The fun, tough and oh-so comfy Isuzu D-Max
I love pickups.
I love how they make me feel above the crowd. I love how they make me feel secure inside the cockpit. Most of all, I love how these vehicles can be loaded with almost anything and make the ride just as interesting and safe.
So, when I got to test-drive the Isuzu DMax recently I was one happy camper. This pickup holds the record for being the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the Philippines — and that makes it all the more desirable.
Isuzu Philippines Corporation ( IPC) recently introduced the 2017 Isuzu DMax 3.0 L LS, which is now more stylish, capable and modern than ever.
“The Isuzu D-MAX has become the trustworthy companion for both family and business use. After all, the D-MAX is stylish, and yet it is also very tough,” said Hajime Koso, IPC president at the launch. “With this new model ‘tough’ just got a new look and a new attitude. Yes, it is tough, but it doesn’t lose its chill. Without any doubt, the 2017 D-Max is strong. Its three-liter common rail direct injection diesel engine never fails; and now, it also looks stronger with its new design front face and bumper. The 2017 D-Max is also gentle, providing comfort and convenience to both driver and passengers, including its new passive entry and push start system.” Many people like to believe that the pickup is a guy’s car. No longer. Women drivers today like to be able to control the roads — and do it in a gentle way — not the rough-riding way that most men are wont.
The Isuzu D-Max is strong and sporty making it one fun drive and ride, too. Its dynamic and flowing exterior styling is characterized by a much bolder look of the front. This is largely because of the new muscular hood and a complexly redesigned radiator grille that both harmonize with the contours of its front. Further emphasizing the front end’s powerful styling are the redesigned projector headlamps, which have been modernized and made more sophisticated through the addition of LED Daytime Running Lamps. Accentuating these are the updated fog lamps, which raise the vehicle’s level of safety and appearance.
But, lest you think the changes have been made upfront only, look again. The 2017 Isuzu D-Max’s rear has also been refreshed with a new tailgate that incorporates a spoiler shape design, which aids the vehicle’s aerodynamics and styling.
Of course, the wheels matter. And, the Isuzu D-Max is more stylish ones are the larger, newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels that are fitted with 255/60 R18 tires. Suited to both street and off-road use, the upgraded wheel-and-tire package benefits the vehicle’s traction and driving dynamics because of the bigger contact patch, as well as its water-wading and obstacle-clearing capabilities.
TOUGH OUTSIDE, COMFY INSIDE
The new design of the 2017 D-Max includes an electroluminescent instrument meter and colored multi-information display that not only gives the interior a more elegant ambience, but also boosts safety as these improve the legibility of the information supplied to the driver. Another welcome addition is the gear indicator display for the D-Max variant that’s equipped with a manual transmission. Housed within the temperature and fuel meter cluster that’s directly in front of the driver’s sightline, the indicator provides a digital readout of the gear that is presently selected.
Apart from leather interior and state-of-the-art seven-inch touchscreen multimedia system (with steering wheel controls and navigation), the vehicle now also has a passive entry system that’s matched to a push-button engine start/stop function, as well as an automatic climate control system. With these new features, driver and passenger convenience and comfort are always ensured.
I liked the feel of the cockpit as soon as I entered the D-Max. I know it might sound kind of corny but this pickup is built strong outside and nice and “soft” inside. The interior lends an air comfy driving — even if I hadn’t started the engine yet.
The time had come and with adrenaline pumping and another fun driving day ahead. I started the engine and heard it roar.
Under the hood of the 2017 Isuzu D-Max LS is Isuzu’s proven 4JJITC (HI) diesel engine. Equipped with a Variable Geometry System (VGS) turbocharger and intercooler, this inline four-cylinder, 3.0-liter, Common Rail Direct Injection engine produces maximum power of 163 PS @ 3,200 rpm and 380 Nm of torque @ 1,800 – 2,200 rpm. This durable, powerful and fuel-efficient engine can be matched to either a 5-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift, or a 5-speed manual transmission.
It was time to start the engine and get rolling. I had set my driving sights on another destination unknown in the north. I loaded my ever-faithful Gorby the Maltipoo into the D-Max and we were set. He settled into his little bed — as I started out of our home garage.
It was early, 6 a.m. to be exact. Not too many cars on the road on this Sunday morning and the NLEX was a breeze to drive through.
I saw the San Fernando Exit and I opted to take it. I would drive though the inside roads and head for Clark to get something to eat. At least that was the plan.
I did make it to Clark and I looked for some off-roads that were easily accessible and di not require permits to drive through.
I found a short stretch, at least enough for me to feel how the DMax handles on the rough road.
After all, the Isuzu D-Max LS is a 4WD that can be engaged on the fly at speeds of up to 100km/h, because of its Terrain Command Select Dial that lets drivers shift from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive mode by simply twisting a knob on the console. But whether in 4x4 or 4x2 version, the D-Max comes with a new driver-assist package that includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), and Hill Start Assist (HSA). All these systems guarantee the vehicle’s safety on every type of terrain.
I did not get to speeds of 100 kph. But I did get to shift to 4WD on the fly and I was happy that it did not cause me any trouble — and it made the muddy road easy to maneuver through.
I would grade it 95 — even if I would never encounter such road conditions in daily driving in Metro Manila — still just to know what the D-Max can do was good enough for me.
STOP AND SMELL THE FOOD
I found a small food stall that was selling fried lumpiang ubod and had my fave soda, too. I got my fill and I let Gorby have his breakfast of pellets and water. We sat side by side and enjoyed our meals. I gave the Isuzu D-Max one more once over. I noticed the center roofmount antenna, chrome-finish power-folding side-view mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, chrome door and tailgate handles, LED rear combination lamps, and the standard bed liner. Cool. And then it hit me — Derek Ramsay is a great ambassador for the D-Max. The duo create dynamic match — both the 2017 D-Max and Derek Ramsay are built “tough enough for anything.”
Drive on.