With all-new D-Max, Isuzu steps into limelight

The all-new D-Max handles well on paved roads, which isn’t always the case for a lot of ruggedly built pickup trucks.

The Philippine countryside is a pickup truck haven and the front line in an expanding battle among several auto makers planning to load up on profits from this well-rounded type of vehicle.

After years of seeing its rivals dish out new and more enticing pickup truck models, Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) is again stepping into the limelight with its second-generation D-Max that has grown both in terms of size and sophistication.

“Few vehicles like the pickup trucks are perfect for many Filipinos in the countryside. That’s why these haulers have perennially been a bestseller in the provinces where this type of vehicle is expected to perform so many things. Of course, the market will be looking for the latest and the best, which is why Isuzu designers have sculpted the all-new D-Max’s larger body into an aerodynamic, almost coupé-like shape that expresses sporty sophistication,” said IPC president Nobuo Izumina as he welcomed a group of motoring journalists who joined the media test drive from Iloilo City to the town of Malay in the province of Aklan two weeks ago.

Izumina added that with the all-new D-Max, IPC could now offer unrivalled attributes. “The all-new D-Max has grown in size and refined its power as well as updated its other features.”

With so many first-generation D-Max roaming the streets of Iloilo City, one could readily notice how the new one has grown in size. The all-new D-Max is now longer by 26 centimeters (at 5.295 meters), wider by 6 cm (at 1.85 m), taller by 6 cm (at 1.795 m). Its wheelbase is now longer by 4.5 cm (at 3.095 m) while ground clearance has increased by 1 cm (at 23.5 cm). Even the wheels got bigger: The LS 4×4 variant, for example, now sports 17-inch wheels while the LS 4×2 and LT 4×2 have 16-inch wheels.

Supertough look

IPC has reasons to be festive as Izumina (left) and Balmadrid announced brisk sales of the newly launched D-Max. PHOTOS BY CHARLES E. BUBAN

With many Filipinos using pickup trucks for leisure as well as work, the all-new D-Max continues its tradition of looking supertough. But this latest model has fresher, car-like detailing—flared wheel arches, sharper headlights that now follow the lines of the bodywork, a bigger Isuzu logo on the front grille—that helps the all-new D-Max stand out against its rivals.

Interestingly, the new front design isn’t just superficial: Driving around 260 kilometers from Iloilo airport to Caticlan port in Aklan (via Passi City, Mambusao and Kalibo), this writer noticed that wind noise was less noticeable. This only proved the claimed refinement in the aerodynamics that Isuzu designers did when it tapped the services of Japan Railway Technical Research Institute (the very same organization responsible for designing the Bullet Train) to help bring the coefficient of drag to just 0.47 or 5 percent better than the previous D-Max.

With better aerodynamics, this also means the all-new D-Max now consumes much less diesel despite the fact that the 3-liter variant is still powered by the same 144-horsepower 4JJ1-TC-iTEQ common-rail direct-injection, turbocharged engine that the previous generation uses. Interestingly, the seventh and last member of the all-new D-Max convoy was an LT 4×2 variant that is powered by a new but less powerful 108-hp and 280-Nm-torque 4JK1-TC CRDi, turbocharged engine (the same one that the single-cab variant use).

According to Izumina, drivetrain performance has improved significantly considering the 3-liter engine is now paired to a new five-speed automatic transmission that is also equipped with a sequential shift. This feature allows the driver to hold a gear when the pickup is going downhill (for more stable engine braking), or when overtaking and the vehicle needs more power. It also has a fifth gear that comes in handy when cruising on the highway and don’t want to waste fuel.

Efficiency

“We are building pickup trucks for someone who requires toughness as well as efficiency. While they want features that would enable them to traverse tough mountain roads or flooded streets or carry all sorts of loads, we noted that owners would also want a pickup truck that could bring family members and friends safely and comfortably to far off destinations,” said Arthur Balmadrid, IPC senior vice president for sales.

During these long drives, one should be glad to know that this latest Isuzu pickup offers a modern exterior design (the deep mahogany-hued leather seats on the top variant blend in perfectly), which is backed up by a fairly spacious and decent cabin. It has 10 cupholders and 15 storage compartments for those who need to bring numerous small items, food and beverages.

This writer also noticed the three adjustable headrests (as well as the center armrest) that those at the back would surely appreciate during long drives.

Not expecting on a pickup truck with a body that is bolted to rigid ladder frame chassis, the ride of the all-new D-Max was surprisingly less jittery when compared with the previous generation.

According to IPC product development head Joseph Bautista, a new suspension system was fitted to the front—independent double wishbone with coil springs and gas shock absorbers—as well as to the rear—long-span leaf springs—to achieve a more supple ride.

It was also comforting to know that this second-generation Isuzu pickup is already equipped with antilock brakes (helps prevent wheel lockup during emergency braking situation), electronic braking system (sends extra force to the rear brakes to compensate), and brake assist (adds pressure to the brake when stopping suddenly). Add to the fact that the all-new D-Max has a wider track, the pickup stayed planted on its wheels even during hard cornering.

Listening to Izumina as he formally concludes the event at the beach front area of Discovery Shores Boracay resort, this writer realized that IPC has just shown everyone that it’s now ready to slug it out. The new model is a quantum leap forward for the Isuzu brand and represents a pretty interesting package that is worthy to be taken into consideration.

And with the industry projecting to sell some 20,000 pickup truck units by the end of 2013, IPC is now more confident at cornering a significant share of the market by year’s end.