TEST DRIVE: Isuzu D-Max 1.9L 4×4 AT Premium Blue Power – Ticks All the Right Boxes

Automologist ATHERTON reviews the 1.9L D-Max and approves.

The 1.9 D-Max is just as good as its older siblings and if you’re in the market looking for a capable, robust and dependable workhorse with cool design cues, it definitely should be in your list. Of course, compared to the flagship variant, a few features and creature comforts are not available and rightly so, but all in all, this is a very capable 4×4.

Outside, it has an aggressive front with four ‘fangs’ on the radiator grille, automatic Bi-LED Projector headlamps and LED DRLs as well as LED rear combi lamps just like its big brother (on the X-Terrain earlier reviewed). The windscreen washer nozzle is integrated into the wipers to improve air flow.

The car is truly refined. The 3.0 has a black-and-brown colour combination, leather inserts and soft-touch plastics. Similarly, the 1.9’s interior feature soft-touch materials and a colour theme that is on the darker side of grey. There are plenty of cupholders and abundant storage space.

Nice, clean and clearly well-thought-out dashboard layout.

As you sit high up, you get an excellent panoramic view and of course you’ll have great visibility of approaching traffic. And during rainy season, sitting high and being able to drive through flooded roads to a certain extent is an important factor.

The engine delivers 150PS at 3,600 rpm and 350Nm of torque between 1,800rpm -2,600rpm; it is paired to a 6-Speed Automatic transmission with Sequential Shift gearbox. It is really adequate if you are carrying heavy stuff like machinery, heavy loads of agriculture stuff or simply hauling your trailer with a jet-ski or maybe your motocross bikes, no sweat. It can tow up to 3,500kg!

You can carry loads of stuff in here, and the optional sliding tray makes it all the more convenient.

Supple seats with cupholders in the armrest.

Sipping fuel is one characteristic that it does well. I started with a full tank of fuel that took more than a week to finish. This included weekend jaunts with a full load of passengers. Well, not finish completely, as there was a balance of 100km more to go on the fuel range indicator at the end of my review.

Easy-to-reach compartment to keep your Smart Tag, keys and cards.

In terms of equipment, the 1.9 doesn’t get a few bits like the rear differential lock compared to the flagship unit. Sliding cargo tray is optional and headlamp levelling is manually operated on the 1.9. Remote engine start and wireless charger are only available in the X-Terrain unit.

In terms of safety, it has:

• Anti-lock Brake 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)
• Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
• ISOFIX with Top Tether
• Child Protector Safefy Lock
• High Mount Stop Lamp
• Reverse Camera
• Parking Sensors (front and rear)
• Seat Belt Reminder (all seats)
• 2 airbags (front passengers)
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Anti-Theft Alarm System with Key-Coded Immobilizer

The 1.9 is a sure-fire choice compared to other 4x4s in the market, with its established dealer network and warehouse stocked with parts and a lower maintenance cost compared to its competitors. The Isuzu D-Max 1.9L 4×4 AT Premium with its top-notch engineering and innovation, and a price tag of RM125,149.20 (on-the-road) is a pickup that ticks all the right boxes.