The writer with the all-new Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain during a trip to the Inobong sub-station in Penampang which is 474 meters above sea level prior to the MCO.
THE Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain is one of the latest high-end pick-up trucks that is bound to set hearts aflutter – especially the pick-up truck fans.
How would I describe this latest addition of the Isuzu family? Robust? Definitely. Gorgeous? Of course.
It comes with the advance 3.0 litre Blue Power turbo diesel engine which packs a powerful 190PS, 450Nm of torque, with a flat torque at 1,600 to 2,600 rpm. And on top of that, the smooth six-speed automatic transmission allows for a sportier, more pleasurable drive, even on unpaved roads, and off-road conditions.
The all-new Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain is also undoubtedly one of the most handsome pick-up trucks around and is a far cry from the humdrum looks of the traditional pick-up truck.
I had the opportunity to test-drive, not an hour, but an entire weeklong, this latest addition to the Isuzu pick-up truck family. This was made possible by Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd.
My ride came painted in a rich Valencia Orange colour and was attracting stares wherever we went.
Going through the brochure given to me, I learned that the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain is the Isuzu’s latest generation of pick-up trucks and its class-defining flagship model.
It is designed to be better than ever before and that each aspect and feature of the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain is crafted to provide the best possible experience – from design, technology, performance, to safety and all throughout the ownership journey.
And to testify to its claim that this new pick-up truck is made with full confidence and built to last, the all-new Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain comes with seven years unlimited mileage warranty, stated the brochure.
In the looks department, the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain radiates the look of strength, sophistication and power. It is a mean ride, there isn’t a doubt about that.
I enjoyed the clever combination of dark, grey over the main Valencia Orange colour – the black lining accentuating the shape of the automatic Bi-Led projector headlamps, for example, made the vehicle meaner looking.
But of course, every small detail played a part in creating that look – even the small black door handles and the dark-coloured skid plate at the front, as well as the black sidemirrors and grey roof rails, the black coloured 18 inches rims and grey sideline.
The designer of the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain has also included a built-in sliding cargo tray, which has proven its usefulness during the short period of my test-driving it. Just imagine having bought a load of goods and placing them at the back of the pick-up truck.
With the cargo tray, you can just pull it to yourself, place all the goods on it, and then slide it back to the truck. It is so easy!
The interior of the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain is all about comfort, beauty and functionality. The driver’s seat comes with an 8-way power adjust with lumbar support to ensure the most comfortable driving position.
And if you’re barely 160 centimeters in height (like me), you can adjust the height of the seat – a huge benefit for the petite drivers. The seats come in a combination of leather materials which exude that lush look of luxury.
Two of the features to enjoy in the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain is the e-Lumax with color display MD which provides information such as the rpm, speed, fuel consumption and temperature; as well as the luxurious nine-inch touch screen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto Connectivity – what a great way to beat boredom and stay alert during long haul journeys.
And perhaps, other features of the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain that should also be appreciated are its new standard of safety with advanced driver assist system. In addition to detecting potential collision in front of the vehicle and alerts the driver, it also brakes automatically to avoid collision.
Other features in the safety department are the turn assist feature which helps monitor opposing traffic when turning and brakes automatically to avoid accidents; adjust the cruising speed based on the surrounding vehicles; detects and warns the driver when he or she drifts to another lane.
And of course, the Blind Spot Monitor which warns the driver when a vehicle is approaching at his or her blind spot.
It even comes equipped with a manual speed limiter so that the driving speed could not exceed the speed limit set.
The price of the Isuzu D-Max 3.0 Double Cab X-Terrain on-the-road for private registration without insurance in Sabah is RM143,330.70