ISUZU D-MAX INTRODUCES 4X2 AUTO VARIANT
ISUZU D-MAX INTRODUCES 4X2 AUTO VARIANT
Kuala Lumpur, 12th October 2021 – Pick-up trucks have in the past been viewed as basic and purposeful vehicles that were developed to serve their masters regardless of working conditions. Most were considered noisy and smoky with crude and harsh cabins.
That notion has long been dispelled by manufacturers such as Isuzu who have invested considerably to develop vehicles that offer high levels of comfort, sophistication and convenience without needing to sacrifice its core strengths. After all, what’s the point of having the cake and not eating it?
The all-new third-generation Isuzu D-Max is the perfect embodiment of this advancement. It has blossomed into a bold, stylish and advanced vehicle that defies pick-up truck convention, raising the bar while proudly maintaining the Isuzu DNA in its design and construction.
TUESDAY, OCT 12, 2021
AUTOMOTIVE
Joining the legion of hard-working Isuzu D-Max today is a new variant with a 4x2 drivetrain; the new Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus 4x2 1.9L. With only 28 percent of Malaysian pick-up truck users frequently engaging their vehicle’s 4x4 system, the 4x2 variant is an ideal variant that offers lower rolling resistance from its less-complex drivetrain, fewer items that require maintenance and a lower kerb weight making this model a boon for urban-based traders, high-mileage drivers and owners who predominantly ply asphalt surfaces.
“In these challenging times, the new Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus 4x2 1.9L brings a new level of relief by offering affordability and capability in a well-appointed and stylish package. This new D-Max variant that we are introducing today will be the sole 4x2 offering in its class that comes with an automatic transmission,” said Kenkichi Sogo, Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia.
By omitting the transfer case, front differential and ancillary drive system, the D-Max Auto Plus 4x2 1.9L tips the scales at 1,830kg, shaving 85kg or the weight of an average adult off the 4x4’s kerb weight.
The high-ride model sits on stylish 17-inch alloy wheels shod with 255/65 R17 HT radials that offer excellent ride and durability. The door handles are body coloured to offer a clean look, allowing the D-Max’s stylish accent lines to stand out. Stylish and practical side steps come as standard equipment together with the bed liner.
On the flanks of the cargo box are the ‘4x2 Auto Plus’ decals that differentiate the 4x4 and 4x2 variants. Keen-eyed D-Max fans will also notice the reverse camera mounted in the tailgate handle of the 4x2 variant. This feature was added to the 1.9 Auto Plus 4x2 1.9L to aid urban mobility and is paired to a 7-inch multimedia screen inside.
Adding to its versatility in cityscapes, there are four reverse sensors embedded into the integrated rear bumper. These not only offer audible assistance to drivers, a 4-zone graphic is displayed in the instrument panel to indicate the location and distance to obstacles to ease manoeuvering in tight spaces.
For further dynamic performance and sure-footedness, the Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus 4x2 1.9L is endowed with a host of electronic driving aids including Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Brake Override System (BOS). This superior combination of advanced electronic aids and a well-engineered body structure has earned the entire Isuzu D-Max range with a 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating, making it one of the safest pick-up trucks on the market today.
Externally, the Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus 4x2 1.9L inherits the bold and dynamic looks of the third-generation Isuzu D-Max double cab. With its stylish and purposeful stance, the 1.9 Auto Plus sports a handsome front with its matte grey grille, Bi-LED projector headlamps with LED DRLs, and inset fog lamps integrated into the flanks of the bumper.
With its impressively high level of specifications, safety and comfort features, the new Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus 4x2 1.9L is set to change the perception of what an entry-level pick-up truck ought to offer. Priced at RM 100,999.20 on the road without insurance, it will easily be one of the most affordable and economical pick-up trucks to own and maintain.
The Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus 4x2 1.9L will be available for booking immediately with deliveries beginning early November 2021. For more information on this model and the rest of the Isuzu D-Max variants, visit pickuptruck.isuzu.net.my where you can find e-brochures and make online requests for a test drive.
Power for your devices will also always be readily available with a 12-volt 120W power socket up front and a USB port each for front and rear users. The rear port is located above the central air-conditioning vents and a neat receptacle is able to conveniently hold a mobile phone in place while it is charging.
All five body colour choices available for the D-Max Auto Plus 4x2 1.9L to ensure owners have the colour that best suits their individual tastes and desires. These include Splash White Solid, Mercury Silver Metallic, Onyx Black Mica, Sapphire Blue Mica and Valencia Orange Metallic.
Inside, the D-Max Auto Plus 4x2 1.9L comes with woven-texture fabric seats that are both hard-wearing and easy to clean. The seats themselves are generously-proportioned with ample support for comfort over long periods. The driver’s seat can even be manually adjusted six ways to offer fatigue-free motoring.
For the safety of everyone on board, all seats in the D-Max are designed to offer excellent whiplash protection while ISOFIX child seat mounts are available for the rear seats. All five positions are secured with inertia reel 3-point seatbelts with an audible and visual reminder.
Based on similar specifications as the D-Max Standard 4x4 1.9L Auto variant, the D-Max Auto Plus 4x2 1.9L is powered by the amazing new 1.9-litre RZ4E-TC, that produces a healthy 150PS at 3,600rpm and 350Nm of torque available from between 1,800 – 2,600rpm.
This revolutionary engine that has earned global acclaim for its impressive performance despite its modest displacement, transmits its power to the rear wheels via a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Its ratios that are identical to the 4x4 variant and have been carefully matched to exploit the engine’s dynamic performance characteristics. In particular, its flat torque delivery and flexible throttle response offers confident performance be it for cruising on highways or negotiating hilly terrain.
Mounted to the Isuzu Dynamic Drive Platform, the new Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus 4x2 1.9L offers impressive stability and excellent flex resistance, making it a very capable vehicle regardless of load. To afford the variant with superior payload capability, the standard suspension rating is specified for the double wishbone set-up up front and 3-leaf semi-elliptical springs in the rear.
Auto Plus 4x2 1.9-litre aimed at value-seeking, high-mileage users
Long journeys are what the new D-Max Auto Plus 4x2 1.9L thrives on and to make each journey a pleasant one, the steering wheel can be adjusted for rake and distance. For a nicer feel, the steering wheel itself is wrapped in leather. Buttons on the left spoke offers audio and phone controls while the right spoke has buttons to toggle between various MID views in the 4.2-inch colour display centrally-located in the instrument panel.
The instrument panel features an e-LUMAX display that is both pleasing to read in all lighting conditions and offers comprehensive information at your fingertips. The display can be dimmed to adjust for ambient lighting.
In the centre console sits a generous 7-inch multimedia system with touch screen convenience. Offering a host of connectivity options including USB, Bluetooth, WiFi, MirrorLink, Miracast, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, the system offers endless entertainment through its 6-speaker system.