Will SA-built Isuzu D-Max receive new 2.2 turbodiesel?

Isuzu has released details about its new 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine and 8-speed auto. Question is, will this fresh powertrain be offered in the SA-built D-Max, too?

Isuzu recently released details about its newly developed 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, which will be used in both the D-Max bakkie and MU-X adventure SUV produced in Thailand. So, will we see this fresh powertrain in the SA-built D-Max, too?

Well, we asked Isuzu Motors South Africa that very question but have unfortunately yet to hear back. Still, we’d speculate this engine will indeed eventually come to Mzansi seeing as the Japanese firm’s Struandale facility imports its D-Max engines and transmissions (and indeed the fully built-up MU-X) from Thailand rather than producing powertrains locally.

In addition, it seems the new 2.2-litre unit will ultimately serve as a replacement for the 1.9-litre mill (on which it’s seemingly based) in the Thai market. Since the smaller-capacity engine is employed by lower-spec versions of the SA-manufactured D-Max and the entry-level MU-X derivative offered in our market, it may very well be phased out here, too, likely in favour of this newer 2.2-litre motor.

Of course, exactly when this might happen is anyone’s guess, though it’s worth keeping in mind Billy Tom, Isuzu Motors SA’s CEO and Managing Director, confirmed to Cars.co.za in October 2024 that the local market would see the introduction of the facelifted D-Max and a “sexier” version of the MU-X within the “next 12 months”. That might present the perfect opportunity to introduce this new engine.

So, what do we know about the newly detailed 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel unit? Well, according to Isuzu’s international media release, the “2.2 Ddi MaxForce” engine – which bears the “RZ4F” internal designation and has a displacement of 2 164 cc – generates peak outputs of 120 kW at 3 600 rpm and 400 Nm from 1 600- to 2 400 rpm. For the record, that’s an extra 10 kW and 50 Nm compared to the 1.9-litre motor.

Fitted with a new 8-speed automatic torque-converter transmission rather than the familiar 6-speed item, the 2.2-litre mill is “more fuel efficient by up to 10.7%”, according to Isuzu Thailand. In that market, the engine can also be combined with the standard 6-speed manual gearbox.

The global statement from Isuzu – which confirmed the new engine only for Thailand – says the fresh powertrain “brings significant improvements to start-up capability, acceleration and fuel efficiency compared to existing models”, while “maintaining excellent durability and minimising noise levels”.

As an aside, the venerable 3.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel continues seemingly unchanged, with its maximum outputs remaining 140 kW and 450 Nm. For now, the South African market will just have to wait and see whether the new 2.2-litre motor will be offered alongside this engine…