Facelifted 2007 Isuzu D-MAX launched in Malaysia
Isuzu Malaysia has revealed the latest facelift of it’s Isuzu D-MAX double cab pick-up truck, which has a few improvements in terms of the 3.0 liter engine which now has more power and 19% more fuel efficiency than the pre-facelift version.
Read more details after the jump.
For the Isuzu D-MAX 3.0LS Ddi iTEQ Super Commonrail that uses a 3.0 liter turbodiesel engine, the 4JJ1-TC 2,999cc intercooler turbo DOHC 16 valve i-TEQ Super commonrail engine. Fitted in the manual transmission model, it now makes 280Nm of torque peaking just above idle at 1,200rpm and stays steady all the way to 3,400rpm. Peak horsepower is 136 PS at 3,400rpm.
For the 4-speed automatic transmission, the engine is tuned somewhat differently, probably to match the behaviour and transmission losses of a slush box. It makes a higher amount of torque – 294Nm, but this torque peaks relatively later at 1,400rpm. But I’m sure the 280Nm at 1,200rpm is there too, so you don’t really lose anything. This 294Nm stretches up to 3,000rpm where it dips to the manual’s torque levels. This looks like some kind of overboost between 1,400rpm and 3,000rpm. Horsepower is the same as the manual version.
The 3.0 liter models’ i-TEQ Super commonrail engine is not exactly the most powerful turbodiesel available on sale in Malaysian pick-up trucks today, but Isuzu is confident it is the best as how good an engine is is not always related to how much power it produces. Many other factors such as fuel economy and reliability also come into play, especially for those who need a hardcore workhorse that never fails them. However, I can’t help but feel it would be nice if Isuzu had introduced the 4JJ1-TCX 3.0 liter engine with variable turbine geometry instead as it makes a higher 163 PS and 360Nm.
The engine block uses a melt-in liner using a process called High Frequency Induction Hardening that melts the cylinder block liners into the block. This “double-padded” built-in protection keeps the cylinder walls in pristine condition for a longer time.
The pistons used are made from a high performance alloy and has thermal flow cooling channels designed into them to ensure they won’t expand under extreme heat and come in contact with the walls of the engine. The camshafts are chain and gear-driven for a maintenance-free operation and the cams themselves drive roller valve rockers for quieter and smoother operation. The engine is also 1.5 decibels quieter than the previous engine at idle, and the truck is 1.3 decibels quieter at 100km/h.
Features that the 3.0 liter model has over the 2.5 liter model is the 4X4 transmission of course, as the 2.5 is a 4X2. Other premium features in the 3.0 include a key-coded immobiliser while the 2.5 only has a normal immobiliser, a 6-speaker system instead of a 4 speaker system, an integrated 2-DIN AM/FM/MP3/WMA player instead of a 1-DIN Pioneer AM/FM MP3 player, driver and passenger SRS airbags, ABS with EBD equipped with G-sensor, an LSD differential, turn signals on the wing mirrors, and finally a projector headlamp system instead of the 2.5’s multi-reflector headlamp lense.
And of course, one thing that you will notice immediately when you get into the truck is the 3.0 liter model has a self-illuminating meter panel that Isuzu calls e-LUMAX that works much like Toyota’s Optitron, while the 2.5 liter model has a traditional backlit instrument cluster. But before you actually get into the truck, this is where you’ll discover the 3.0 liter model has keyless entry, although this is something I only read on the fact sheet supplied at the launch and have not tried out myself so I’m not sure how it works.
Steering is rack and pinion, and the front suspension uses independant double wishbones with torsion bar springs and stabilizer bar, while the rear suspension uses semi-ellipcal leaf springs. The truck has a short front overhang – claimed the shortest in the industry – to improve departure and approach angles. For offroading, it can handle a side slip angle of 48 degrees, a 34.6 degree front approach angle and a 23.3 degree departure angle. Maximum uphill or downhill inclination is 47 degrees. Ground clearance is 225mm.
The brakes have been upgraded with larger front disc brake calipers – now sized 45.5mm instead of the previous 42.8mm, and these are twin piston calipers. The dual circuit brake servos have also been upgraded to a 9 inch size.
For both manual and automatic transmission models, shifting from 4X2 mode to 4X4 mode is simply via a button on the dashboard, and 2H to 4H can be shifted on the go at speeds under 100km/h.
The pretty basic-trimmed Isuzu D-MAX 2.5LS 4X2 is only available with a manual transmission and goes for RM71,475.30 for individual private registration inclusive of road tax and insurance as well as metallic paint. The solid paint version goes for RM71,175.30. There is no automatic available for the 2.5 liter model.
