Isuzu has unveiled a new one 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel engine for the D-Max And MU-Xbut it doesn’t mean the end of the venerable 3.0-liter.
The engine will go on sale in Thailand on November 28, 2024 in both the D-Max and facelifted MU-X, but has yet to be confirmed for Australia. Likewise, the facelifted MU-X is yet to be locked for Australia.
In Thailand, the new engine – internally called RZ4F – is based on and replaces the current 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel (RZ4E). Since Isuzu also builds the BT-50 for Mazda, it seems likely that the 2.2-liter will replace the 1.9-liter in that model as well.
“While it is exciting to see Isuzu continue to innovate with new powertrains, we are not currently in a position to comment on future product plans,” an Isuzu Ute Australia spokesperson told us. AutoExpert.
“While the 2.2-litre is expected to be a step in the right direction towards achieving lower emissions targets, details of the new powertrain are yet to be confirmed at this time.
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“That said, Isuzu Ute Australia [is] committed to working to provide a choice of vehicles that not only comply with all local legislation, but are also fit for purpose and meet the needs of Australians.
The 2.2-litre engine, marketed as the 2.2 Ddi Maxforce, produces 120 kW of power at 3600 rpm and 400 Nm of torque between 1600 and 2400 rpm.
It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which Isuzu says delivers better performance and better fuel economy.
The 1.9-litre it replaces produces 110kW and 350Nm and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
It narrows the power gap between entry-level and optional engines in the D-Max and MU-X ranges, with a drop of just 20kW and 50Nm compared to the 3.0-litre.
A mild-hybrid version of the 1.9-litre, which was unveiled earlier this year, will remain on sale in Thailand in a rear-wheel drive pick-up variant. This produces an identical power of 110 kW and 350 Nm as the regular 1.9-liter.
It’s unclear at this stage whether the 2.2-liter will eventually get a mild-hybrid system.
While Isuzu hasn’t released fuel economy figures, the company says fuel economy has improved by as much as 10 percent over the previous 1.9-liter. According to Australian figures, D-Max models with the 1.9-litre consume between 6.7 liters and 7.0 liters per 100 km.
The new 2.2-litre now outperforms the entry-level turbo-diesel engines found in the best-selling Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.
The HiLux Workmate’s 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel produces 110kW and 400Nm, while the Ranger’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel produces 125kW and 405Nm. The Isuzu models also use an eight-speed automatic, while the HiLux and Ranger use a six-speed gearbox.
Isuzu’s ‘4J’ 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel falls short in power compared to rival Ranger and HiLux models. Its figures of 140 kW and 450 Nm are bettered in most variants by the HiLux’s available 2.8 liter (150 kW and 500 Nm), while the Ranger’s 2.0 liter bi-turbo produces 154 kW and 500 Nm .
MORE: Everything Isuzu D-Max • MU-X
