Isuzu Malaysia has introduced the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross range of pick-up trucks.

Based on the second-generation D-Max which was launched in Malaysia in May 2013, the V-Cross is powered by a VGS-equipped 3-litre, 4JJ1-TCX, turbo-diesel that produces 177 PS at 3,600 rpm and 380 Nm between 1,800 and 2,800 rpm.

That's a 40 HP and 60 Nm jump over the 2.5-litre, VGS turbo-diesel in the 'regular' D-Max, although made at the same revs. The engine is connected to either a five-speed manual or five-speed auto. All V-Cross variants are 4×4.

Standard exterior equipment includes 255/65 R17 alloys, front fog lamps, chromed folding wing mirrors with LED indicators, side steps, reverse sensors, roof rails and bedliner. Inside, all variants have auto air-con, variable intermittent wipers, a rear demister and speed-sensing auto door locks.

Safety-wise, all variants get dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and BA, ESC, TCS, Isofix, an alarm with immobiliser, and five three-point seat belts.

Additionally, there's a range-topping V-Cross Safari variant. Finished in an exclusive Venetian Orange Mica, the auto-only variant has its exclusive rims, front grille, exclusive front bumper guard, side steps and side body cladding painted grey, and its roof rails matte black.

It also gets a sporty-looking rear deck lid called a V-Lid, "Italian Premium Leather" seats with orange stitching, special carpet mats and a 6.2-inch screen incorporating navigation, multimedia and a reverse camera display.

OTR prices with insurance are as follows: V-Cross manual RM 101,344 (US$ 31,443), V-Cross auto RM 107,460, V-Cross Safari auto RM 118,486. A roll bar is a RM 1,200 option - cannot be fitted on Safari because of the V-Lid.

Venetian Orange Mica - Safari only, Cosmic Black Mica, Garnet Red Mica, Titanium Silver Metallic and Splash White body colours are available. A three-year/100,000 km warranty is offered. The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross 3.0L will hit showrooms this weekend.

The second-generation Isuzu D-Max range in Malaysia is now priced as below, OTR, without insurance:-

D-Max Single Cab 2.5L MT - 4×2 (non-VGS) RM 60,411, 4×4 RM 72,331.
D-Max Double Cab 2.5L 4×2 MT - low-rider (non-VGS) RM 67,761, high-rider RM 77,601.
D-Max Double Cab 2.5L 4×4 MT - L RM83,045, high-spec RM 91,957.
D-Max Double Cab 2.5L 4×4 AT - RM 97,871.
D-Max Double Cab V-Cross 3.0L 4×4 - MT RM 98,508, AT RM 104,468.
D-Max Double Cab V-Cross Safari 3.0L 4×4 - RM 115,208.