Isuzu D-Max gets needed upgrade

At left photo, celebrity Derek Ramsay (center) is joined by (from left) Isuzu Cebu Inc. general manager Steve Ginco, IPC executive vice president Takashi Tomita, IPC president Hajime Koso and IPC senior vice president for sales Arthur Balmadrid (CDN PHOTO/FERDINAND EDRALIN).

Japanese pickup truck sports more aggressive look, has new brand ambassador

Hoping to keep in step with the tough competition, Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) introduced in Cebu last Thursday the facelifted version of the its ever-reliable D-Max pickup truck at the SM City Cebu Northwing.

The launching was graced by Isuzu Cebu Inc. and IPC officials. It was also attended by IPC’s new brand ambassador, Derek Ramsay.

IPC said it chose the accomplished sportsman, actor, model and host because they believe he embodies the athletic, family-oriented and handsome qualities of Isuzu’s pickup.

According to IPC marketing head Joseph T. Bautista, Ramsay and the D-Max are a perfect fit.

“He’s very down to earth. He’s strong, yet he has a tender side,” Bautista said. “It’s really like the D-Max. That’s why we call Derek and the D-Max strong, emotional and sporty.”

The 2017 D-Max got some cosmetic upgrades and also beefed up its interior features.

While the changes outside may seem subtle, a closer look would reveal the more aggressive changes to the front end, including a new grill and headlights that already have Led daytime running lights incorporated in it.

The top side fenders were enhanced as well as the bottom where the fog lights are located. The front bumper as a whole has been redesigned too.

In the rear, not much has changed save for the resculpted tailgate and redesigned taillights equipped with Led lights.

The face lifted 2017 Isuzu D-Max (CDN PHOTO/FERDINAND EDRALIN).

The interior of the new D-Max also gets several updates: new designed electroluminescent instrument meter, colored multi-information display (with digital readout of the gear that is presently selected in the manual variants), new leather seat design, state-of-the-art 7-inch touchscreen multimedia system (with steering wheel controls and navigation and can even be equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system), passive entry system that is matched to a push-button engine start/stop function and an automatic climate control system.

What’s interesting is that all these features will be available in all variants, including the new 18-inch wheels. That means both the 4×4 and 4×2 will share almost the same features except for the drivetrain.

All models will also now come with new driver-assist package including electronic stability control, traction control and hill start assist. Other standard safety features include dual SRS airbags, anti-lock brakes with EBD and brake assist and rear parking sensors with camera.

That same fuel-efficient engine powers the new D-Max. Equipped with a variable geometry system turbocharger and intercooler, this 3-liter, 4-cylinder 4JJ1-TC (HI) diesel engine generates 163 hp at 3,200 rpm, and 380 Nm of torque at 1,800–2,200 rpm. This engine is mated to either a 5-speed automatic with sequential shift or a 5-speed manual transmission.

On models equipped with 4WD, the new D-Max still features the Terrain Command Select Dial that allows drivers to shift from two- to four-wheel drive via a simple twist of a knob at speeds up to 100 kph.