Auto Plus 4×2 1.9-litre aimed at value-seeking, high-mileage users
Petaling Jaya, 12 Oct 2021 – Pick-up trucks have in the past been viewed as basic and purposeful vehicles that were developed to serve their masters regardless of working conditions. Most were considered noisy and smoky with crude and harsh cabins.
That notion has long been dispelled by manufacturers such as Isuzu who have invested considerably to develop vehicles that offer high levels of comfort, sophistication and convenience without needing to sacrifice its core strengths. After all, what’s the point of having the cake and not eating it?
The all-new third-generation Isuzu D-Max is the perfect embodiment of this advancement. It has blossomed into a bold, stylish and advanced vehicle that defies pick-up truck convention, raising the bar while proudly maintaining the Isuzu DNA in its design and construction.
Joining the legion of hard-working Isuzu D-Max today is a new variant with a 4×2 drivetrain; the new Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus 4×2 1.9L. With only 28 percent of Malaysian pick-up truck users frequently engaging their vehicle’s 4×4 system, the 4×2 variant is an ideal variant that offers lower rolling resistance from its less-complex drivetrain, fewer items that require maintenance and a lower kerb weight making this model a boon for urban-based traders, high-mileage drivers and owners who predominantly ply asphalt surfaces.
“In these challenging times, the new Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus 4×2 1.9L brings a new level of relief by offering affordability and capability in a well-appointed and stylish package. This new D-Max variant that we are introducing today will be the sole 4×2 offering in its class that comes with an automatic transmission, ” said Kenkichi Sogo, Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia.
By omitting the transfer case, front differential and ancillary drive system, the D-Max Auto Plus 4×2 1.9L tips the scales at 1,830kg, shaving 85kg or the weight of an average adult off the 4×4’s kerb weight.
Based on similar specifications as the D-Max Standard 4×4 1.9L Auto variant, the D-Max Auto Plus 4×2 1.9L is powered by the amazing new 1.9-litre RZ4E-TC, that produces a healthy 150PS at 3,600rpm and 350Nm of torque available from between 1,800 – 2,600rpm.
This revolutionary engine that has earned global acclaim for its impressive performance despite its modest displacement, transmits its power to the rear wheels via a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Its ratios that are identical to the 4×4 variant and have been carefully matched to exploit the engine’s dynamic performance characteristics. In particular, its flat torque delivery and flexible throttle response offers confident performance be it for cruising on highways or negotiating hilly terrain.
Mounted to the Isuzu Dynamic Drive Platform, the new Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus 4×2 1.9L offers impressive stability and excellent flex resistance, making it a very capable vehicle regardless of load. To afford the variant with superior payload capability, the standard suspension rating is specified for the double wishbone set-up up front and 3-leaf semi-elliptical springs in the rear.
For further dynamic performance and sure-footedness, the Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus 4×2 1.9L is endowed with a host of electronic driving aids including Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Brake Override System (BOS). This superior combination of advanced electronic aids and a well-engineered body structure has earned the entire Isuzu D-Max range with a 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating, making it one of the safest pick-up trucks on the market today.
Externally, the Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus 4×2 1.9L inherits the bold and dynamic looks of the third-generation Isuzu D-Max double cab. With its stylish and purposeful stance, the 1.9 Auto Plus sports a handsome front with its matte grey grille, Bi-LED projector headlamps with LED DRLs, and inset fog lamps integrated into the flanks of the bumper.
The high-ride model sits on stylish 17-inch alloy wheels shod with 255/65 R17 HT radials that offer excellent ride and durability. The door handles are body coloured to offer a clean look, allowing the D-Max’s stylish accent lines to stand out. Stylish and practical side steps come as standard equipment together with the bed liner.
On the flanks of the cargo box are the ‘4×2 Auto Plus’ decals that differentiate the 4×4 and 4×2 variants. Keen-eyed D-Max fans will also notice the reverse camera mounted in the tailgate handle of the 4×2 variant. This feature was added to the 1.9 Auto Plus 4×2 1.9L to aid urban mobility and is paired to a 7-inch multimedia screen inside.
Adding to its versatility in cityscapes, there are four reverse sensors embedded into the integrated rear bumper. These not only offer audible assistance to drivers, a 4-zone graphic is displayed in the instrument panel to indicate the location and distance to obstacles to ease manoeuvering in tight spaces.
All five body colour choices available for the D-Max Auto Plus 4×2 1.9L to ensure owners have the colour that best suits their individual tastes and desires. These include Splash White Solid, Mercury Silver Metallic, Onyx Black Mica, Sapphire Blue Mica and Valencia Orange Metallic.
Inside, the D-Max Auto Plus 4×2 1.9L comes with woven-texture fabric seats that are both hard-wearing and easy to clean. The seats themselves are generously-proportioned with ample support for comfort over long periods. The driver’s seat can even be manually adjusted six ways to offer fatigue-free motoring.
For the safety of everyone on board, all seats in the D-Max are designed to offer excellent whiplash protection while ISOFIX child seat mounts are available for the rear seats. All five positions are secured with inertia reel 3-point seatbelts with an audible and visual reminder.
Long journeys are what the new D-Max Auto Plus 4×2 1.9L thrives on and to make each journey a pleasant one, the steering wheel can be adjusted for rake and distance. For a nicer feel, the steering wheel itself is wrapped in leather. Buttons on the left spoke offers audio and phone controls while the right spoke has buttons to toggle between various MID views in the 4.2-inch colour display centrally-located in the instrument panel.
The instrument panel features an e-LUMAX display that is both pleasing to read in all lighting conditions and offers comprehensive information at your fingertips. The display can be dimmed to adjust for ambient lighting.
In the centre console sits a generous 7-inch multimedia system with touch screen convenience. Offering a host of connectivity options including USB, Bluetooth, WiFi, MirrorLink, Miracast, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, the system offers endless entertainment through its 6-speaker system.
Power for your devices will also always be readily available with a 12-volt 120W power socket up front and a USB port each for front and rear users. The rear port is located above the central air-conditioning vents and a neat receptacle is able to conveniently hold a mobile phone in place while it is charging.
With its impressively high level of specifications, safety and comfort features, the new Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus 4×2 1.9L is set to change the perception of what an entry-level pick-up truck ought to offer. Priced at RM 100,999.20 on the road without insurance, it will easily be one of the most affordable and economical pick-up trucks to own and maintain.
The Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus 4×2 1.9L will be available for booking immediately with deliveries beginning early November 2021. For more information on this model and the rest of the Isuzu D-Max variants, visit pickuptruck.isuzu.net.my where you can find e-brochures and make online requests for a test drive. Click here for the price list.
