Last Tuesday, we were rushing on the street to beat the traffic going to Marriott Hotel in Pasay to witnessed another milestone moment for Isuzu Philippines Corporation as they introduced the new face of their best-selling truck, the 2017 Isuzu D-Max.

Here is what we found out with the new upgraded Isuzu D-Max:

The variant that we saw in the launch is the 3.0-liter LS. To be honest, we were not expecting a different face of the D-Max. Isuzu added changes in the front end, including rear tailgate, which aids the vehicle’s aerodynamics and styling.

And speaking of styling, Isuzu comes with a more testosterone appeal. This include the newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels that are fitted with 255/60 R18 tires. Suited for 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.

The interior gets a more driver-centered ambiance. The electroluminescent instrument meter and colored multi-information display boosts safety as these improve the legibility of the information supplied to the driver. Another welcome addition is the gear indicator display on the 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.





Inside, there’s a leather interior and state-of-the-art 7-inch touchscreen multimedia system (with steering wheel controls and navigation). The vehicle now 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.

Engine-wise, Isuzu retains the proven 4JJI-TC (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 and 380 Nm of torque.

Safety has never been compromised. The upgraded 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. Safety features that are fitted to the vehicle include dual SRS airbags, side-impact door beams, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), high-mount stop lamps, and reverse sensor & camera.

Additional exterior beauty includes center roof-mount antenna, chrome-finish power-folding side-view mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, chrome door and tailgate handles, LED rear combination lamps, and standard bed liner.

Isuzu is selling the D-Max at P1,520,000 for the 4×4 automatic variant; P1,450,000 for the 4×4 manual variant; P1,210,000 for the 4×2 automatic variant; and P1,140,000 for the 4×2 manual transmission. It comes with a 3-year/100,000-kilometer warranty (whichever comes first).

The event also announces Derek Ramsay as the new brand ambassador of Isuzu