THE popular Isuzu D-Max pick-up truck range was recently updated with some new kit and exterior aesthetics for 2023.
Notably, new items on the flagship X-Terrain variant include a 15W wireless fast charging pad, a 2.1A USB-C charging port, and a digital video recorder for the front and rear.
Also, the big 9-inch touchscreen and two USB-A ports (one in the front and another in the rear) provide extra infotainment and charging options.
Adding to the interior appeal of the X-Terrain variant are new cabin ambient lighting, black leather seats, brown faux stitching on the upper dashboard, as well as other updated details.
As for the updated exterior, new details include an aggressive-looking front grille design, 18-inch alloy wheels and rear combination lamp covers.
The front camera of the digital video recorder captures 1440P videos while the rear camera records in 1080P.
It’s worth noting that a digital video recorder with front and rear cameras is an increasingly desirable feature to have in vehicles nowadays, as the videos are useful evidence in road accident disputes.
We recently spent some time with the flagship 3-0-litre 4X4 X-Terrain model, and it proved to be an impressive combination of premium comfort and functionality.
There is certainly no disagreement from us regarding Isuzu’s marketing spiel of ‘a quiet cabin, comfortable seats, and plenty of rear legroom.’
Our driving experience in the X-Terrain variant was comfortable and refined enough (for a pick-up truck), thanks to the top-notch sound insulation which did a good job of muffling the agricultural clatter of the diesel engine.
The eight-speaker audio set-up including two speakers positioned in the cabin ceiling, provides high-quality listening pleasure and adds to the premium ambience of the cabin.
Road, wind and engine noise intrusion were quite minimal, and the tilt and telescopic steering helped us to settle into our preferred driver’s position.
A deep storage box between the two front seats also doubles as a nice leather armrest, and we like the black leather-clad interior.
Useful storage options include the front seat-back pockets, door bins, cupholders and a fold-out hook on the front passenger seat-back.
Also providing convenience are hand grips that are mounted on the B-pillars for rear occupants to enter or exit.
The automatic welcome light at the side steps, which activates as you get within two metres of the pick-up truck with the key, is really useful in low-light parking lots.
The hydraulic power-assisted steering was well-tuned, and manoeuvring in tight parking spots was a lot easier with the help of the 3D image/bird’s eye view courtesy of the Around View Monitor.
We found that the surround camera set-up really made a huge difference in the ease of steering a big pick-up truck accurately into a parking bay.
The cabin feels spacious, with ample leg and rear headroom for 1.7-metre people, and another nice feature is the rear foldable armrest with two built-in cup holders.
On rough and off-road terrain, a rotary knob controller allows you to select 2H (two-wheel drive), 4H (four-wheel drive high) and 4L (four-wheel drive low) modes.
Running on 265/60 R18 Dunlop Grandtrek AT25 tyres, the D-Max X-Terrain is a comfortable drive in city traffic, and urban road irregularities are well soaked up.
To put that into context, this doesn’t mean ride comfort levels are on par with passenger SUVs (sport utility vehicles), as this is still a pick-up with a leaf-sprung rear, built to carry heavy cargo loads.
The six-speed automatic transmission is a smooth shifter, and we found ample power from the 3.0-litre Blue Power diesel Variable Geometry System (VGS) turbocharged engine.
Regarding fuel economy, we had recorded an average of 9.9km per litre, according to the trip meter, after a week with the pick-up truck during which we drove 376km over a mix of congested city roads and free-flowing highways.
When we returned the D-Max X-Terrain, the digital fuel tank meter gauge was slightly below the halfway point, and the trip meter showed it can still travel another 365km before refuelling.
We drove with our typical heavy-footed style, and the air-conditioning was switched on all the time.
For its hefty price tag of RM150,938 (on the road without insurance), the X-Terrain variant comes with a heap of high-tech safety features and an advanced driver assist system (ADAS) package, in addition to its abundant comfort and convenience features.
These include Autonomous Emergency Braking for potential collisions, and Turn Assist which monitors traffic and also brakes automatically to avoid accidents.
In summary, the well-appointed flagship D-Max X-Terrain is fitted out with ample connected and digital tech, premium kit and safety features for the urban trucker, and scores high on interior comforts.
SPECIFICATIONS
Isuzu D-Max 3.0L 4X4 X-Terrain V-Cross
Engine: 2,999cc; Blue Power turbo-diesel, Variable Geometry System (VGS) turbocharger, Intercooler diesel, DOHC 16V, direct injection electronic common rail
Maximum power: 190PS at 3,600rpm
Maximum torque: 450Nm at 1,600 to 2,600rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic with Sequential Shift
Suspension: Independent double wishbone, coil springs (front); semi-elliptical leaf springs (rear)
Features: Electronically-actuated rear differential lock, automatic Bi-LED projector headlamps with Follow-Me-Home Light & LED daytime running lights (DRL), automatic headlamp levelling, automatic wipers, welcome light, walkaway door lock, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment with USB, Bluetooth, WiFi, MirrorLink, Miracast, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto Connectivity and 8 speakers, automatic dual-zone air-conditioning with rear air vents, wireless charging pad and one USB-C charging port, two USB-A ports, black combination leather seats, 8-way powered and lumbar support for driver’s seat, seven airbags, Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Brake Override System (BOS), Reverse Camera, Around View Monitor and 3D Image Guide, front and rear parking sensors, Digital Video Recorder (DVR) – front and rear
Advanced safety (ADAS): Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Turn Assist, automatic Pedal Misapplication Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop and Go function, Automatic High Beam (AHB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Manual Speed Limiter (MSL), Multi Collision Brake, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Price: RM150,938 (on the road without insurance)
Warranty: Seven years, unlimited mileage
Keyword: Isuzu D-Max 3.0 4X4 X-Terrain V-Cross: A more refined off-roader