The premium Isuzu D-MAX 3.0LS Ddi iTEQ Super Commonrail manual transmission goes for RM89,776.30 for individual private registration inclusive of road tax and insurance, while the auto costs more at RM96,758.30. The solid paint versions cost RM89,476.30 and RM96,458.30 respectively.
The 2007 Isuzu D-MAX facelift is available in Mercury Silver, Eclipse Blue, Gamma Gray, Starry Black Mica, and Angelic White, of which the first three colours are new options for the 2007 model.
More images after the jump.
July 13, 2007 @ 2:08 am
i like it…looks macho n yet sleek ….makes the Ford Ranger soo horribly boring…
isuzu hav super reliabilty…generally very tough…jus curious,how much is the road tax for the 3.0??
July 13, 2007 @ 2:12 am
RM1878.10
July 13, 2007 @ 5:15 am
wahlaueh…
typical consumers are looking at the brand & engine performance…
quite reasonable price at entry level rm70k plus…
July 13, 2007 @ 6:37 am
hmmmmmmm never thought i’d say this to a pickup truck but “hot damn, u look good!”
July 13, 2007 @ 7:42 am
Thai ppl like this model very much, ISUZU beat Mitsu at THAI….but I prefer TRITON more than this ISUZU D-MAX. What do you think?
July 13, 2007 @ 8:19 am
136ps, thats about the same as triton. Would prefer this over triton and Actyon anytime.
July 13, 2007 @ 8:26 am
Not bad, this new dmax really look good for a pick-up. More macho and modernise. Keyless entry?! This is cool! Is this first for a pick-up in Msia. Sure a very attractive package at RM96k++
July 13, 2007 @ 8:26 am
But the roadtax
July 13, 2007 @ 8:32 am
I’ve already seen this car in person around Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. I thought it was “facelifted”/modified by the car owner. =/
It’s really a nice car anyway, too much Hilux Vigo around KK.
July 13, 2007 @ 9:03 am
car looks a little too “japanese”. I still prefer the ford. It has the classic american pickup look.
the 2.5turbo diesel of the ford puts out 143ps, and 330nm of torque which is more than what the isuzu’s 3.0 litre puts out. Its auto tranny is also a 5 speeder as apposed to the 4 speed in the isuzu.
..and it has keyless entry too
July 13, 2007 @ 9:20 am
this dimax really looks perfect engine with low FC … but the price 4×4 At 3.0 at my area almost 100k leh …. only affort to buy 2.5 MT … but with 4×2 … no that perfect … Dimax vs Vigo vs Triton vs Ranger …. which one is the perfect D/Cab ?? Dimax have Low FC engine … Vigo standard at all …. Triton have a cyber look … Ranger have a 5speed AT …. and the latest ssangyong …
July 13, 2007 @ 10:01 am
mmmm… i prefer vigo coz the second value is still high even after 7 years….
July 13, 2007 @ 10:19 am
yummy….
had to make a trip to view this D-Max and the Ranger again, others tak apa la…. guess when ETCM are bringing in their new Frontier replacement… ??
July 13, 2007 @ 10:30 am
The car already out for a month! I already saw ppl driving on hignways with KL plate.. It a beauty! But the roadtax.. 3.0L.. Sometime ppl prefer Toyota Hilux, coz cheaper, engine come from isuzu.. but myself still prefer Ford Ranger manual! Built for tough!
July 13, 2007 @ 2:44 pm
hey,
Anyone of you ever wondered how many of those who buy these trucks actually use them to carry goods or go to the dirt?
Perhaps it’s just the cheapest 4wd you can buy. I mean it’s dirt (pun intended) cheap, at
July 13, 2007 @ 2:46 pm
a self-illuminating meter panel…nice…
but the dashboard look simple…
i always fancy civic’s dashboard..hehehe..
i know, its a car while this is a pick up truck..
but still….
just my 2 cents…
July 13, 2007 @ 2:48 pm
avanza said,
July 13, 2007 @ 2:44 pm
hey,
Anyone of you ever wondered how many of those who buy these trucks actually use them to carry goods or go to the dirt?
Perhaps it’s just the cheapest 4wd you can buy. I mean it’s dirt (pun intended) cheap, at
———————————————————–
maybe there’s gonna be a new trend now…
‘Driving pickup truck to work’
(work refers to offices and not work/building sites)
hehehe…
July 13, 2007 @ 2:51 pm
hey paul,
Something strange happened when I posted my message just a minute ago. It got truncated! I think you should have it checked.
