Why the newest Isuzu D-Max may trump this trade among workhorses
Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) just recently unveiled its newest pickup in the local market, the 2024 Isuzu D-MAX, at the Central Atrium of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. Here, it is touted to “revolutionize the market with its unparalleled combination of power, durability and cutting-edge features.”
After reading this on paper, one may presume that this may just be part of the Japanese truckmaker’s marketing campaign. But after seeing this behemoth in the flesh–or rather in sheet metal, the vehicle has something to prove in the cutthroat local segment of pickup trucks after all. Here are several reasons why.
A history of greatness
IPC has been the undisputed “Kings of Trucks” for almost 25 years, trumping the battle of heavy weights in the category of commercial vehicles with an average of 40 to 45-percent market share yearly. For the longest time, the company has dominated the light, medium and heavy-duty segments. This is mainly because of the built-quality, reliability, superb brand image and excellent after-sales service IPC has provided throughout the years.
With this, IPC–in a way–can spill this savvy over to its other line of vehicles.
Take, for example, this Isuzu D-MAX. Since its debut in 2003, it has been synonymous with reliability, durability, and fuel efficiency.
IPC president Tetsuya Fujita even said, “Over the years, we have continuously introduced numerous advancements to the D-MAX, all the while ensuring that it remains true to its core values, whilst evolving to meet the needs and desires of our customers.”
“This latest evolution is the product of listening to the feedback of our customers and dealers, integrating their insights into the design and functionality of this new model,” he added.
By tuning in to the needs of the local market, this D-MAX is poised to be a game-changer.
Standout exteriors
At the onset, this pickup truck is designed to be robust and aggressive, now flaunting its new sporty and futuristic exterior. It packs a new three-dimension front grille with a gun-metal and black chrome finish, paired with its new LED headlamps with redesigned daytime running lights. Adding character are its new redesigned fog lamps with air curtain (which reduces air drag), new cargo sail bed accessory, and new triple-wing LED rear combination lamp.
This panache is capped by 18inch all-terrain alloys with a Matte Dark Gray Metallic finish.
Premium interiors
Inside, one is warmly welcomed by the vehicle’s clean and solid structure that creates an overall emotional harmony within the cabin, all thanks to its new digital pattern “Miura” design. Other than this, it still has other standout new creature comforts, such as: a wireless charger, second row aircon vents, a 7-inch Digital MID, infotainment system available in either 10.1-inch or nine-inch variations, equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity.
Top-notch performance
By lending an ear to the usual weekend warriors, IPC has now learned and, in turn, upped the ante of its off-road capabilities. Hence, the new pickup truck now comes equipped with a new differential lock system and new Rough Terrain Mode, making the vehicle more capable of tackling challenging terrains.
This upgrade off the beaten path is then complemented by a better 4JJ3-TCX Blue Power engine, delivering 190 hp and 450Nm of torque. This goes hand-in-hand with its strong chassis and suspension system, with superb under chassis body protection.
Quality safety
Safety is top-notch for this beast of a machine. It is now packed with the Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) featuring a new Gen4 SMART DUO Cam with enhanced field of view both horizontally and vertically. Along with this is a 360-degree around view monitor, new rear cross traffic brake (RCTB), and a first-in-class built-in digital video recorder.
New variants for various needs
Since this new D-MAX is now in tune to the needs of customers, IPC has now introduced new variants. First, the D-MAX 4×2 LS-E AT, a new entry into the 4×2 segment, checks out the wide and complex list of needs of the customer, making this variant pique their interests more. Second is the D-MAX LS-A, which now has two variants, the regular LS-A and the LS-A Plus.
With these, the upgraded Isuzu D-MAX truly is setting a new benchmark for pickup trucks. Hence, prices and variants of this vehicle model are as follows: D-MAX LS-E 3.0 4×4 LS-E AT–P1,945,000.00; D-MAX LS-E 3.0 4×2 LS-E AT–P1,695,000.00 ; D-MAX LS-A 3.0 4×4 LS-A MT Plus–P1,750,000.00; D-MAX LS-A 3.0 4×4 LS-A MT–P1,710,000.00; D-MAX LS-A 3.0 4×2 LS-A AT Plus–P1,510,000.00; D-MAX LS-A 3.0 4×2 LS-A AT–P1,470,000.00; D-MAX LS-A 3.0 4×2 LS-A MT Plus–P1,440,000.00; D-MAX LS-A 3.0 4×2 LS-A MT–P1,400,000.00; D-MAX LT 3.0 4×4 LT MT–P 1,299,000.00; D-MAX LT RZ4E 4×2 LT MT–P1,048,000.00.
Other variants are its single cab models with two offerings.
The new D-MAX now also comes in its banner color Namibu Orange and new Biarritz Blue hue.
From June 20-23, one can catch the D-MAX in action at the famed Isuzu 4×4 Action Playground at the parking grounds of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. After this, the said activity will embark on a nationwide tour, namely: SM Cebu Seaside from July 5-7 and SM Lanang Davao from July 26-28.
