Story & photos by Patrick P. Tulfo
IF the size of the crowd is the gauge of the success of a product launch, for example, then Isuzu will be laughing all the way to the bank, as a sizable crowd came and witnessed the unveiling of the new D-Max and mu-X recently held at the North Wing Atrium of the SM City in Cebu City.
Still fresh from commemorating their 20th anniversary in the country, that also included the introduction of their latest lineup of trucks and commercial vehicles, which now sports the latest diesel engines technology dubbed as Blue Power that now complies with the Euro 4-emissions requirement of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, which is set to be implemented next year.
IPC President Hajime Koso at the grandiose ceremony said, “Cebu has always been a special market for our product particularly for the light commercial segment, with our new Blue Power engines, we are confident that we will maintain, if not surpass, our current market share in this region.”
The program started with performances from some artists like Yeng Constantino, who were brought in by IPC to spice the launch, Actress Maja Salvador was also introduced as the new mu-X ambassador.
After the fun fare, the real stars of the show, the new D-Max and mu-X were unveiled one after another much to the delight of those who attended.
Both vehicles are now powered by the new 4JJ1-TCX engine that not only complies with the upcoming Euro 4-emission ratings but is more powerful than the previous Euro 3 engines that powered the previous models. It is rated at 177 hp and 380 N-m of torque engineered using the Blue Power Technology. It’s not only more powerful, refined, cleaner and fuel efficient but most important it retains the renowned Isuzu durability.
The D-Max pickup was given a further boost with the addition of Hill-start assist and Hill Descent Control features that make it easier and safer to operate on inclined surfaces. The interior now uses soft pad materials that goes well with the piano black color accent. The entertainment system now features multiple USB ports upfront, and at the second row as well at the center console.
Meanwhile, the mu-X, the company’s top-seller is made even better with a new set of Bi-LED projector headlamps, the daytime running lights is now integrated within inside the headlamps, it now also has an auto-levelling feature thereby, increasing safety when driving at night.
The front fascia now features a redesigned chrome grille and aerodynamic bumper, as well. The rear, on the other hand, has a new pair of horizontal type tail lamps with LED that not only looks good but improves visibility, as well. In addition, the redesigned exterior is capped with a newly designed 18-inch aluminum wheels that gives it a better stance and improved grip on the road.
Inside, the new mu-X now features a new instrument panel with MID and an 8-inch entertainment system with USB links and text-to-speech navigation. The seats now have a premium leather quilt design that is also used on the door trims. The ambient blue lighting on each door, plus the piano black garnish adds sophistication.
Just like the D-Max, the mu-X now has a Hill Descent Control that adds nicely to the list of safety features. The ceremonies included a symbolic turnover of three new mu-X to their owners, who now owns the bragging rights in the province for being the first one to acquire the sought-after sport-utility vehicle.
Koso couldn’t have said it better when he uttered, “These models have the most advanced diesel engines we ever introduced in the local market, coupled with the latest features for each segment. We think that this lineup will be a big hit in the Philippine market.”
Image credits: Patrick P. Tulfo