Click to enlarge.

In the UK at least, the new Isuzu D-Max will be available with four specification levels. Also, for the first time for Isuzu in the UK, the extended cab body configuration that features rear-opening side-access panels will join the usual single and double cab variants.

The entry-level D-Max is priced from £14,999 for the single cab 4×2 version where the air-conditioning, daytime running lights, electric windows, and side and curtain airbags.

The ‘Eiger’ double-cab comes in at a price of £18.499. This variant comes added with projector headlamps, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, 16” alloys and body-coloured bumpers. The ‘Yukon’ double cab (£18,999) adds to the list with leather steering wheel with cruise control, six-speaker sound system, chrome detailing and 17” alloys.

The top spec ‘Utah’ offers leather upholstery, heated front seats and auto climate control. It also gets roof bars and rear parking sensors. This variant is priced at £21,499.

Click to enlarge.

The D-Max is powered by a 2.5 litre twin-turbo common rail diesel engine that produces 163 PS and 400Nm at 1,400 rpm. The engine is mated to either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. Its new shift-on-the-fly system lets the driver go from 2WD to 4WD at speeds up to 60 mph (or 97 km/h).

The D-Max will go on sale in the UK in June 2012. Yes, it is the same one that was launched in Thailand last year, which are not the ones that we currently have. No news of when the new D-Max will be arriving in our shores as yet.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:53:01 +0000.

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Isuzu has unveiled its all-new D-Max pickup in Thailand – the full model change version made its debut yesterday, ahead of the similarly-underpinned Chevrolet Colorado, which is expected to be introduced next week.

Not many details about the vehicle abound, but according to the Bangkok Post, the basic shape for the vehicle – which sits on Isuzu’s new i-Grip platform – in its extra and double-cab versions are pretty much the same, and that the new D-Max rolls in with significantly more heft in terms of overall dimensions compared to the outgoing one, even though no figures were available for it at press time.

The company says that the new D-Max’s body is 42% stiffer than the old one, and will help bring about improved handling and ride. In the double-cab, the larger dimensions of the vehicle bring about more legroom space for rear occupants, who also get more comfy seats at the back.

In terms of engines, three turbodiesel options abound – a 177 hp and 380 Nm 3.0 litre heads the list, followed by a 2.5 litre mill in two output tunes, the first being the familiar 116 hp and 280 Nm as seen on the current vehicle, and the other the VGS version offering 136 hp and 320 Nm. As for transmissions, there’s the usual five-speed manual, but the auto tranny is now a five-speed unit, bringing it in line with current expectation.

Among the features to be found on the new ‘un are traction control and a vehicle stability system, and there’s even an eight-speaker audio system, replete with surround sound. Sales of the vehicle, which will be available in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations, are expected to begin in early October in Thailand.

In related news, Isuzu also announced that it will be constructing a new plant in Thailand to bring up its production capacity to meet the increasing demand for pickup trucks and their derivatives. The new facility – consisting of new painting facilities, 2,000t servo press facilities and assembly/inspection lines – will be built within the Isuzu Motors Thailand Gateway plant.

The new factory, to be built at an estimated cost of 18 billion yen, is slated to begin operation by autumn 2012, and when it is completed, Isuzu Motors Thailand’s pickup truck production capacities in both its Samrong and Gateway plants will be increased to 400,000 units yearly.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:53:01 +0000.

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Isuzu Malaysia last night launched the 2011 D-Max pickup, which features more in the way of bling. With an emphasis on style, the improvements to the vehicle are pretty much based on appearance.

Up front, the new bumper design incorporates a bold new bumper guard. Also new to the exterior dress up job are chromed front fog lamp bezels and new polished finish sports wheels.

There’s also a redesigned side step – the new design aids in giving the D-Max an accented body line while providing easier ingress and exit from the vehicle. Completing things outside is a new roll bar, which is finished in a light-alloy texture.

