At a glance, the new version looks no different from the D-MAX 3.0 but there is one item which is not present – foglights in the front bumper. Side-steps, which are fitted standard to the larger-engined version, are also optional for the 2.5. Inside, the same spacious cabin is provided and again, there is only one difference evident and that is in the audio head unit (no MP3 capability). In the D-MAX 3.0, it is a 2-DIN size but in the 2.5, it is 1-DIN. The buttons for engaging 4x4 are also not present on the dashboard.

In other respects, the equipment level is equally high and apart from the different audio head unit mentioned, there has been no other ‘de-contenting’. This means that the occupants get all the useful amenities which would be welcome on journeys to the seaside as well as for the daily commute to work. These include storage spaces that include a nicely-sized box between the front seats , power windows, central locking and of course, cupholders.

On the mechanical side, apart from not having a transfer case to deliver torque to the front wheels for 4x4, the D-MAX 2.5 also lacks airbags, ABS and a reverse sensor, all of which come as standard on the 3.0. Clearly, Isuzu Malaysia is aiming to win over more customers on price and given that many Malaysians do respond well to lower prices, this strategy may work.

2.5-litre turbodiesel engine should offer adequate performance since the drivetrain is only 4x2, reducing weight.	4x2 means no transaxle and transfer case at the front

The 2.5-litre turbodiesel is a 4-cylinder unit (not common rail) and employs direct injection. It is believed that the delay in its introduction was because of the need to tune it to Malaysian fuel quality levels which are lower than those in Thailand. Power output is 79 ps at 3900 rpm with 179 Nm of torque at 1800 rpm. Without a front transaxle and transfer case, the D-MAX 2.5 is lighter (GVW = 2650 kgs) and so straightline performance should be quite brisk even with a smaller displacement,

Cabin appointments mostly the same as D-MAX 3.0 but the audio head unit is 1-DIN.

Sportsbar is available as optional accessory

It is an established fact that diesels are very economical to run, more so since the fuel is cheaper than petrol, and Isuzu Malaysia has also proven that the D-MAX 2.5 can excel in this area by conducting an ‘economy run’ recently. The test vehicle, scrutinised by the AAM to ensure it was completely standard (no extra air in tyres and no special tuning), was driven from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru and then up to Sg Petani in Kedah and back to KL – without refuelling of the 76-litre tank at all for some 1,400 kms.

Besides the two Isuzu Malaysia employees who drove the vehicle, there was also an AAM official at all times to ensure that they drove normally (no coasting) and did not switch off the air-conditioner. The fuel tank lid was also sealed by the AAM with a label to ensure that there would be no tampering.

"The test was a way of showing the excellent fuel consumption of the new D-MAX 2.5 model," said K. Kondo, CEO of Isuzu Malaysia, at the media preview at Montfort Boys Home in Shah Alam, Selangor, this morning. “While the drivers in the test vehicle were aiming for the best possible consumption, I am sure that when driving conscientiously, anyone can expect to achieve excellent fuel consumption with this new Isuzu model.”

The chassis is a robust frame which has been engineered for enhanced rigidity to minimise torsional distortion. Not only does this improve long-term durability but it also benefits handling as it helps to keep the vehicle more stable during cornering. The leafspring suspension has also been tuned to suit Malaysian conditions and load requirements.

For rubber, the D-MAX 2.5 uses 245/70 tyres on sporty 16-inch alloy rims (same as D-MAX 3.0). The tyres on the display vehicles were Goodyear Wranglers with the HP pattern which is oriented for highway use and offer better comfort. For those who may want to venture deep into the jungle on soft terrain, a switch to more appropriate off-road tyres would be a good idea.

Like with D-MAX 3.0, the 2.5 is also assembled at the MTB plant in Pekan, Pahang, and buyers can choose from four colours. As with the other versions, it carries a 3-year/100,000-km warranty (whichever comes first).

This standard D-MAX 2.5 was driven 1,400 kms on a single tank of fuel. The run was certified by an AAM observer who accompanied the crew throughout and even the fuel tank lid was sealed to prevent tampering.

Unusual vehicle spotted at D-MAX event. It is the Isuzu MU-7 which rides on the same platform as the D-MAX and is a 7-seater SUV. It is made and sold only in Thailand at the moment where it challenges the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest. Isuzu Malaysia staff would only say that it’s the CEO’s car and that there are no firm plans yet to offer it in Malaysia… but they will certainly be keen to know what people think of it!