Sunday, 13 September 2015

Isuzu doing what it is good at, the D-MAX


Not too sure how the Isuzu MU-X doing as it does not look like it is attracting much crowd with the new model that has its traits and genes from the D-MAX, which is what Isuzu is good at building and delivering.  From heavy duty transport trucks to our daily pickup trucks, Isuzu is best at making these.


The D-Max spans a few variant, from the most basic single-cab 4x4 (RM67k) or 4x2 (RM60k),  to the standard D-Max double cab 4x4 Auto (RM101k), then the D-MAX V-Cross Safari 4x4 3.0 (RM118k), and with the new Diablo 4x4 3.0 variant (RM118k), there are abundance of choices to confuse buyer.  In between there are auto/manual gearbox, 2.5 turbo diesel or VGS diesel, 3.0 VGS high spec variant, different body skirting, side roll bar, flatbed cover, etc. to choose from.  If you ever want the most basic for your company to carry stuff instead of staff, the single cab could be the best choice, where you need to treat additional of your staff as stuff and put them on the flatbed (which is illegal, but not enforce here).


Interior of different variants are equipped differently as well, and the D-MAX lives up to its reputation as the built quality if perfect.  Simple dashboard, easy to operate dials and buttons.  With high specifications version getting auto aircon, and a flat screen AV system with built-in reverse camera.  All 4x4 models comes with the rotary switch to engage the  4H and 4L drive mode instead of the olden day of additional gear stalk.  Any layman would know how to operate the D-MAX.


Safety gears for high-spec variants are good, with standard driver and passenger airbags, ABS and TCS.  However, lower end of mid-spec variants could have only the airbags or none at all.  Well, a pickup truck construction is not really meant for the replacement of your daily drive.  With a heavy load at the front and light weight at the rear, a driver really need to know the truck well to handle it properly.  Furthermore, a pickup is not meant for driving at high speed, as the uneven weight distribution and rear drive configuration could lead to an easy spin-off with slight mishandling of the vehicle.  Those driving one, please be aware that a pickup is a utility vehicle, but not a race car, drive safe and put others and your safety at highest priority.  Besides a spun-off, pickup truck could easily turn turtle in a heavy collision.  Be safe!


Choices for pickup in the market is abundance, but Isuzu could still be the king of pickup truck.  However, stronger brand such as Toyota Hilux or the tough looking Ford Ranger or the sport looking Mitsubishi Triton or the noisy Chevrolet Colorado or even the mother of all pickup, Nissan Navara are all worth considerations if you are up to one.