Inside, the D-Max gets a whole new dimension, with the use of black trim in place of the previous grey base. This new colour scheme extends to the dashboard, door panels, pillars and headlining. Contrast is provided by chrome accents on the air-conditioning vents, speaker bezels and gearshift.

Mechanically, the 2011 D-Max remains familiar – continuing on under the bonnet are the 2.5 litre and 3.0 litre Super Commonrail engines as well as the 2.5 litre direct-injection mill. Both Super Commonrail-engined models now come with a distinctive platinum-coloured engine cover.

Two new exterior colour choices join the shade lineup – a bolder new white and a more radical metallic black colour add on to the current five body colours available. Pricing starts from RM74,273 for the 2.5LS Direct Injection Diesel Turbo 4×2 MT right up to RM99,296 for the range-topping 3.0L Ddi i-TEQ Super Commonrail 4×4 AT, on-the-road with insurance.

Gallery after the jump.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:53:01 +0000.

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Isuzu Malaysia has opened its latest 3S centre, in Seremban, to support the growing demand for its vehicles in the country. The new Ultra Gallant outlet in Rahang Baru is an integrated sales, service, spare parts facility..

The outlet sits strategically on Jalan Tampin, within easy access of numerous business operators in Seremban. It offers Isuzu owners and potential customers with a complete one-stop Isuzu facility including new vehicle sales, spare parts and service under one roof.

Isuzu Malaysia’s CEO Takashi Hata said that the new outlet was a reflection of the healthy growth enjoyed by Isuzu, especially in high-growth areas such as Seremban.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:53:01 +0000.

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According to reports, Volkswagen is considering taking a stake in Isuzu Motors or purchasing the company outright, though it looks like a decision won’t be made anytime soon.

Seemingly, one of VW’s board members, Jochem Heizmann, has visited Isuzu’s production sites and held talks with the Japanese company, which is Japan’s largest manufacturer of medium to heavy trucks and of which Toyota has a 5.9% stake in.

Apparently, VW also discussed the possibility of MAN acquiring a holding in Isuzu, which would put the latter into the Veedub fold by proxy – VW holds a close to 30% stake in the German truckmaker. Both MAN and Isuzu declined to comment on the reports.

VW is of course on a quest to attain the No 1 automaker spot in the world, and is looking to acquire brands to aid its march to the top – Porsche is already set to become VW’s 10th brand, and the company is looking at Alfa Romeo as a possible addition to the stable.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:53:01 +0000.

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Isuzu Malaysia has launched the D-MAX 2.5 Super Commonrail fitted with a 4JK1-TC 2.5 litre engine with the Direct-Injection Electronic Commonrail system. This new model, available in the double-cab form only will be sold alongside the current 2.5 litre which is already on sale. It comes with a non-commonrail direct injection system.

This engine produces 79 PS at 3,900 RPM and 176Nm of torque at 1,800 RPM. The new engine on the other hand makes 116 PS at 3,600 RPM and 280Nm of torque between 1,800 and 2200 RPM. This basically means that the power difference is 37 PS and 104Nm, quite significant actually.

Furthermore, the D-MAX 2.5 Super Commonrail is available with a 4×4 configuration as the less potent variant maintains its 4×2 layout. The new variant continues to use the 5-speed manual transmission featured in the non-commonrail model. There are two trim levels available, including the base Type-B and the Premium.

The latter comes additionally with projector headlights, fog lamps, indicators integrated into the wing mirrors, dual airbags, as well as ABS with EBD. Also in the list is a 2-DIN audio unit with MP3 and WMA compatibility, Isuzu’s e-Lumax instrument panel with a multi-info display, aero-type side steps and a leather-wrapped gear knob. Both trim levels also benefit from a limited-slip differential and an anti-theft alarm system with key-coded immobilizer.

The 2.5 Super Commonrail will be available at all Isuzu dealerships nationwide beginning October 1st. Price details will also be available on the same date but expect the range topping Premium model to be priced at about RM89,000. Isuzu also announced the Smart Saver campaign where customers who purchase the double-cab D-MAX will be entitled to a free Garmin GPS unit and a cash rebate. This promotion is valid till November 30th.

