Isuzu
Still a viable choice? The Isuzu DMAX LS and its strategic combination of time and torque.
The article discusses the Isuzu DMAX 1.9 LS, a double-cab bakkie that offers affordability, creature comforts, and a smooth ride quality, making it a competitive contender in its market. The writer notes that despite not being the most luxurious option, the DMAX 1.9 LS is a reliable and well-equipped vehicle that meets most of the needs of a bakkie user.
The article highlights the DMAX 1.9 LS’s strengths, including its affordability, which is achieved through a competitive price point. The writer also commends the vehicle’s creature comforts, which include features such as air conditioning, power windows, and a CD player. Additionally, the DMAX 1.9 LS offers a smooth ride quality, thanks to its suspension and engine performance.
The writer concludes that the Isuzu DMAX 1.9 LS is a reliable and well-equipped vehicle that is well-suited for a variety of uses, from work to play. While it may not be the most luxurious option, it offers good value for money and is a strong contender in its market.
Overall, the article presents a positive review of the Isuzu DMAX 1.9 LS, highlighting its key strengths and competitive advantages in the market. The writer’s tone is informative and objective, providing a clear and concise summary of the vehicle’s features and benefits. The article is written in a style that is engaging and easy to follow, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.
Bangkok 2025: Isuzu debuts 2.2L Ddi MaxForce engines for D-Max and MU-X, producing 163PS and 400Nm, with reduced fuel consumption and an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The 2025 Isuzu D-Max, a pick-up truck, is being showcased at the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS). Although it’s not a new model, it features a significant update under the hood. The 1.9-liter RZ4E-TC diesel engine has been replaced by the new 2.2-liter RZ4F-TC Ddi MaxForce mill, which offers improved performance, fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions.
The new engine boasts a 13 horsepower and 50 Nm of torque increase over its predecessor, with a massive 56% boost in torque from a standstill. Additionally, Isuzu claims a 10.7% reduction in extra-urban fuel consumption and the lowest carbon dioxide emissions in its class. The engine is paired with a new eight-speed Rev Tronic automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission.
The 2025 Isuzu D-Max is also available in a new color, Elbrus Grey Opaque, and the MU-X SUV has also received the facelift. The MU-X features an aggressive new design, including eyebrow-style LED daytime running lights, a large downturned grille, and X-shaped bumpers. Inside, the updates are minimal, with a new instrument cluster and infotainment system.
The equipped vehicle will be available in several countries, starting with the Philippines in the first quarter of 2024, and may take a few years to reach other countries like Malaysia, where a detailed assessment of the local driving conditions and fuel quality may take time.
Exclusive Insights: Real owners of BYD’s Shark 6 reveal their uncensored thoughts on the…
The BYD Shark 6, a plug-in hybrid ute, has made a strong start in the Australian market, with 2026 units delivered in the first two months of sales. To get a sense of how owners are finding their new rides, Drive reached out to a few owners and published their unfiltered opinions. Here are their experiences:
Ben Ouston from Newcastle, NSW, replaced his Mitsubishi Lancer with the BYD Shark 6 to take advantage of the FBT exemption for plug-in hybrids. He loves the technology, especially the ease of use and camera system, but is disappointed with the "Driver Monitoring System" that often alerts him for minor faults and the wireless phone charger, which he finds slow and hot.
Mick Wieden from Cairns, Queensland, replaced his 2021 Toyota HiLux with the BYD Shark 6, attracted by its technology, FBT exemption, and price. He praises the car for its low running costs and advanced features, but is unhappy with the lack of communication from BYD on accessory delivery times and has cancelled his orders.
Ryan Drury from Sydney, NSW, wanted a plug-in hybrid to match his work and family needs. He replaced his 2015 Isuzu D-Max with the BYD Shark 6 and loves its quiet operation, acceleration, and the attention it attracts. While he thinks it’s a great car, he notes that some sales staff at the Cairns delivery center were unhelpful and slow to respond to queries.
The owners’ feedback highlights both the strengths (technology, low running costs, attention-grabbing design) and weaknesses (some technical issues, lack of communication from BYD on accessory delivery times) of the BYD Shark 6. Drive has reached out to EVDirect for comment and will update the story when a response is received.
Embark on your next overlanding escapade with the rugged Isuzu D-Max AT35 Basecamp, ready to conquer the great outdoors.
Isuzu has partnered with ARB and Arctic Trucks to create the D-Max AT35 Basecamp, an overlanding-ready pickup truck that comes equipped with a tent, shower, and kitchen onboard. The truck is built on the Arctic Trucks Isuzu D-Max AT35, which is a highly capable off-road vehicle with a lift, large tires, and a locking rear differential.
The Basecamp features an ARB Esperance Rooftop Tent, which can be easily deployed, and a folding ladder for access. The truck also comes with a slide-out kitchen, electric coolbox, gas cooktop, and sink. After a long day of off-roading, the ARB Ensuite Tent with a shower room and 12-volt portable pump is a luxurious feature that’s perfect for washing off the dirt and grime.
The truck’s design is geared towards overlanding, with a focus on durability, simplicity, and off-road capability. The base vehicle, the Isuzu D-Max AT35, is available from Isuzu dealerships in the UK, and the ARB components are available separately for customers who want to build their own overlanding truck. George Wallis, Head of Marketing at Isuzu UK, notes that the new Basecamp allows customers to turn their Isuzu D-Max AT35 into a “fully equipped home away from home, ready for unforgettable experiences.”
In related news, the Toyota Land Cruiser is also a popular choice for overlanding, with its legendary off-road capability and durability. The article highlights how the Land Cruiser has become an overlanding icon, with its ruggedness, simplicity, and off-road ability making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
Overall, the trend of overlanding is growing, with many aftermarket companies like ARB creating parts and accessories to make these adventures easier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for a rooftop tent, cooking solutions, or extra storage, there are many options available for anyone seeking to hit the trails and experience the thrill of off-road driving and camping.
This 1980s Isuzu Impulse Sportscar Was an Innovative, Pioneering Vehicle that Blazed a Trail for the Future of Performance Cars.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Japanese sports cars were all the rage, and Isuzu attempted to make a name for themselves with the Impulse, a sports coupe that featured performance technology ahead of its time. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Impulse was an answer to the success of brands like Toyota and Nissan. The first generation Impulse was launched in 1983 and was initially a success, with 13,000 units sold.
However, the second generation Impulse, which debuted in the late 1980s, was not as well received. Isuzu’s partnership with General Motors led to a front-wheel-drive hatchback/wagon version, which sacrificed the rear-wheel-drive charm of the original. The model was also plagued by poor brand recognition, lackluster marketing, and a weak dealership network in the United States.
The Impulse faced strong competition from other Japanese sports cars, including the Mazda RX-7, Honda Prelude, and Toyota Celica. Furthermore, the 1990s saw a burst of the economic bubble in Japan, which forced Isuzu to cease production of cars, including the Impulse.
The second generation Impulse sold only around 13,000 units over three years, and ultimately represented the end of Isuzu’s automotive production. Despite its innovative technology and sleek design, the Impulse failed to gain popularity, marking a disappointing chapter in Isuzu’s history.