New Isuzu D-Max: Leading the charge

By Charles Buban March 12,2014

IPC PRESIDENT Izumina (on the wheel) is joined by IPC EVP Takashi Tomita and SVP for sales Balmadrid (at the back) in test-driving the new D-Max 4×4.

When Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) started manufacturing vehicles in August 1995, the first product it rolled off the assembly line was a pickup truck, the TF 190. It was succeeded by the Fuego two years later. By the time the D-Max was introduced in 2003, Isuzu was already an established brand known for its toughness, reliability and excellent resale value.

 

IPC owes this image to these diesel-powered pickups that have stood the test of time, survived rugged tracks, deeply rutted roads and steep switchbacks. “Our pickups are genuine ‘tough trucks,’ with a proven record for strength, durability and good-value buying. This is why when we introduced the second-generation D-Max last year, we made sure it has more interior space for the passengers and, in the case of the 4×4 variant, could go further and deeper off-road. This latest generation boasts vastly improved ride and performance over its predecessors,” assured IPC president Nobuo Izumina during last week’s Isuzu D-Max 4×4 Media Drive in Ilocos event.

 

The recent event in Ilocos Norte only validated Izumina’s statement. Getting around the 13,500-hectare natural sand dunes of Paoay in Ilocos Norte, participants appreciated the new D-Max’s ground clearance of 235 millimeters (better than most competitors) as well as approach angle of 30 degrees and departure angle of 22.7 degrees, not to mention its capability to be safely tilted sideways to an up to 49-degree slope.

 

One could almost do anything with this pickup. Indeed, the new D-Max’s main talent is to help drivers carry out tough jobs in less than ordinary environments. Yes, it will double as people transport when it’s off-duty, but tackling sand, muck, grass, rocky crags and everything in between is what the new D-Max is best at.

 

Old but gutsy

The gutsy 3-liter 4JJ1-TC  3.0-liter common-rail direct-injection, turbocharged diesel engine may be regarded as old when compared to its current and more technologically equipped rivals. However, considering how fuel-efficient this engine is combined with the new D-Max’s more aerodynamic body shape and new (and expectedly improved) 5-speed manual or automatic transmission, expect bigger fuel savings—one important criteria for a lot of buyers.

 

Moreover, the new D-Max features a “shift-on-the-fly” system, allowing its driver to select between two- and four-wheel drive modes while traveling at speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour. This can be done easily as the driver needs only  to twist a knob (called 4WD Terrain Command Select dial) on the console.

 

ISUZU worked hard to optimize the aerodynamic efficiency of its new D-Max pickup.

That’s impressive, not to mention convenient.

 

Supplementing this is the new suspension system (independent double-wishbone in front and semielliptical leaf-spring on the rear) that allows transporting heavy payload while simultaneously enhancing the pickup’s driving performance and stability.

 

Safer ride

Considering the road condition and the distances a number of its owners will have to tackle, it should be comforting to know that the new 4×4 D-Max is safer than ever: antilock braking system that is supplemented by electronic brake-force distribution and the new brake assist to guarantee secure stopping power; limited slip differential that improves traction; integrated LED turn signals in the side mirrors and jewel-like LED combination tail lamps that enhances visibility of the vehicle at night.

 

THE LATEST D-Max has evolved from traditional, heavy-duty workhorse to everyday runabout, thanks to its versatility.

After visiting several places of interest in the province— Marcos Mausoleum and Museum; Marcos Residence in Laoag; the Unesco World Heritage Site Paoay Church; Café Herencia (home of bagnet and pinakbet pizza); Pannzian Beach Resort; Rock Formation at Barangay Kapurpurawan— the new D-Max has proven itself as one comprehensively developed and most refined Isuzu pickup ever produced.

 

“Different automotive companies are taking different approaches. For Isuzu, it’s giving the new D-Max with more aerodynamic chassis, with both passive and active aerodynamic devices, combined with a diesel engine with proven exceptional fuel economy and dependability. I believe we have a very enticing product ready to take charge,” assured Arthur Balmadrid, IPC senior vice president.

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