Isuzu’s new Hi-Lander D-MAX boasts improved fuel economy, emissions

One of the most popular techniques in lowering fuel consumption (and simultaneously emissions) is to downsize engines as well as lower the weight of the vehicle.

Well, commercial vehicle giant Isuzu has showed us just that with the introduction of its new D-MAX, which now comes with a newly developed 1.9-litre commonrail direct injection diesel engine with turbo and intercooler.

With the public’s general perception that larger engines are better, particularly with higher horsepower and torque, the small engine might lack that “macho” image, so Isuzu is also offering the usual 3.0-litre engine variant for anyone who wants a “manly” power plant.

But it’s the 1.9 Ddi “Blue Power” engine that’s the highlight of the new D-MAX, and last month I was invited by distributor Tripetch Isuzu Sales (TIS) to drive their new truck in Japan.

According to Isuzu, several measures have been taken in developing the new engine, starting with lowering the weight by as much as 60kg compared to its 2.5-litre predecessor, as well as less friction.

The company says that a new timing gear and chain, roller-rocker arms and a single engine belt, as well as multi-point injection help lower noise and vibration.

In terms of figures, the 1.9-litre motor develops 10 per cent more output that the 2.5-litre engine, claiming 150 horsepower at 3,600rpm, while torque is up by 9 per cent to 350Nm from 1,800-2,600rpm.

Meanwhile, the average fuel economy and CO2 emission are down by almost 20 per cent for the Hi-Lander to 14.9km/l and 175g/km respectively.

While the trucks are manufactured at Isuzu’s assembly plant in Thailand, travelling to Japan might not really reflect actual usage conditions back home, particularly with the near-freezing January temperature.

TIS spent millions to stage the test-drive event at the Autopolis Circuit in Oita, a famous racetrack known for its 50-metre altitude difference between the highest and lowest part of the track.

Not a suitable venue to test drive a raised pickup truck with a ground clearance of 235mm I would say, but I’m not complaining. The Autopolis circuit was remarkable, with weaving multiple corners and the steep drop.

The test-drive fleet comprised mainly of the 6-speed manual pre-production version, and although one 6-speed automatic truck was available, Isuzu said the gearbox suffered from a minor problem so I concentrated on the manual.

Which was a good idea as it was a tough circuit that I had to take the Hi-Lander through at pace – braking and shifting points will be important.

While the engine showed enough grunt with good torque delivery (especially considering the small engine displacement), the first thing you’ll notice is the rubbery gearshift that’s traditional to olden-day pickups. This dramatically slows down the shifting speed, so you need to be a little patient here.

I was able to brake deeper and turn harder during laps two and three, but it was pretty much torture for a lanky truck that would feel more at home on country roads heading to a resort somewhere.

Yes, I reckon the Hi-Lander would serve its purpose well in weekend drives with lots of carrying space as well as off-road capability if a proper test-drive event was staged, rather than give you thrills and spills on a racing circuit.

There’s a large amount of body roll, and the steering isn’t as sharp as the competition, but that’s the usual Isuzu setting we’re used to, which is targeted at carrying performance as well as ride comfort.

In terms of design, the new D-MAX gets improved looks with new projector headlights, front grille fog lamps and a rear end with a built-in spoiler. The Hi-Lander gets tough 18-inch alloy wheels with 255/60 tyres and the two-tone Isuzu logo.

Inside the cabin is an attractive new “Super Vision” instrument panel with colour display MID, as well as a manual gear upshift reminder.

Convenience features include smart entry with push start button, a multi-function steering wheel and automatic climate control.

There’s a large 8-inch screen on the centre console and there are a number of great applications including satellite navigation, smartphone connectivity with mirroring technology and social networking.

Meanwhile, Isuzu Insight makes fuel economy driving a fun thing as you can also download the driving data to your smartphone apart from the truck’s LCD display.

Music lovers will like the Isuzu Surround Sound System that features speakers mounted on the ceiling.

The Isuzu D-MAX might not be the flashy pickup with muscles that raises the adrenalin level, but it can be a practical everyday vehicle that offers good comfort, fuel economy and a high level of eco-friendliness.

 

Isuzu D-MAX 1.9Ddi Hi-Lander Double Cab Z-Prestige 

 

Engine: 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve commonrail direct-injection with turbocharger and intercooler

Displacement: 1,898cc

Bore and stroke: 80x94.4mm

Compression ratio: 16.5:1

Max power: 150ps/3,600rpm

Max torque: 350Nm/1,800-2,600rpm

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Ratios: 4.942/2.430/1.428/1.000/0.749/0.634

Average fuel economy: 14.9km/litre

CO2: 175g/km

Suspension (f/r): double wishbone, coil spring, stabiliser/leaf spring, gas shock absorbers

Steering: powered rack and pinion

Turning circle: 12.6 metres

Brakes (f/r): vented disc/drum

Dimensions (mm)

Length: 5,200

Width: 1,860

Height: 1,795

Wheelbase: 3,095

Track (f/r): 1,570/1,570

Weight: 1,810kg

Wheels: 18-in alloys

Tyres: 255/60 R18

Fuel tank capacity: 76 litres

Price: Bt921,000

Distributor: Tripetch Isuzu Sales