since 1976
since 1976
By Lee Pang Seng
THE third-generation Isuzu D-Max saw three facelifts since its launch in 2021 but the latest model sees the biggest update. This includes a completely redesigned turbodiesel engine that is of a bigger displacement at 2.2-litres and an eight-speed automatic transmission, all in the pursuit of a more efficient powertrain to provide even better fuel mileages.
Yes, you heard that right; a bigger displacement engine doesn’t mean it would consume more fuel, or diesel in this case. Given its improved torque and power characteristics, with a transmission to match (the manual transmission has six speeds), and a vehicle kerb weight that is little changed, the new D-Max could cover more distance per litre. Isuzu says the latest D-Max would provide a better fuel mileage of five per cent, although no absolute figures based on recognised standards were provided.
Nevertheless, the latest D-Max is almost a new generation model had it come with completely different ‘clothes’. It still retained the same body outline and though the front and rear were refreshed, these styling changes give the latest D-Max a contemporary ambience rather than a whole new look.
The front nose panel comes with a new grille pattern and fresh headlamp and foglamp bezel design, all enclosed within the same styling outline. This includes the headlamp that retains that angle hook-like LED (light emitting diode) daytime running lights. Likewise, the rear continues with the three-tier angled LED lamps, in a refreshed update, to complement the front.
Understandably, the greater excitement lies underneath the front bonnet that prompted Isuzu Malaysia to come up with a powerful product tagline; the ‘Best Engine Ever’. If you are wondering why Isuzu didn’t merely increase the bore in the previous 1.9-litre turbodiesel that saw a decade of successful service, sometimes it is not as simple as that based on engine design and configuration.
Isuzu wanted the 2.2-litre to be a completely new E-VGS (electronically-controlled variable geometry turbo) turbodiesel unit as it is not merely a case of increasing the displacement. It describes the new engine as having new 5C parts; new cylinder head, new cylinder block, new connecting rods, new crankshaft and new cylinder pistons.
The new engine block is said to offer greater rigidity in catering to a larger combustion chamber. The redesigned cylinder head allows better coolant flow via a swirl process to keep temperatures at a desired level to achieve optimum performance. Likewise, the new pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft all play a part in optimising combustion efficiency and performance while reducing exhaust emissions.
The new engine, coded RZ4F, retains the long stroke configuration at 100mm and an 83mm bore to displace an exact 2164cc. Its compression ratio remains moderate at 15.9 to one. Naturally, there is better output over the 1.9 turbodiesel at 120kW (163PS) at 3600rpm, up 8.7 per cent, and maximum torque is 400Nm from 1600-2400rpm (an improvement of 14.3 per cent).
Isuzu says the E-VGS turbo plays a significant role in achieving this improved engine output. With electronic control, there is increased air compression efficiency in delivering air-fuel charge into the combustion chamber. This is said to help the engine respond ‘excellently’ at all speeds.
Introducing an eight-speed automatic transmission complements the new engine by making it more enjoyable to drive, Isuzu says. The logic is that there is consistent power delivery at all speeds. The wider gear ratio enables improved acceleration and the two overdrive ratios leads to better fuel efficiency. The higher number of gears also allows smoother and ‘excellent’ gear shifting that covers all usage scenarios. This new transmission is also said to have increased durability to handle the higher torque.
On initial acceleration, the new D-Max 2.2 TD apparently provides a 56-per cent improvement in its response off the line. That is because there is already 255Nm available at 1000rpm, more than half the maximum torque. This gives the new D-Max a peaky nature that makes crawling in traffic easier while handling winding roads and off-road terrain ‘more pleasurable’.
We were not invited for the pre-launch drive sessions but previous drive experiences in a few variants of the previous D-Max pickups should serve as a firm base of what we could expect with this new 2.2-litre turbodiesel. As we found the previous 1.9 turbodiesel impressive for what it could do, we could imagine how good the 2.2-litre D-Max would be.
If you are wondering if Isuzu would go back to having a 2.5-litre turbodiesel again (which was the case before the 1.9-litre engine was introduced), Isuzu believes it has found the perfect balance in the new 2.2-litre engine in performance and fuel efficiency. Meanwhile, the top variant, X-Terrain, which has a 3.0-litre turbodiesel, continues as the flagship model.
A contemporary feature for the latest D-Max is the new Idle Stop Start (ISS) that turns the engine off when the vehicle comes to a stop at the lights or a parking bay to pick up items or passengers, and the transmission is in D. Isuzu says that before the ISS is activated, the system considers various parameters such as steering angle, brake pedal pressure, coolant temperature, air-condition settings and battery condition. To ensure adequate battery power in restarting the engine each time, a larger 120amp alternator is provided.
The latest D-Max 2.2 TD now comes with one more variant for a total of 10 (previously nine); this is the addition of a Single Cab Automatic model. Isuzu sees such a variant appealing to those who might like to survey their construction projects or sprawling plantations without having to do gearchanges, necessary in a manual transmission D-Max. This gives Isuzu the boast of being the only pickup player in Malaysia to offer such a variant.
To add appeal to this variant, Isuzu is providing it with a Mercury Silver Metallic paintwork (in addition to Splash White) that the bosses would probably find more agreeable. The automatic variants across the board also come with body-coloured front bumpers as a distinctive note. Further to that, two new colours are also introduced in the new D-Max range; Irishmore Green Metallic for the X-Terrain and Premium variants, and Obsidian Grey Mica for the Premium and Auto Plus variants.
Prices start at RM103,121.20 on the road without insurance for the 2.2-litre Single Cab 4x4 manual transmission model to RM141,821.20 for the 2.2-litre Double Cab 4x4 automatic. The 3.0-litre range begins at RM108,888.40 for the 3.0-litre Single Cab 4x4 manual (which seemed somewhat strange as we had expected this variant to come with an automatic transmission instead of the 2.2-litre Single Cab variant) to RM162,938.40 for the Double Cab X-Terrain 4x4 automatic.
The D-Max comes with three free periodic service maintenance, at 5000km, 10,000km and 20,000km over a span of two years or 20,000 kilometres. That should give D-Max owners some peace of mind during the initial years.
