For this reason, the truck manufacturers have to put in extra time and effort to refresh their products regularly to sustain interest, more so if rivals do a model change and grab attention in the market with an entirely new generation.

Isuzu’s D-MAX, though not due for a complete model change, has undergone a substantial upgrade for 2007 which has involved more than just cosmetic changes but also sheet metal changes. The truck looks the same as before – and it is one of those trucks that does look like a truck – but a closer viewing will show that there is a bolder front end. The wheelarches are more distinctly flared and there’s a more unitary design with the grille cowling and bumper having an integral construction.  This not only provides the new D-MAX with a more robust and stylish look but the reduced gaps also mean better aerodynamics.

Since its introduction in Malaysia, the D-MAX has had three different frontal appearances

Projector headlamps are said to be 14% brighter than halogens

Although aerodynamic concerns may not see necessary for a truck, Isuzu’s designers have nevertheless given some attention and this can be seen in the smooth steel sump-guard that not only protects the vulnerable parts under the vehicle but also acts as a wind deflector. The wheel arch too features its own deflectors to improve air flow around the wheels enhancing fuel efficiency by reducing drag and turbulence at high speeds.

At the rear, the new tailgate has revised accents and a more flowing design, complemented by a new bumper that features a step design, created to be more robust and easier to work with when loading items. The tail lights too have been updated with clear lenses that are in keeping with latest trends.

The new range is available in a choice of five colours: the two existing colours which are Starry Black Mica and Angelic White Solid, and three new metallic colours -  Mercury Silver, Eclipse Blue and Gamma Grey.

In the design brief for the 2007 upgrade, the aim was to take the D-MAX to a higher level in terms of image and this is very evident in the cabin. The trim and materials used are clearly of a higher grade. The original grey finish has given way to a classier ambience through the use of darker colours and accents that blend into each other. The seat and door material is a new ‘Raschel’ fabric and the angles and support padding of both the front and rear bench have been improved to provide greater comfort and support.

The darker-coloured dashboard features highlights on the air-conditioning vents and central console area. The vents themselves have been changed to a new round design that give the car a sportier outlook and these can be shut off completely if desired. For entertainment on the move, there’s a  new integrated 2DIN audio system with built-in CD-player and MP3/WMA capability (3-litre version) with sound reproduction through a 4-speaker, 2-tweeter system.

For the 4-speed automatic version, a new gear selector with titanium inserts is fitted while the 5-speed manual version gets a leather-wrapped gear knob. The new-look steering wheel is also wrapped in leather and offers improved feel and grip.

Another first-in-class for the new D-MAX is the electroluminescent meter panel (only on 3-litre version). This stylish display is highly legible in all lighting conditions, day and night. The new meter cluster also has an on-board computer function that provides trip information and outside temperature to the driver besides the twin trip meter function (which D-MAX owners greatly appreciate)

Additional conveniences include a dual-tier central console compartment that doubles up as a comfortable arm rest. A new Shift-lock button allows drivers to release the gear selector out of Park without the use of the ignition key if required especially when moving the car physically.

A new keyless-entry feature has been introduced in the new D-MAX and as a class first, all 3-litre versions get a new key-encoded immobilizer for additional security benefits to owners as a theft-prevention feature.

The new D-MAX features a dynamic suspension system with tuned leafsprings in the rear and a double wishbone and torsion bar set-up in the front, providing comfort and robustness at the same time. Of significance is the ladder frame of the truck which is the biggest among trucks in this class and has the most number of cross-members (7) of any pick-up truck available today. Apart from providing the D-MAX with greater, the rigidity of the frame reduces flex so handling is also better.

A power-assisted rack and pinion steering system translates inputs from the steering wheel into directional inputs at the wheels. Though there is debate on the durability of a rack and pinion system compared to a recirculating ball type, Isuzu believes it is tough enough as it has been used in over 800,000 D-MAX trucks sold worldwide since its introduction in 2002.