UPDATE: The D-MAX 2.5 Super Commonrail Type-B is priced at RM82,155.40 OTR with insurance (for solid paint finish) while the Premium spec goes for RM88,411.40 OTR with insurance (for solid paint finish).

Continue reading to view an image gallery.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:53:01 +0000.

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Political strife within the Thai government hasn’t slowed down vehicle sales in the Kingdom. In April, General Motors reported a 62% jump in sales to 1,879 vehicles compared to 1,162 units in the same month last year. With this rise in demand, GM is toying with the idea of increasing output at its Rayong factory to 76,000 vehicles per annum and to invest US$467 million to upgrade facilities and build a new diesel engine plant.

The gains are not just for GM, as even Toyota, who recently suspended production at one of its plants, increased deliveries by 43% to 92,000 units. Isuzu, another big pick-up truck player, has reported a 44% jump to 46,071 units sold. These figures are year-to-date, as of end April. According to the Automotive Industry Club, general vehicle output has increased by 129% from a year earlier to 150,119 vehicles.

Ray Young, GM’s vice president of international operations, is concerned about the current political crisis but reiterated his company’s confidence in our northern neighbour. “We are monitoring the situation in Thailand, but we remain optimistic. Our business and expansion plans will continue in Thailand without delays. The nation will remain the leading automotive market in the ASEAN region,” he said.

Source

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:53:01 +0000.

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For the first time ever, Euro NCAP has tested pick-up trucks in the light of the vehicles becoming more and more popular for family usage, and it reveals to us some shocking facts. Three trucks were crashed – the Nissan Navara (second generation Frontier – ours is the first gen), the Isuzu D-MAX and the Mitsubishi L200 (known as the Triton in Malaysia). The following are the results:

Please read the following full crash test reports for full details:
Isuzu D-MAX, Mitsubishi L200, Nissan Navara

The Nissan Navara scored the worst in adult occupant protection – not even one proper star but only a struck-through star. According to the report, the chassis rail collapsed and the accelerator pedal moved as much as 20cm into the footwell – that would definitely cause really serious injury to your legs. The airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners also activated too late into the crash, which EuroNCAP says poses “a high risk of life threatening injury”.

Nissan has developed new airbag software for the Nissan Navara and all new Nissan Navaras now have the updated software. All existing Nissan Navaras on the road will also receive a free airbag software update at their service centers.

The Mitsubishi L200/Triton scored 4 stars for adult occupant protection, and if you view the full crash report, you will see that the driver’s body and leg protection ranged from weak to marginal, but at least the head received good protection.

Very shocking – please do read the full crash test reports linked above. It’s a pity EuroNCAP did not test the Toyota Hilux. The Toyota Hilux is one of the most popular pick-up trucks used as a family car here in Malaysia, plus a full-bodied 7-seater version of it is sold as the Fortuner.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:53:01 +0000.

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Isuzu has decided to leave the US market, and will officially stop selling new vehicles in the country on the 31st of January 2009, a year from now. The decision to leave the American market was fueled by the inability to produce replacement models for its Isuzu Ascender and Isuzu i-series, the only two trucks it sells in the US market.

The Isuzu Ascender is essentially a reskinned Chevrolet Trailblazer, and the Isuzu i-series (shown above) is based on the GM small-pickup platform. Isuzu says GM may discontinue these two vehicles, thus leaving Isuzu with nothing to base their next generation US models on. Of course, the other reason could be that Isuzu sales in the US had slid from 103,937 in 1999 down to only 7,098 units last year.

“It has always been our intention to remain in the U.S. market. However, we were unable to secure any commercially viable replacements for these vehicles. Although Isuzu will cease supplying passenger vehicles in North America, it will continue to stand behind its customers and dealers here for years to come. Specifically, Isuzu will continue to honor all product warranties and roadside-assistance programs and will maintain its owner relations call center. Isuzu will be offering all current U.S. dealers the opportunity to continue on as service dealerships for Isuzu,” said Terry Maloney, CEO.

