We’ve seen how the pickup segment grown exponentially in the PH market. The results are quite overwhelming as more people today use pickups for their daily work. For manufacturers, it’s a good sign of business. But more than that, it also allows manufacturers to improve their products in a long term basis. One of them is the Isuzu D-Max.









Last Friday, we got invited to the unveiling of Isuzu PH latest D-Max variant—the X-Series.

According to Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), the new variant of D-Max will redefines a new “lifestyle persona” as it becomes even more appealing to the market. The company also highlight that the new D-Max X-Series host a substantial equipment upgrades fitted to the lifestyle of young and dynamic families.

So what’s new with the D-Max X-Series variant? Here’s what we found out:

EXTERIOR

Obviously, it’s the same D-Max body. The only difference is the gun-metallic radiator grille and the patent red Isuzu badge attached to its bumper. There is also a red stripes lining on the front skirt of the new X-Series variant, which provides a more macho appearance.

A side skirt is present mounted toward the bottom edge of the truck’s bed, and cargo spoiler fitted on top of the bed. To further boost its testosterone look, Isuzu added a newly designed two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels, which provides a sporty character of the vehicle.

INTERIOR

For the longest time, pickup trucks are not known for interior sophistication; but as trends changed, so with the consumer demands. We see it with the new D-Max X-Series. 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. There’s also a piano black trim on various surfaces which boosts a macho appeal.

POWERFUL ENGINE

The D-Max X-Series is powered by Isuzu’s 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 at 3,200 rpm and 380 Nm of torque at 1,800 – 2,200 rpm. Providing power and fuel-efficiency for the engine is either a 5-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift, or a 5-speed manual transmission.

PRICING

The new Isuzu D-Max X-Series is priced at P1.260 million (LS Manual Transmission); and P1.330 million (LS Automatic Transmission). Unfortunately, there’s no available 4×4 variant for the D-Max X-Series.