AFTER much anticipation, Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) has finally unveiled the latest generation of its popular pickup—the all-new D-MAX. With it is six years of research and about 4 million kilometers of testing, making the all-new D-MAX the most innovative and feature-laden iteration of the iconic pickup truck apart from its long set reputation for outstanding durability and reliability.
“We are very excited to introduce this model to the Philippine market—a market that has been particularly special for us since there are a lot of scenic routes and challenging terrains all over the country that a pickup and 4×4 enthusiast would love to traverse, especially on the weekends. Because of that, we’ve made sure that the All-New D-MAX will have a wide range of choices to cater to every consumer’s needs,” said IPC president Hajime Koso.
The all-new D-MAX has been redesigned to keep in harmonious step with the modern-day Filipino’s ever-changing needs. Also, it is more than capable of meeting the unpredictable daily demands of both work and lifestyle while still achieving that remarkable balance between toughness and style.
‘Beyond the Pickup Truck’ design
Built from the ground up, the all-new D-MAX breaks the barrier between trucks and passenger cars. Its vast design reforms represent bold, emotional, and innovative design concepts. The exterior styling exudes a more powerful and robust appearance and flowing character lines reflecting its uniqueness, sportiness, and futuristic design.
As for the interior, its bold yet innovative concept is highlighting the sharp horizontal layers design theme. Completely redesigned, it carries Isuzu’s universal design concept that also minimized noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) to achieve a more comfortable drive. Part of the cabin’s innovation is the new 10-inch infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity functions. Aside from its full touch screen operation, there’s also a voice control feature. The navigation system has improved, and that the new dynamic surround sound system will make any journey a breeze.
Moreover, new innovative features such as the welcome light system automatically illuminate the cabin room when the driver approaches the vehicle, auto-lock system, follow me home light function, new turn indicator function, and a remote start engine functionality. Other new designs are the steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment and a new gear lever for better gear selection and control (MT and AT).
Exceptional power and performance
The 3.0-liter editions now come with the new 4JJ3-TCX, fitted with a highly-advanced Isuzu common rail system that can deliver responsive power and top performance. As a result, the new powertrain generates an impressive 187 hp and 450 N-m of maximum torque. As for the RZ4E-TC engine, it also has been improved for faster acceleration and better overtaking performance. Power is rated at 148 hp and 350 N-m of maximum torque. Both engine options are paired to either a six-speed auto with sequential shift or a six-speed manual with reverse lock-out transmissions.
Other designs and engineering innovations are the 800-mm water wading depth capability, one-piece aluminum tail shaft, and Terrain Command Select Dial with the electronic differential lock to ensure optimum drivability in all types of terrain. Other improvements made to the all-new D-MAX are the new front suspension geometry, chassis design featuring more oversized side rails, eight cross members for torsional rigidity, new rear leaf spring ultra-high tensile steel-reinforced cabin structure, and a semi mid-ship engine design.
Smart safety features
Safety goes a notch higher with the top-spec D-MAX 3.0 LS-E variant. With the new Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS), the new feature employs state-of-the-art sensors and a first in its class SMART DUO CAM, which continuously monitors the surrounding environment. Other advanced active and passive safety features are Forward collision warning (FCW), Autonomous emergency brake (AEB), Turn Assist, Pedal Mis-application mitigation, Adaptive cruise control (ACC), manual speed limiter (MSL), lane departure warning (LDW), blind-spot monitoring (BSM), rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA), parking aid, and multi-collision brake (MCB). On top of these, the all-new D-MAX came with seven airbags and received a five-star safety rating by the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Available standard active safety features are anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) with brake assist (BA), electronic stability control (ESC) with a traction control system (TCS), hill start assist (HSA), and hill descent control (HDC), and the brake override system (BOS).
Pricing and variant
As a special treat to pickup lovers nationwide, Isuzu Philippines announces its special introductory prices. The RZ4E 4X2 Single Cab MT is priced at P857,000. The LT versions, on the other hand, are valued as follows: RZ4E 4X2 LT MT (P987,000), RZ4E 4X2 LS MT (P1.219 million), and 3.0L 4X4 LT MT (P1.288 million).
Price points for the LS and LS-A versions are as follows: RZ4E 4X2 LS AT (P1.309 million), 3.0L 4X2 LS MT (P1.320 million), 3.0L 4X2 LS-A AT (P1.390 million), 3.0L 4X4 LS MT (P1.630 million). As for the top-spec 3.0L 4×4 LS-E AT, it is priced at P1.825million.
In addition to this, the first 200 customers who will reserve and purchase the all-new D-MAX in any dealership will receive a special-edition Isuzu D-MAX Miniature. Plus, 50 Limited Edition D-MAX G-Shock watches will be raffled off to all qualified D-MAX customers nationwide. For more information about the All-New Isuzu D-MAX, log on to www.isuzuphil.com, or get in touch with any nearest Isuzu dealership.
Image credits: Isuzu Philippines