New for 2007 model is the use of larger front disc brake calipers – 45.5 mm now from  42.8 mm before. This gives a larger swept area, thus improving braking distances and also feel. The brake servo have also been increased in size to 9 inches diameter to increase braking force. The 3-litre versions come with ABS and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) for added braking stability, whatever the load.

The short overhang, the shortest in the pick-up market measuring just 770 mm, gives the D-MAX an advantage on undulating terrain. It can safely go up to 48-degree side-slip angles and cross broken tracks, thanks to  the ground clearance of 225 mm. A limited-slip differential (LSD) is standard on all 4WD versions for greater stability and control in slippery conditions.

The new 3-litre diesel engine with commonrail fuel delivery

Diesel engines are Isuzu’s strong point and the technology that makes them superior is available in the new 3.0-litre engine which has the i-TEQ Super Commonrail fuel system. Coded 4JJ1-TC, this long-stroke engine replaces the previous 4JH1-TC unit. The new engine has an identical displacement of 2999 cc. but features a new DOHC 16-valve aluminum cylinder head for improved breathing that leads to  more efficiency. The two camshafts are chain and gear-driven for a lifetime of maintenance-free operation and the cams themselves drive roller rockers for quieter and smoother operation, features which have made the Isuzu engine a popular choice of those who make great demands on engines.

Features such as melt-in cylinder liners that are hardened using a high-frequency induction process ensure that the cylinder walls remain tough and solid even after heavy and long operations.  Further design gems include a two-storey water jacket system to help dissipate heat efficiently and quickly especially when the engine performs under heavy load and the use of nickel composite alloy pistons that retain its shape and size for consistent and reliable operation.

Peak torque comes in from as low as 1200 rpm and is available till just past 3000 rpm

To keep combustion temperatures down, there is a diesel fuel cooler located under the body and this is a particularly handy feature in the tropics as lower temperature fuels atomize more efficiently creating cleaner burning.

Not surprisingly, the output of the engine is a respectable 100 kW/136 ps at 3400rpm, 4.2% higher than the old engine. Torque figures remain the same with 280 Nm for the manual versions and 294 Nm for the automatic but the manner in which the engine peaks is what makes the new engine stand apart. Maximum torque is available between 1200 rpm and 3400 rpm for the manual version and 1400 rpm and 3,000 rpm for the automatic version, so there’s always strong overtaking capability at almost any road speed.

The 2.5-litre 4JA1-L engine is unchanged from before and according to Kyoya Kondo, CEO of Isuzu Malaysia, the D-MAX 2.5 accounts for less than half (40%) of the D-MAX trucks sold in Malaysia. For this reason, it is targeted at a very specific segment and offered only as a 4x2 with manual transmission. Looking at the equipment list for this version, it seems clear that Isuzu Malaysia expects the majority of buyers to be businessmen who want it for doing work than for leisure. They would certainly appreciate it for its impressive fuel efficiency and low running costs (some have gone over a million kms without an overhaul).

Isuzu Malaysia is confident that the new D-MAX will boost sales this year and see the company exceeding its original target of 2,400 units for 2007. “We believe that we could even reach 2,800 units,” said Mr Kondo. He also revealed that Isuzu Motors will be taking majority share in the MTB plant in Pekan, Pahang. The Japanese company has had a minority stake in the plant for many years and will now have 51%. The plant, to be renamed Isuzu Hicom Malaysia Sdn Bhd, currently assembles the D-MAX, Isuzu commercial vehicles and also the Hicom Perkasa.

PRICES (including insurance, Peninsula Malaysia, metallic finish)
D-MAX 2.5 Manual 4X2 : RM71,475.30
D-MAX 3.0 Manual 4X4 : RM89,776.30
D-MAX 3.0 Auto 4X4 : RM96,758.30

• D-MAX sales higher in 2007
• Isuzu event proves D-MAX fuel efficiency