The Isuzu D-Max - A polished brute in a suit that is charming its owners
Dinesh · May 26, 2022 12:28 PM
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We hear the term “lifestyle vehicle” applied rather generously these days to anything with a remote resemblance of off-road capabilities. While we’re still questioning some of the examples referenced, we’re absolutely sure that the all-new Isuzu D-Max falls under its scope and if you’re understandably doubting us, we got a couple of owners to justify the positive impact having a pick-up has had on their… lifestyles.
Having long shed their agricultural image, it isn’t too much of a stretch to call modern pick-ups some of the most advanced vehicles on the road today. ADAS features are commonly found in the flagship trim and they boast refinement comparable to contemporary family sedans or SUVs.
Simply put, the modern pick-up is as capable as it’s ever been doing what they were originally intended to do, traverse the path less travelled, but they’ve also transcended the barrier that holds demographics back from ever considering a pick-up by incorporating the safety, comfort and tech expected of traditional family sedans or SUVs.
If you ever need a perfect specimen of a modern pick-up that can truly do it all, look no further than the aforementioned D-Max. Entering its third-generation, the D-Max tore up the rulebook for pick-ups to prove that you can also have refinement in a ruggedly handsome package.
Many urban folks love themselves a good, outdoorsy lifestyle or adventure as a hobby or simply as a form of keeping fit. However, if you’re limited to just one vehicle in a household, you might want that to be a D-Max.
Having always been a fan of two-wheels; the pedal-powered ones, Wan Ahmad Sabirin can now fully indulge in his love of cycling by using his D-Max X-Terrain to ferry his bicycle(s) all over.
"I've compared all the available 4x4 in Malaysia. None offers the same comfort and tech that the D-Max offers. Aesthetically attractive, the whole package is just simply bang for the buck," he explained.
Can't put a price on that smile.
While it isn’t impossible to retrofit a bicycle carrier or apply some form of contortionism and make them fit in the back seat of a hatchback, you can’t put a price on the convenience of just throwing the bike in the bed of the truck and setting off on a cycling adventure.
Wan's D-Max was the perfect companion for his East Coast roadtrip.
In fact, he did own a hatchback before climbing (quite literally) into the D-Max. His previous ride? None other than a Mercedes A-Class AMG.
"Yes, this is an entirely new platform for me coming from a sports hatchback," he laughingly admitted.
Rather than deal with the hassle of releasing the wheels and hoping it doesn’t scratch the interior of your car, the bed of the D-Max X-Terrain is more than enough to swallow a bike or two. Furthermore, the sliding bed tray is a godsent when it comes to removing the bikes as well; just roll it out and lift the bikes off.
"Well as easy as 123 go! I used to have to install a carrier on my roof and need to take out the front tyre of my MTB which would take around 15 minutes or so to mount the bike on. Now I just need to put on the bed cover and simply strap the bike at the truck bed without the need to take out the front tyre which takes less than 5 minutes. And of course I can carry more than 1 bike now. At least 4. More bike trips going forward," enthused Wan Ahmad.
The D-Max doesn't look out of place at all at the Kek Look Tong cave temple.
Most of the 36-year olds driving with the flagship of the D-Max range is done in an urban setting; something the D-Max is perfectly comfortable adhering to.
In fact, Wan Ahmad even went on quite a road trip back in early February 2022 that took him and his trusty D-Max from Shah Alam - Ipoh - Taiping - Penang - Grik - Kelantan - Terengganu - Kuantan - Genting - Shah Alam.
Covering a total of 1,811 km, he averaged an impressive 12.5 km / litre over the entire distance.
Wan Ahmad's road trip was rewarded with some picturesque views along the east coast.
The road trip alsoo gave him a new found respect for what's now his favourite feature in the D-Max, "My favourite feature is the adaptive cruise control. Love it during long trips," he explained. And what a long trip that was indeed.
On the other hand, Koh Qi Min is someone that makes use of his D-Max X-Terrain’s off-roading capabilities a little more due to the nature of his work and his hobbies.
The 29-year lawyer also runs a farming business; something that undoubtedly sees the D-Max put through the rugged aspect of things a little more. According to him, it’s been very much up to the task when called on.
Koh's farm and the D-Max are a match made in heaven.
"The larger boot capacity compared to my Land Rover Defender, the entertainment, safety system makes my journey more enjoyable knowing that I can travel from my camping destination to my workplace. The versatility of switching between daily urban and rural areas without having to worry about the clearance height of the vehicle, and the capacity of the goods that I am sending," he explained.
Koh's D-Max (right) will never be accused of living an easy life and that's how it's meant to be.
Spending so much time on the farm has naturally infused a fondness for the outdoors in Koh. The Malaccan enjoys camping on the grounds of his farm whenever time permits and although he has owned quite a few pick-ups, the D-Max is still the best all-rounder for him, which is also why he ultimately decided on buying it after shopping around.
"The D-Max is definitely not the first pick-up I own. However, the comfort, safety features and entertainment system stand out among all making my all my time driving it an enjoyable one. What made me take notice of the the D-Max is how the 7 years unlimited warranty stands out from its competitor which made me willing to know more about the vehicle. I went to the showroom and was amazed by the comfort and the outstanding entertainment system, especially with the piano keys it really stands out from the competitors. The last point that reaffirms my interest to purchase is the safety features and the auto cruise system," he shared.
However, the majority of his usage is still very much in a city or urban environment. The competency of the D-Max in adapting to the farm grounds as well as city driving made it a no-brainer for Koh.
Koh's D-Max takes the path less taken quite often.
And for his favourite feature in the D-Max? "My favourite feature is the sliding bed tray, a good conversation starter with my friends and colleagues. It's interesting to see their expression when they realise that the tray could slide out without having to climb in the boot when loading goods."
Additionally, Koh and his D-Max lent a hand in the flood rescue efforts back in December 2021 that left many people stranded in their homes after days of continuous rain. The floods meant only a pick-up or 4x4 would be able to reach the affected and Koh’s D-Max performed flawlessly in the challenging conditions with its maximum wading depth of 800mm.
Nobody will accuse Koh of under-utilising his D-Max.
That modern pick-ups bring a level of versatility to the table that’s unchallenged isn’t up to be… well, challenged. The very same can be applied to the D-Max X-Terrain as well. Given the ease at which it tackles the urban jungle as well as the traditional ones without breaking a sweat, it’s of little surprise these owners are proud of their pick-ups.
âBetter late than never.â Some despise it, others begrudgingly agree with it but he swears by it⊠much to the chagrin of everyone around him. That unfortunately stems from all of his project cars not running most of the time, which in turn is testament to his questionable decision-making skills in life. A culmination of many wrongs fortunately making a right; much like his project cars on the rare occasions they run, heâs still trying to figure out if another project car is the way to go.
