According to local reports, Isuzu has confirmed its 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine has been approved for South Africa. However, the Japanese automaker’s local arm says it won’t rush it to market.
Isuzu’s RZ4F MaxForce 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine has been approved for South Africa, the Japanese automaker’s local arm confirmed to The Citizen. However, although this four-cylinder oil-burner is part of the firm’s future plans, don’t expect it to be introduced to our market just yet. Speaking to the publication, Craig Uren, Vice-President of Sales at Isuzu Motors South Africa, said, “Obviously, we have just introduced the new 1.9, which performs phenomenally and isn’t that far off from the 2.2. So, the need to rush the 2.2 is, in our view, not that necessary because you have the 1.9.”
The RZ4F MaxForce unit debuted in overseas markets – including Australia, where it replaced the 1.9-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel – in September 2025. The single-turbocharged 2.2-litre powertrain produces 120 kW and 400 N.m of torque – the latter available from a low 1 600 r/min. The RZ4F MaxForce is coupled with an Aisin eight-speed automatic transmission.
- Also read: Review: 2026 Isuzu MU-X 1.9TD 4×4 LS
In October 2026, Isuzu debuted a 2.2-litre twin-turbocharged diesel engine in Thailand. The new powertrain churns out 150 kW at 3 600 r/min, with the full complement of 500 N.m on tap between 1 600 and 2 600 r/min. In Thailand, the twin-turbo 2.2-litre unit can be had with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission.
While the timing of the 2.2-litre motor’s local introduction remains unconfirmed, the South African D-Max and MU-X lineup continues to feature Isuzu’s 1.9-litre and robust 3.0-litre turbodiesel powertrains. The 1.9-litre motor produces 110 kW and 350 N.m. The 3.0-litre unit is endowed with 140 kW and 450 N.m. Both engines are offered with the choice of two transmission options: six-speed manual and six-speed automatic. Drivetrain options include 4×2 and 4×4.
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