THE pick-up truck has become a common sight on Malaysian roads in the last few years, and continues to sell well this year despite challenging conditions.
Last year, according to MAA, the 4WD and SUV segment achieved the highest growth in the passenger car market with 27,724 units compared to the year before.
About 10 per cent of the 591,298 passenger vehicles sold last year were in this segment.
During that time, the total passenger vehicle numbers crept forward by a dismal 0.5 per cent. At the same time, the 4WD/SUV segment grew by an impressive 88.9 percent.
These figures, no doubt analysed in the offices of the major automobile companies in Malaysia, resulted in manufacturers scrambling to come up with offerings for the Malaysian public.
We take a look at some of the best offerings this year:
Nissan Navara NP300
The first Japanese truck in the Malaysian market with a multi-link rear suspension and coils instead of conventional leaf springs, the Nissan Navara is the most refined offering in the market when it comes to ride and handling. In some ways, the Navara is reflective of the future market trends in this segment. Each year, these trucks become more car-like with better suspension, ride and handling.
Nissan has clearly taken the lead with the NP300, charting the way to the next generation of trucks. Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats in the Navara make navigating both the urban and real jungles an even more comfortable affair.
There are a total of six variants available — three with seven-speed automatics, and three with six-speed manual boxes. With 190hp and 459Nm of torque available in the 2.5 L common rail ECCS version, this truck is no slouch both on and off the road. Prices start at about RM79,000 for the single cab manual transmission model.
New Chevrolet Colorado
When it comes to sheer torque, none of the other trucks in this line-up can beat the Chevrolet Colorado. In 2.8-litre VGT guise, it churns out 193hp and a massive 500Nm of torque. This enables the Chevy to easily spin its tyres just by flooring the throttle, just like a muscle car!
Starting from about RM95,000, the Colorados are powered by Chevy’s second-generation Duramax diesel engines mated to either a six-speed gearbox (for the non-VGT 2.5 base model) or six-speed autobox with manual shifting modes.
It is available in five variants, namely the 2.5 LT manual, 2.5LT auto, 2.5 LTZ auto, 2.8 LTZ auto and 2.8 High Country auto.
The Chevrolet Colorado handles well on highways and is easy to drive and capable off-road. With and extensive list of features, driver and safety aids, it is also one of the most underrated trucks in the Malaysian market.
Isuzu D-Max
The D-Max has been refreshed just last month, with Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd launching eight new versions of the vehicle. On-the-road prices (inclusive of Goods and Services Tax, road tax and insurance) start off at RM83,000 for the D-Max 2.5L standard with a manual transmission.
On the higher end of the scale, the top-of-the-range D-Max 3.0L Z-Prestige with auto transmission is priced at RM128,000.
Each version is available in three different variants, namely Standard, Premium and Z-Prestige. The new refreshed range features extensive exterior and interior enhancements.
However, the proven 2.5L and 3.0L VGS turbo intercooler diesel engines matched to either a five-speed automatic or manual transmission have been retained, having made a name for themselves among the 4x4 fraternity for robustness and reliability.
Ford Ranger
The popular Ranger was Ford’s best-selling vehicle last year (9,231 units sold), and continued to drive Ford’s sales forward this year. Turning the 4x4 market on its heels from the moment it was introduced, the class defining Ranger has a list of accolades to its name — including being the country’s second best-selling pickup last year.
With a starting price of RM91,588, and available in six variants, the Ranger is available in either a 2.2 litre or 3.2 litre common rail direction injection.
Power rating ranges from a mere 125hp and 320Nm of torque in the base level , all the way to an impressive 200hp and 470Nm of torque in range-topping 3.2 litre WildTrak.
The Ranger looks sophisticated and handles well at high speeds, making it no doubt a crowd favourite.
Mitsubishi Triton
The Triton was upgraded in September, with a 2.4-litre MIVEC VGT turbodiesel engine with 179hp at 3,500rpm, and 430Nm of torque at 2,500rpm as the new option. This diesel engine is the first of its type to use Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC), which has become synonymous with good performance in Mitsubishi petrol vehicles.
The flagship of the range is the new Triton VGT Adventure X. Prices start from RM82,604 for the manual transmission for 4x4 base model.
Toyota Hilux
The Toyota Hilux needs no introduction. The current generation was introduced in May this year. Six variants are currently available from Toyota. Prices start from RM89,900 for the single cab 2.4 litre 4x4 manual. On the other end of the scale, the top-of-the-range 2.8G 4×4 automatic, has a price tag of RM133,900. Two new engines options are now available – the 2.8 litre 1GD-FTV and the 2.4 litre 2GD-FTV, with 10 per cent improvements in fuel efficiency.
The Hilux is known as a robust, reliable truck, and its high resale price in the used market reflects this.