July 13, 2007 @ 3:24 pm
cadillac face,
rear not complimenting front
July 13, 2007 @ 4:59 pm
looks ganas.
July 13, 2007 @ 5:04 pm
Dmax Face lift only… interior space still small compare to Trition & Hilux. 3.0cc engine still lower torque than Trition 2.5cc, no good. Triton has most modern look among all 4 doors pick-ups in M’sia. Nissan Frontier, 2 rows of sits cannot sit people properly (too small).
i still prefer Trition, Good looks, Powerful engine + Roomier 2nd row of sit + got Multi-trip meter + digital compass YES… at S’wak selling Manual rm88k, Auto 92k still cheaper than Hilux & New Dmax.
July 13, 2007 @ 6:07 pm
as I’ve said earlier, ford ranger still the better buy for me. Looks like a real traditional pickup, also as the most powerful engine among all the pickups.
why buy a dmax 3ltr when the 2.5ltr ford has more power and torque with cheaper road tax.
best of all, the 5 speed auto costs around RM90k. w/o insurance, and the manual only RM85k w/o insurance
July 13, 2007 @ 6:38 pm
sorry out of topic…
Paul, got viagra advertisement also meh..? LOL
(baru perasan loh haha)
July 13, 2007 @ 6:41 pm
eh?? Viagra pun ada LOL
July 13, 2007 @ 7:08 pm
Hi Paul,
I sent you the photos of the facelifted D-Max earlier. Did you not receive it then?
July 14, 2007 @ 10:09 am
I still prefer the old trusting brand TOYOTA…..coz of the spare parts and resell values….u can see more Toyota than this or other brand in S’wak……
July 14, 2007 @ 10:23 am
Don’t expect new Frontier replacement to come in so soon. Even the recently launched restyled X-Trail by TC is just a mere add on accessories and not an all new model. The Cefiro replacement after such a long wait is finally here but at a crazy pricetag which is overpriced. I would think TC is focusing on their new Latio at the time being.
July 14, 2007 @ 7:38 pm
Best!!! look like godzilla.. saya suka. lower down the roadtax pls… make our life easier…
July 15, 2007 @ 2:37 pm
new competitor SUT again? this is interesting….163hp with 360nm thats awesome…wonder if hilux come with 1KD-FTV engine? 165hp?
July 15, 2007 @ 8:12 pm
I thnk the hilux looks better
July 15, 2007 @ 10:34 pm
mini escalade…
July 16, 2007 @ 6:47 am
when would our G appreciate green cars ??
how come Euro4 diesel car are still taxed(Road tax) so high ?
shouldn’t they already woke up by now ??
July 16, 2007 @ 6:51 am
don’t just bcoz of ONE SHIT couldn’t produce proper diesel car and others pun kena….
now its 2007 already!
Bolehland should do something to save mother nature!
Even comercial busses Euro4 compliancies haad been delayed… should ve last year but delayed… this year ? not really ! When ?
modern engine easily comply/over Euro4 standard already !
and when our fuel(petrol & Deisel) can start comply Euro4 regulations ?
2020 kah?
July 17, 2007 @ 1:16 pm
I’ve considered this truck over Vios due to the price range. Sadly, the road tax is too high.
July 29, 2007 @ 10:44 pm
Isuzu D-Max the best pick-up in the World.
July 29, 2007 @ 10:47 pm
Thailand 3.0 model 165ps…lolx
August 13, 2007 @ 1:59 pm
Paul,
I would like to purchase the D-max 3.0 Automatic transmission. Is the consumption good? Can you tell me about the consumption and the truck please. Is the acceleration, engine, power good?
Thanks in advance.
August 17, 2007 @ 12:36 pm
hi fellas,
i just joined this forum. really interested in the d-max. called up their hotline and asked. well, according to them it’s a “brand new” d-max and not facelift.
can anyone shine some light to me? i know this new d-max has supercommonrail engine and some new features here and there lar. does this count as brand new?
yeah, the roadtax for 3 litre is killing man! but maybe can compensate with the good FC kot…. eager to try out.
September 11, 2007 @ 2:25 pm
hi dmax members….
March 31, 2009 @ 4:49 pm
d max…ganas!!!! Go go d max!!! D max still is number one in my heart!! Good bye !my old hilux vigo.. U are nothing value for me now,in sabah d max is very popular!!!
June 5, 2009 @ 6:12 pm
but dont ever underestimate ford ranger