Third-gen Isuzu D-Max teased – debuts on October 11

The second-generation Isuzu D-Max has been around for quite a long time now, and has been given a number of updates since making its debut way back in 2011. Now, the company is teasing the arrival of the third generation of the pick-up truck, which will make its debut in Thailand on October 11.

To go along with the announcement, there’s also a short teaser video that gives us a glimpse at some of the design cues found on the all-new model that follows the theme of “Infinite Potential.”

Starting from the front, the main grille has been made much larger than the outgoing model, and it continues to feature two “fang-like” trim pieces within it. You’ll also notice that there’s no division of the upper and lower intakes like before, with the grille being a one-piece item this time around.

Flanking said grille are a pair of smaller headlamps, which sport U-shaped LED daytime running lights within the clusters. Just below them are sculpted sections that house the fog lamps and what are likely the indicators as well. Around back, there are new taillight clusters with a dual-square lighting signature, and these are positioned beside a reshaped tailgate.

While the video doesn’t show much of the interior, based on what we can see, Isuzu has put in effort to give the new D-Max a more upmarket cabin. Silver accents on the climate control switchgear and gear lever, as well as a more modern instrument cluster certainly suggests that, and the layout also appears more contemporary compared to the second-generation model.

There’s no mention of engines, but the Ddi badging on the engine cover clearly points to the RZ4E-TC 1.9 litre turbodiesel four-cylinder unit that is already in use. On the second-generation D-Max, the mill pushes out 150 PS and 350 Nm, with available transmissions being a six-speed manual and automatic – two- and four-wheel drive are offered as well.

Other turbodiesel engines that could also be part of the line-up include the 4JK1-TC 2.5 litre and the larger 4JJ1-TCX 3.0 litre, but we’ll have to wait for an official debut to take place to see if these are confirmed.

The third-generation D-Max is a big deal because it also sees a new generation of the Mazda BT-50, which is currently in its second generation. The current BT-50 is based on the Ford Ranger, but for the third-generation model, the company decided to pair up with Isuzu. For now, we haven’t gotten word about when the next BT-50 will make its debut, but we do know it will be produced at Isuzu’s facilities in Thailand.

GALLERY: Third-gen Isuzu D-Max spyshots

GALLERY: 2019 Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi Double Cab 4×4 AT Premium facelift (Malaysia-spec)

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • Chris on Oct 04, 2019 at 4:22 pm

    Yerrrr… 1.9L facelift just launched here and already outdated…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Teetee on Oct 04, 2019 at 4:22 pm

    Isuzu dmax have been around for quite a long time? Since 2011 consider long? Toyota hilux vigo was around since 2005, and hilux revo was introduce 10 yrs later. Every generation hilux goes for 10 yrs.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Nuarain on Oct 04, 2019 at 4:38 pm

    A long time waiting

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Landan on Oct 04, 2019 at 4:56 pm

    The funny thing is, Isuzu msia just launched the 2nd gen 1.9 ddi. The world will get the 3rd gen already. Isuzu msia is always clever to be too late to launch a new model to actually make an impact in the market. We better wait for the 3rd gen then.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  • This is a superb truck. Wait till Isuzu comes out with their version of a proper SUV. Nobody will buy China rebadged SUV anymore.

    Don’t forget, the father of SUV is Isuzu. The first SUV in Malaysia was the Isuzu Trooper in the 80s…and Isuzu is the master maker of SUVs.

    I hope they bring in their version of SUV to wipe out low quality China rebadged SUVs in Malaysia

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 7
    • Really? on Oct 06, 2019 at 6:17 pm

      Dude, you forgot about MUV? Kesian, even the no 1 Jap lover/troll forgot about the MUV. Seems like Isuzu’s SUV is game over already, like you used to say.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Pakulupapito on Oct 04, 2019 at 11:35 pm

    Nice….malaysian will only get it probably by 2024

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 1
    • Very likely since we are only getting the facelift 2nd gen last month.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • panjang on Oct 05, 2019 at 12:40 pm

    Remove the Isuzu wording and put a Mustang horse at the grill.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • D-Maxer on Oct 05, 2019 at 4:09 pm

    OMG. Just recently launched 1.9L bluepower in Malaysia, now teased third gen!!! Hopefully can enter to Malaysia in 2020. Second gen surely will got rebates to clear the stock.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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