As one country prepares to launch a much-awaited model, Malaysia longingly sits on the bench - this is a trend that's repeated with the all-new 2021 Isuzu D-Max (RG-series), now spotted in Vietnam.

The pick-up trucks - seen sitting in a dockyard - will go on sale in the country after Chinese New Year (12-February 2021).

Sources mentioned that dealers have begun accepting deposits, with deliveries slated to begin in April.

It's also reported that Vietnam is bound to receive three variants: 

• LS 1.9 MT (4x2)
• LS 1.9 AT (4x2)
• Type Z 1.9 AT (4x4)

Of these, the Type Z stands to be the range-topper with most of the bells and whistles.

Interestingly, it seems that the Vietnamese market eschews the updated 3.0-litre DDi BluePower turbodiesel (190 PS/450 Nm). So far, it's likely that all variants sold there will be powered by the 1.9-litre, DDi BluePower turbodiesel unit that churns 150 PS and 350 Nm.

How is the all-new D-Max specced?

Underneath the redesigned, sharper exterior lies Isuzu's new ladder frame chassis, called Dynamic Drive Platform which promises to be 23% stiffer than the outgoing model.

Complementing the new chassis is a ultra-high tensile steel bodyshell, a new double wishbone front suspension, and a revised leaf spring rear suspension. 

The interior is properly spruced up too, with a cleaner design that boasts creature comforts such as a new dual-zone automatic climate control system as well as Apple CarPlay support (available on upper variants).

Thailand's range-topping V-Cross variant gets a range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) features, which are:

• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)

These are in addition to electronic stability control, electronic traction control, and up to 6 airbags. The Vietnamese-specs car could have the same features too.

Also, the D-Max serves as a base car for the all-new 2021 Mazda BT-50. 

Well, Malaysia's next, right?

Although it's been spied here last December, we'll have to wait a little longer. The test mules spotted here are likely only used for parts development purposes.

The introduction of this model across ASEAN will be launched in stages. Note too that the Malaysian-specs car will be locally-assembled (CKD), incurring a longer lead time, which essentially means the model won't be here so soon.

That said, the current model is nothing to be scoffed at if you're looking for a new pickup truck soon. However, if you choose to wait, here's three new models you can expect to launch here this year.