Source

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:53:01 +0000.

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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 litre 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 litre 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 litre 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 litre 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 litre model has over the 2.5 litre 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 litre model has a self-illuminating meter panel that Isuzu calls e-LUMAX that works much like Toyota’s Optitron, while the 2.5 litre model has a traditional backlit instrument cluster. But before you actually get into the truck, this is where you’ll discover the 3.0 litre 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 litre 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.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:53:01 +0000.

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© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:53:01 +0000.

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Increasing demand for diesel-burning Toyota cars in the European market has prompted isuzu to build a new plant in Japan to increase supply to keep up with demand. The new US$110.5 million plant in Hokkaido is set to be completed by 2012, and will make up to 200,000 units of a new 1.6 litre turbodiesel engine a year.

Japanese newspaper Nikkei reports that this new 1.6 litre turbodiesel engine will be jointly developed by Toyota and diesel-experts Isuzu, and will be used in C-segment cars like the Toyota Corolla for the European market.

Source

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:53:01 +0000.

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Even though first introduced ten years ago back in 1997, the Isuzu VehiCROSS still looks space today. The Isuzu VehiCROSS was never intended to be a mass production model, produced only as a halo car. In concept form, it was showcased with both 4-door and a roadster body, but only the 2-door version made it’s way into production. Underneath it lay mostly mechanicals from the Isuzu Trooper, and engine options were also the same 3.2 litre and 3.5 litre V6 petrol engines that make over 200 horsepower.

Despite it’s looks, it had real offroad capabilities, including a low ratio transfer case. It’s 4-wheel-drive system was also advanced for it’s time, using a Torque On Demand system from BorgWarner, using 12 independent sensors to detect wheel spin and redirecting power to the wheels with the most traction.

Now, why am I blogging about this? Well, there’s a 1999 model Isuzu VehiCROSS on sale on Ebay Malaysia, and the bid is standing at about MYR 108,000.00 right now. There are only 4309 units in the whole world.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:53:01 +0000.

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© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:53:01 +0000.

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The D-MAX comes with a 3.0-litre direct-injection intercooler turbodiesel engine which produces 294 Nm of torque at 2000 rpm for the automatic version and 280 Nm of torque for the manual version. The engine makes 130 ps of power at 3800 rpm. Slightly less powerful than the Nissan Frontier which currently is the most powerful pick-up in it’s class, even though the Frontier’s engine is a 2.5 litre.

The car comes in both automatic and manual 4×4 and automatic only 4×2 transmissions. The availability of an automatic 4×2 would come in handy for those who won’t take their D-MAX out of the urban jungle.

Switching from 2H to 4H to 4L in the D-MAX is done through buttons on the dashboard instead of a stick shift like pickups normally have. Changing from 2H to 4H can be operated at speeds less than 100km/h but to switch to 4L the car has to be stopped. This is similiar to luxury 4×4 vehicles like the Ssangyong Rexton 4X4.

The D-MAX has a nice cabin interior similiar to sedans. Looks pretty comfy although I have not sit in one myself.

Other features are ABS, EBD, an LSD differential, and dual airbags for the automatic 4×4 and 4×2 versions and optional for the manual 4X4. The D-MAX can be driven laterally on slopes upto 49 degrees. The car comes with 16 inch alloy rims with 245/70/R16 tyres.

Isuzu Malaysia plans on pricing the D-MAX from RM85,000.80. The D-MAX owns a big share of the market in Thailand, battling out the pickup wars there against the Toyota Hilux. There’s potential for it to be a big thing here in the Malaysian market too.

I wonder where’s Mitsubishi gone to. Their Storm/L200 is the same model from years ago.And Honda’s SUT is targetted at the US market. It would be sweet to have a i-CTDi Honda SUT here in Malaysia.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:53:01 +0000.

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