Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) escalated the war in the local pickup truck segment when it introduced the all-new D-Max back in the initial quarter of 2021 — the company’s first full upgrade in almost a decade.
Coming as a model heavily armed with technological attributes and spritely physical features, the Isuzu D-Max — then known as a utilitarian workhorse – now boasts the spunk of a sport utility vehicle.
But can the third-generation Isuzu D-Max be a considerable pick now that it is targeting a bigger share of the segment? Take a jab at the model’s 3.0L 4x4 LS-E AT variant.
The all-new Isuzu D-Max 3.0L 4x4 LS-E AT is 5,277mm long, 1,880mm wide and 1,810mm tall with a 3,125mm wheelbase. These numbers (plus good engineering) give ample room, even if it is not the biggest in the segment.
The 240mm ground clearance of the all-new Isuzu D-Max 3.0L 4x4 LS-E AT (plus the all-terrain tires fitted in it) project that it is more than just a pretty face in the market but a good companion in its natural habitat: in the wilderness.
Starting from the color alone, the all-new Isuzu D-Max 3.0L 4x4 LS-E AT seems to be targeting the younger market. The zesty Valencia Orange (the exclusive hue for the top variant) radiates that game-for-anything character.
In terms of body styling, the all-new Isuzu D-Max 3.0L 4x4 LS-E AT showed that the masculine form of the second-generation can be strongly improved.
The gun-metallic grille literally gave the model fangs for added character. It is flanked with sharp auto-leveling headlights and fog lamps are on LED that provide sufficient illumination. Meanwhile, the chin gave it a more athletic persona.
The all-new Isuzu D-Max 3.0L 4x4 LS-E AT sits on black 18-inch wheels that look too smooth for the pick-up truck (especially for a 4x4 trim), and small (judging from the gap around the fenders).
One of the strongest points of the all-new Isuzu D-Max 3.0L 4x4 LS-E AT is how the interior was crafted. Compared to the previous version, this version has an all-new, edgy layout with a rich mix of black, brown and silver/gray colors.
Upping the ante in terms of comfort and elegance, the occupants are greeted with plush leather on the seats and steering wheel. Aside from improved aesthetics, it makes the vehicle interior easier to clean too, ensuring that you can have as much fun on the road despite the mess that it could possibly have in a very enjoyable road trip.
Also, instead of knobs, the crème dela crème version houses more soft-touch switches and perfectly-fitted buttons.
Being the household name for diesel engines, the all-new Isuzu D-Max 3.0L 4x4 LS-E AT is equipped with the new 4JJ3-TCX four-cylinder powertrain with new variable geometry turbo. This block houses lightweight pistons that enable the vehicle to churn 187hp and 450Nm of pulling power.
Surprisingly, the vehicle does not give out those violent shift shocks, which can be attributed to the six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift.
Driven all the way up to Los Baños, Laguna on a holiday (with side trips in Cabuyao and Tagaytay), the all-new Isuzu D-Max 3.0L 4x4 LS-E AT displayed around 17-kilometers-per-liter reading. Further, it also dishes out SUV-like handling on paved roads.
As much as it shows strength in aesthetics, the all-new Isuzu D-Max 3.0L 4x4 LS-E AT has equally focused on its amenities as well.
The middle part of the dashboard holds a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system linked to an eight-speaker system (which includes overhead speakers, apart from the usual placements) to ensure that everyone gets an equal sound quality.
Apart from that, the all-new Isuzu D-Max 3.0L 4x4 LS-E AT gives rear passengers dedicated air vents, a USB port, and a center foldable armrest.
For safety, the top variant has Isuzu’s Advance Driver Assist System (ADAS) technology, which are the Forward Collision Warning, Turn Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Manual Speed Limiter, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Parking Aid, Multi Collision Brake, and Pedal Misapplication system. This is aside from the Anti-lock Braking System Electronic Brakeforce Distribution with Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control-Traction Control System, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control as well as Brake Override System that come as standard in all variants of the pick-up truck offering.
With all the fittings that made it worthy of a five-star rating in the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP), it is considerably one of the safest pickup trucks out in the Philippines.
The all-new Isuzu D-Max 3.0L 4x4 LS-E AT is considerably a significant upgrade for the nameplate, and the best version so far, with all the bells and whistles (and then some) that are appropriate for the current times.
Given the improvements in styling, performance and comfort, this version can easily be a good consideration no matter the age bracket of the buyer — despite the retail price of P1.825 million — given that it has a lot to offer compared to some of the category’s frontrunners.
Photos by Ruben D. Manahan IV
Also read:
Isuzu PH targets bigger share of PH pickup truck market
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