Isuzu Motors Limited may not be the first Japanese automobile brand that pops-up in everyone but the company was set-up way back in 1949. Even before this, its predecessor had been involved in the manufacture of diesel engines since 1936. Unknown to many, in the early years, they were involved in both the manufacture of passenger and commercial vehicles.  Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd was set-up in 2004 with the joint venture partners DRB-HICOM Berhad , Isuzu Operations (Thailand) Co. Ltd., and Isuzu Motors Asia Limited, Singapore (IMA). Although reasonably new in Malaysia, Isuzu is a leading manufacturer of light commercial trucks powered by diesel engines. In this area, there are a few marques around the world to lay claim to be the best but Isuzu is definitely among this leading pack of innovators. Their i-TEQ Super Commonrail technology is an advanced fuel injection system for diesel engines that sets new standards in performance and fuel consumption. In addition to being the distributor of Isuzu vehicles, they also have an assembly plant based in Pekan, Pahang that undertakes the CKD operations. 

It is now an established fact that 4x4 pick-ups are very much accepted as a suitable mode of transport both in the urban and rural areas. With the pick-up segment registering comfortable growth over the last few years, more and more models are being introduced into the segment. A vast majority of them are 4x4 Double Cabs and some SUVs but there are very few Single Cabs which are highly niche models that specifically cater to a specific need in the market place. Besides this D-Max Single Cab there is only one other model which can be considered its competitor but even this model is only a 2.5-litre. It underlines the point that this vehicle is a highly targeted model to cater to a particular need in the market.

The D-Max range of pick-ups has a long history of being study, robust and reliable with this one being no different. A simple frontal design with practicality as the main motive delivers a dominant front end. The plain bumper completes the frontal form that underlines the utility character of the D-Max. It has flared wheel arches and simple side profile while the rear end also follows the basic theme. One of the key highlight is the cargo bay which the largest in its class at 2270mm. The size of the headlamps and the tail lights are more than the average dimension but very much in tune with intended use of this pick-up.

As mentioned earlier, there are so many pick-ups in the market but this one is unique to say the least as it is a Single Cab. This means that it is aimed at businessmen, contractors involved in the plantation, agriculture, logging and the oil & gas sectors. The reason for this is simple, as it is a purposely created workhorse that is powerful, highly durable and dependable coupled with more than decent fuel consumption. Not many vehicles are developed and also used exclusively as a business or fleet vehicle but this D-Max is in every sense a fleet vehicle.

In the short period of time Isuzu has been operating in Malaysia, they have put-in enormous effort to set-up a strong network of dealers as to-date they have a total of 39 service and sales centres with 17 of them in Sabah and Sarawak. This will be an assurance for fleet customers who are always on the look-out for prompt after sales assistance services.

For the interior the apt description will be “bare necessities” which is a popular line from a Disney movie. The dash is plain and simple made of material that makes cleaning and maintaining an ease. In terms of colour choice, it is light grey to give the cabin a spacious look yet underlining its practical aspect. There is a decent size clove compartment, cupholders and storage spaces. The instrument cluster is again simple as is the 4-spoke power steering wheel that is accommodating. In terms of visibility for the driver, the sloped windscreen offer decent all-round view. The bench seats are also plain with the adjustable feature so that driver comfort is not an ignored aspect. There are 4 aircon vents on the dash that ensures that comfort of the cabin. The most important two and four wheel drive selection is provided by the touch-on-the-fly switch located within easy reach on the dash.

The engine is one of the key features of D-Max and it is the 3.0-litre Ddi i-TEQ Super Commonrail in-line 4 cylinder 16-valve DOHC turbo intercooler diesel. It is capable is the maximum power of 136PS at 3400 rpm and the maximum torque of 280 Nm at 1200 rpm which together is considered to be class leading. These figures underline the workaholic character of this vehicle that sets it way ahead of the competition. The 5-speed manual transmission felt firm and showed its capability of delivery when required. During our test, we realised that it is a no frills mean vehicle that is at ease in the normal roads but much more so the off-road. It will not draw staring glanced from the masses but it is definitely an eager workhorse.  The front suspension is independent double wishbone with torsion bar stabilizer and in the rear it is semi-elliptical leaf spring. For the stopping power, the front is ventilated disc with 2-pot calipers while in the rear it is leading and trailing drum. All in all, our call is that this D-Max will disappoint few due to its robust DNA.

The whole chassis is made of a high performance frame that is further reinforced by larger side-member frames. Meanwhile, the rear chassis cross member ensures minimal torsional distortion. With the front and rear safety crumple zones in place, the occupants can be further assured. There are also 3-point ELR seatbelts for the front occupants and 2-point for the middle occupant. For that additional peace of mind, the steering wheel is also collapsible.

The warranty offered is 100,000 km or 3-years which ever comes first. Based on in-house data of Isuzu Malaysia, the three main ownership costs of road tax, fuel consumption and maintenance over a period of 3 years is substantially lower than its competitor. During the recent Dura-Miles Challenge Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur, the distance of 1501 km was covered with only a single full tank! The event was further witnessed by AAM in Malaysia. As the parts are durable with lesser frequency of servicing, the maintenance cost is kept low. These data will bring a smile to any fleet manager and this D-Max is thoroughbred fleet pick-up truck.

The D-Max Single Cab comes only in one colour, white at the price of RM69,111.94 on-the-road with insurance for company commercial registration in Peninsular Malaysia.

Price is valid as on 25 September 2008.