Truck wars awaken pickup market

The high wading depth capabilities of the 4×4 D-Max variants make it very suitable for the flood-prone streets of Manila.

MANILA, Philippines–Last weekend, Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) brought in the new 2015 Isuzu D-Max pickup truck models to the racetrack and let its dealers, special customers and members of the media experience an offroad driving experience at the Clark International Speedway (CIS) in Angeles City, Pampanga.

IPC also introduced a new D-Max variant, the LT-X 4×2 manual transmission featuring a new 4JK1-TC 2.5-liter engine.

During the event, IPC also announced that the high-end D-Max variant LS and its standard LT 4×4 will now have a more powerful engine, the 4JK1-TC (Hi) 2.5-liter engine which is fitted with common rail direct injection and an intercooled variable geometry system turbocharger.

Earlier this year, Nissan Philippines president Toti Zara announced that there will be a “truck war” in the local market with the entry of its all-new Nissan Navara. Since its introduction, the market is seeing the rest of the pickup brands introduce new models or variants this year, if they have not yet done so.

The D-Max models were also tested on the racetrack of Clark International Speedway for acceleration, speed and handling.

Mitsubishi recently unveiled its all-new Strada, and Ford is expected to launch the new Ranger later this year. Toyota is set to introduce the new Hilux possibly early next year. Another new contender is Indian brand Mahindra, which recently announced its entry in the Philippine market.

During the event, IPC emphasized that with its new variants and introduction of new engines, it promises buyers the same core values of reliability, durability, safety and fuel efficiency under its new tagline “All You Need,” which Isuzu says is a product of the collaboration between the carmaker and its customers.

“The 2015 Isuzu D-Max has what a typical pickup user would want in his/her truck. It is proven to show its top performance in whatever terrain, whether on or offroad,” said IPC president Nobuo Izumina. “Our new Isuzu D-Max LT-X MT 2.5-liter variant is fit not just to withstand the usual capabilities of the current pickup trucks in the market but to go beyond the borders of stereotypes.”

The 2015 Isuzu D-Max LS is upgraded with a new design projector headlamps, LED combination rear lamps and custom bedliner, and is equipped with a very practical reverse sensor system.

The new LT-X variant is also equipped with a custom designed bedliner and 15-inch alloy wheels.

Inside its spacious interior, it features a new 2-DIN audio/video full entertainment with navigation system (for its LT-X and LS variants) and a new interior trim color (dark grey for LS variants).

Testing different variants

During the event, participants were invited to test the different variants of the D-Max on and offroad. The on-road testing was done in the racetrack of CIS, while the offroad 4×4 activities were done in a specially prepared track near the riverside of the racetrack.

From left: IPC EVP Takashi Tomita, IPC president Nobuo Izumina and IPC SVP for sales Art Balmadrid

On the racetrack, the D-Max pickup trucks were driven to test its speed, acceleration, and overall handling while the specially designed 4×4 track area tested the vehicles torque and power.

“Mating the new model with the 2.5-liter engine gives it a better performance and stronger torque as compared to the previous models. Ideally, better torque equates to improved performance, even on uneven roads,” Izumina said.

Beeboy Bargas, 4×4 offroading expert, designed the offroad track to include various dirt road features like hill descent and hill climb, sand drive, rock crawl and camber descend.

The torque and power is noticeably strong in the new models, both features that are needed to be considered a capable offroader.

The new D-Max recently passed the Asean New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) standards, and bagged the “Best Child Occupant Protection” award given by the Automobile Association Philippines.

It was also among the first pickup trucks tested by the Asean NCAP, scoring 11.87 in the “Adult Occupant Protection”  category, which translates to a 4-star rating.

And with the help of the new Isofix and top tether features, the model also received a 4-star rating in the “Child Occupant Protection”  category. “With the recent 4-star ratings that we received from the Asean NCAP, the D-Max is now not just durable and dependable, it is also certified a safe ride for its passengers.” said Izumina.

The 2015 D-Max now comes in the new cobalt blue, which was the color of choice for the 4×4 offroad unit during the event, along with the existing colors of cosmic black, garnet red, titanium silver and splash white. Prices for the 2015 Isuzu D-Max models are: 4×4 LS AT (P1.487 million), 4×4 LS MT (P1.428 million), 4×2 LS AT (P1.206 million), 4×2 LS MT (P1.154 million), 4X4 LT MT (P1.178 million), LT-X MT (P935,000), D-Max LT MT (P872,000) and the MT Single Cab (P712,000).