Isuzu upgrades workhorse

The country’s diesel authority, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) recently unveiled a refreshed version of its best selling variant, the D-Max pick-up. Held at the Amphitheater of the Bonifacio Global City (BGC), the 2017 version of the D-Max comes with a list of upgrades that makes it the perfect lifestyle vehicle for first time car buyers and start-up families. 

“There is no denying that the Isuzu D-MAX is an ideal vehicle for leisure activities and is also a highly capable workhorse. With the arrival of the new D-MAX X-Series, the model now addresses the lifestyle mobility requirement of active and urbane families too. So now, no other pickup truck available in the local market can offer the combination of utility, reliability, versatility and high style that the D-MAX X-Series does,” said IPC President Hajime Koso.

 Dubbed as the X Series, the new D-Max comes with an aerodynamic package that starts at the front fascia with a gun-metal colored radiator grille highlighted by front skirt and a red colored Isuzu badge. The aerodynamics package continues over to the rear of the D-MAX, where the special X-Series side skirt, mounted toward the bottom edge of the truck’s bed, and cargo spoiler fitted on top of the bed, create a sleek, modern style that also contribute to vehicle performance. Further enhancing the D-MAX X-Series’ aesthetics and efficiency are the newly designed, two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels, which also add to the sporty character of the vehicle. 

The interiors were also given a makeover with more sophisticated features. Matching the red accents on the exterior are the red stitching on the black leather material covering the seats, as well as the special X-Series badges displayed on the front seats. Adding a sense of masculinity to the interior are the piano black trim on strategic surfaces around the cabin. 

According to Joseph Bautista, Product Development head of IPC, the D-Max X-Series will be available in the 4x2 version only and comes equipped with Isuzu’s reliable and powerful 4JJI-TC (HI) diesel engine with a Variable Geometry System (VGS) turbocharger and intercooler. This inline-four, 3.0-liter, Common Rail Direct Injection diesel engine produces maximum power of 163 PS @ 3,200 rpm and 380 Nm of torque @ 1,800 – 2,200 rpm. Guaranteeing power and fuel-efficiency for the engine is either a 5-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift, or a 5-speed manual transmission.

For the 2017 edition of the X-Series, Isuzu partnered with a leading sports performance brand, Under Armour, to treat its buyers extra special. Every purchase of the D-MAX X-Series comes with a selection of Under Armour products that surely fits their active lifestyle. Customers can choose from a collection of sports polo, streaker or coolswitch shirts; Golf towel, sports cap, sack pack and duffle bag.

 “Aside from its already sporty looks, Isuzu collaborated with Under Armour to create a special X-Series collection sports apparel and items which are ideal for those buying this limited edition D-MAX variant. We picked this brand because it embodies the same characteristic of the X-Series which is tough and active” Koso added.

The D-MAX X-Series is available in three exciting colors — Splash White, Venetian Red and Cosmic Black — and is priced between P1.260 million for the D-MAX X-Series MT and 1.330 million for the D-MAX X-Series AT. “Isuzu Philippines sold 3,966 D-MAX units in 2016, with deliveries rising 27.3 percent when compared to the model’s sales result in 2015. This growth, which is in lockstep with the pace of commercial vehicle demand in the country, was fueled largely by the continuous upgrades that the D-MAX has received. The introduction of the new X-Series line is meant to sustain the D-MAX’s upward trajectory,” Koso said.