Review of D-Max SX, how is it?

Wapcar Automotive News – Isuzu Malaysia 2023 has refreshed its critically acclaimed D-Max for the 2023 model year – nothing too drastic, but perhaps enough to make it the center of attention alongside the all-new Ford Ranger.

The MY23 update brings more matching options to the D-Max SX, additional improvements to the driver assistance system that take into account traction, some minor cosmetic improvements to the exterior and interior as well as new features, including support for the rear trunk with gas struts.

The version we’re driving here is the D-Max LS-U+, which sits one notch below the top-end X-Terrain show pony and is, in my opinion, the pick of the line.

Consider it a variant for those who want all the cons of the mod, but don’t want the body kit to openly identify X-Terrain and, in my opinion, reduce practicality. .

How much does Isuzu D-Max LS-U+ cost? Lower-end categories come in the form of a Regular Cab and an Extended Cab with two diesel engine options, with some offering extra beds (chassis). You can see the full price list here.

But the Isuzu D-Max LS-U+ is only available as a 4×4 Twin Cab (Crew Cab in Isuzu parlance) with a 3.0-liter diesel engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. It sits between the LS-U and X-Terrain in the price list.

Therefore, the suggested retail price (RRP) before on-road costs is $63,500 – $2,500 more expensive than the LS-U’s RRP and $4,000 cheaper than the LS-U’s RRP. But it is not that simple. You see, the Isuzu Ute has a special drive-in price on the X-Terrain of $64,990 while using the Isuzu website’s website drive-price calculator shows a price around $69,000 on the road for the LS-U (RRP plus state tax and delivery fee).

You shouldn’t expect to pay more for the LS-U+ than the better specified X-Terrain, so we recommend discussing this with your dealer.

With an RRP of $63,500, the D-Max LS-U+ is priced competitively with competitors like the Ford Ranger Sport Bi-Turbo and V6 ($63,690-$66,690), Toyota HiLux SR5+ ($64,430), and Isuzu’s song Born under the Mazda BT-50 GT leather ($60,390).

What does the inside of the Isuzu D-Max LS-U+ look like? It’s not as flashy as some, but the Isuzu D-Max LS-U’s cabin packs a lot of the basics.

For example, the front seats have particularly generous reinforcements at the shoulders, sides and thighs, heated and, in the driver’s case, electrically adjustable. The leather is also of good quality, soft and smooth without being damaged easily.

So is the steering wheel, with reach and tilt adjustment, easy control and elegant white stitching. It also has a button to the right of the spokes that, when pressed for three seconds, deactivates the lane-keeping assist system, which reactivates each time the vehicle is started. The instrument cluster features analog dials with a small display in the center that houses the digital speedometer, fuel economy indicator, basic vehicle controls, 4×4 mode reading, and settings for the vehicles. driver assistance function, cannot be changed. when ute is stationary. There are Trip A and B screens.

Storage is paramount in a small car and the D-Max offers, with 1.5-litre bottle holders on each door, cup holders sliding at either end of the vent-front panel on the outside, two stacked gloveboxes, a locker above the touchscreen, and a transmission tunnel with a phone storage area, cup holders, and a small square control panel.

Dual-zone climate control is handled by convenient rotary switches that correspond to a small digital display, below which is a dial for selecting 4×4 highs and lows. There are no touch controls. What a hassle to control the climate here…

The central touchscreen covers the basics:

satellite navigation, a good backup camera with good visibility of the tow ball, a surprisingly good audio system that includes roof-mounted speakers, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. But that’s more of an afterthought than a fully integrated display, as it doesn’t control any of the car’s functions other than multimedia.

The overall build quality is actually quite good, with the panel being solid, the gaps and joints being fairly uniform, and some cushioned surfaces like on the door armrests, dashboard covers, and the top of the dashboard. control. How does Isuzu D-Max LS-U+ work?

The inclusion of a proximity key system to unlock the vehicle without having to push a button is a nice touch at this level of spec, and the previously reported driving position is excellent.

Most driver-assist features work well, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The lane-keeping assist is fine if not top-notch, though I tend to turn them off with the push of a button when outside the city limits with nice painted lines.

In short, the D-Max isn’t really a specific benchmark, but anyone stepping out of the previous generation ute will find it a discovery and it’s in the top tier of the segment for cars. performance and comfort.