Isuzu Ascender Review

IntelliChoice named 2006 Ascender 5-passenger a "big winner" in its class for both the lower cost of fuel and operating costs, and a "smart choice" in eight other categories. Isuzu's flagship SUV for 2007 benefits, one size "only" has room for five passengers, and the multiple award-winning 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine under the hood. The changes are:

Tire Pressure Monitoring System added as standard equipment on all models

Bering Blue Metallic replaces Adriatic Blue Metallic

Storm Gray Metallic replaces Graphite Gray Metallic

The six-spoke alloy wheels painted to finish to replace standard

OnStar communication system abandoned as an option

7 passengers, discontinued model

Equipment levels have changed. Both 2WD and 4WD models are available in base S and finish offer optional equipment preferred, LS, leather and luxury packages.

Prices have not changed too. Ascend the 2WD starts at a suggested retail price retail $ 25 959, and the Ascender 4WD has a base MSRP of $ 27,959.

2008 Isuzu Pickup Review

The Isuzu truck made its debut in 2006, and the model cabin crew was quickly named "Truck of the Year" for two different magazines, "Truck of Texas" and "four wheels of the Year." IntelliChoice named Model 2006, a "smart choice" in ten different categories of ownership costs, and distinguished himself in 2006 i-280 Extended Cab S as the "winner" in-class low repair costs.

For 2007, the I-280 4x2 Extended Cab least-290 and I-350 Crew Cab 4x4 is renamed I-370th trim levels remain unchanged: the in-290 is available in base S finish, with Preferred Equipment, LS and luxury packages optional, and I-370 is available in LS or optional Limited trim. Both cars have larger engines and more powerful. Changes for model year 2007:

2.9-liter four-cylinder replaces 2.8-liter, increasing power to 185 hp (vs. 175) and torque of 190 lb-ft. (V. 185)

3.7-liter inline five-cylinder engine replaces 3.5-liter, increasing power to 242 hp (from 220) and torque of 242 lb-ft. (Vs. 225)

Based I-290 S available with automatic transmission and manual gearbox

Tire Pressure Monitoring System added as standard equipment on all models

3.73 rear axle ratio added on manual transmission models (replaces 3.42 rear axle ratio)

Towing capacity of manual transmission models increases from 1700 to 2100 lbs.

Pacific Blue exterior color added

Deep Crimson Metallic replaces Red Rock Metallic color

Bering Blue Metallic replaces Adriatic Blue Metallic exterior color

Ebony trim replaces Very Dark Pewter (LS, Luxury and Limited)

Chrome accents added to HVAC lever, gauges, and speaker surrounds (LS, Luxury and Limited)

Chrome accents to be added mid-year interior door handles and locks (LS, Luxury and Limited

Retired rear mirror

Despite these improvements, the price has not changed since 2006. The i-290 Extended Cab 4x2 S begins selling price of U.S. manufacturer's suggested $ 16 989, while the i-370 Crew Cab 4x4 LS starts at an MSRP of $ 27,358.

Isuzu D-Max Facelift 2.5 & 3.0

Due to the war heating up in the pick-up truck segment, Isuzu�s D-Max has undergone a facelift for 2007. The tough pick-up now sports a refreshed frontal visage plus some sheet metal changes. Interestingly, this is the third �nip-and-tuck� since its introduction in Malaysia.

Striking changes this time around are sharper looking headlamp which utilises an ellipsoidal projector lens (3.0L D-Max only) and bolder-flared wheel arches. The new headlamps is claimed to be 14% brighter than regular multi-reflector items. At the front, the grille cowling and bumper appears more unitary and integrated as a whole, rendering a cleaner, more aerodynamic frontal profile. The bottom smooth-surfaced steel sump acts as a wind deflector, while protecting the oil sump and other mechanical parts. The rear has a redesigned bumper as well as tail lights incorporating clear lenses now.

Apart from the projector headlamps, another first-in-class for the new D-Max is the electroluminescent (EL) meter panel (3.0L version only), which also provides trip information and outside temperature. Another first in the truck segment is its keyless-entry feature plus key-encoded immobiliser for additional security against vehicle theft.

The facelifted D-Max�s 3.0L engine now has what Isuzu called �i-TEQ Super Commonrail� fuel system. Coded 4JJ1-TC, this long-stroke engine replaces the previous 4JH1-TC unit. The new engine has an identical displacement of 2999cc but features a new DOHC 16-valve aluminium cylinder head for improved breathing and hence better combustion efficiency. The twin camshafts are chain and gear-driven for a lifetime of maintenance-free operation and the cams themselves drive roller rockers for quieter and smoother operations. Power of the engine is a respectable 100 kW/136ps at 3400rpm, 4.2% higher than the old engine. Torque figures remain the same with 280Nm for the manual versions and 294 Nm for the automatic but the manner in which the engine peaks is what makes the new engine stands apart. Maximum torque is available between 1200rpm and 3400 rpm for the manual version and 1400rpm and 3000rpm for the automatic version, so driveability is always good with appreciable low to mid-range torque always on tap. Despite this, the new 3.0L commonrail turbo diesel is claimed to be 19% more fuel efficient than the old powerplant.

The 2.5-litre 4JA1-L engine however, remains unchanged from before and is offered only as a 4x2 with manual transmission. This variant is targeted at outdoor entrepreneurs who want nothing more than a dependable, durable and low maintenance workhorse.

The 2007 D-Max also comes equipped with larger front disc brake calipers � 45.5mm now from 42.8mm before. Such upsizing of calipers enable shorter braking distances and also better pedal feel. The brake servo is also bigger now, at 9 inches in diameter to increase braking force. The 3.0L version is fitted with ABS and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) for added braking stability, whatever the load. A limited-slip differential (LSD) is standard on all 4WD variants for greater stability and control in slippery conditions.

The facelifted 2007 D-Max is available in a choice of five colours: Starry Black Mica, Angelic White Solid, Mercury Silver, Eclipse Blue and Gamma Grey.

Prices of the new D-Max (OTR inclusive of insurance, for Peninsula Malaysia) are as follows:

2.5 Manual 4X2: RM71,475.30
3.0 Manual 4X4: RM89,776.30
3.0 Auto 4X4: RM96,758.30