All-new 2021 Isuzu D-Max in Malaysia - priced from RM 89k, new 3.0L engine, ADAS!

At long last, the all-new 2021 Isuzu D-Max has finally been unveiled in Malaysia. Across the 7 variants offered, prices range from RM 89k (base single cab) and tops out at RM 142k for the range-topping X-Terrain variant.

Also, Isuzu offers a 5-year/150,000 km warranty for every variant other than the X-Terrain - that is backed by a 7-year/unlimited mileage warranty.

Prices are higher from the outgoing model (up by RM 8k - RM 22k, depending on variant), something that can be explained with the sheer amount of kit the new D-Max has.

Also, the current D-Max is imported (CBU Thailand), but local assembly (CKD) will happen later down the line.

That said, prices for the D-Max pretty much trades punches with the Toyota Hilux (RM 93k - RM 147k) and Mitsubishi Triton (RM 100k - RM 142k) range.

Exterior - Better water wading depth

Most prominent is its sharp new front fascia, with a strong grille flanked by a set of reflector halogen (for sub RM 100k variants) or bi-beam projector LED headlights (on higher variants).

Different variants get different wheels too - cheaper ones get 16-inch units, while the more premium variants roll around on 18-inch alloys.

New look aside, the new D-Max has also grown slightly bigger than the last iteration. Although general length has decreased slightly, it now has a longer wheelbase:

It's also slightly taller - giving it a minimum ground clearance of 240 mm, 5 mm more than last model.

Most notably is the increased water wading depth - now 800 mm, up from the last-gen's 600 mm. This improvement is courtesy of the D-Max's repositioned intake, which is now under the hood.

Interior - Most comfortable in class?

While the more work-oriented variants eschew some of the niceties, it's undeniable that the new D-Max's interior is brilliantly-designed, far better than the last attempt.

It's clean, everything is where you expect it to be and it comes with all the practical touches a pick-up truck ought to have. 

More expensive variants get leather upholstery, e-LUMAX instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch multi-information display (MID), auto-dimming rear view mirror, and even 8-way power adjustable driver's seat (X-Terrain only). 

Bumping up the D-Max against class rivals is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support on the 7- or 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, available in the 1.9 Premium variant and above.

Also read: Why your next car should come with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay

Powertrain - New 3.0-litre engine

Two engine choices are available, depending on variant:

The 1.9-litre mill is a carryover from before, but it's been refined to feature better response and reduced noise.

On the other hand, the 3.0-litre unit is a newly-developed engine that makes 13 PS and 70 Nm more than the older one.

Other than that, the D-Max features an improved 4x4 system (Terrain Command), allowing drivers to switch between 2H, 4L, and 4H modes in less than a second. Aiding its prowess is a rear differential lock, available on the X-Terrain variant.

Safety - Top-spec gets ADAS now

Level-pegging it with the Hilux and Triton is the D-Max's ADAS suite. Note that these functions are limited only to the range-topping X-Terrain variant:

• Adaptive cruise control with stop and go (ACC)
• Forward collision warning (FCW)
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Lane departure warning (LDW)
• Automatic high beam (AHB)

These are in addition to turn assist, blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (BSM, RCTA), and 7 airbags. 

Variants on the lower end of the price scale don't get any ADAS functions, making do with just two airbags and basic items like hill start assist (HSA) and hill descent control (HDC). 

WapCar's Comments

Things are looking up for Isuzu: mixing new and improved engines with a generous spec-sheet and offering competitive prices may just be the recipe it needs to wrestle sales from the Hilux and Triton - something it does very successfully in Thailand. 

Also read: Isuzu D-Max outsells Toyota Hilux by nearly 2x in Thailand in Feb!

And make no mistake, it's not only good on paper, it's every bit a performer in real life too. Our team have sampled it just a week prior to its launch, and to say the comments were good is to understate things. Check out our quick review below!

Also read: Quick Review: All-new 2021 Isuzu D-Max 3.0 X-Terrain, Malaysia's new best pick-up truck?