Isuzu News

 

Proving to be a trusty workhorse that Filipinos have depended on for business use, the D-MAX pickup has also showed it is capable of being an excellent companion for family activities as well as a versatile lifestyle vehicle for the weekend warrior. As an Isuzu, the D-MAX leaves no doubt that it is reliable, durable and fuel-efficient, and is a wise investment because of its high resale value.

 

"More than 20,000 owners of the Isuzu D-MAX in the Philippines have put their trust on the vehicle's reliability, durability and fuel efficiency," said IPC Executive Vice President Takashi Tomita. "But also a key in the D-MAX's popularity is that IPC has, through the years, continuously updated its pickup model with features that best address the vehicle needs of the Filipino market, whether customers intend to use the D-MAX for business or for personal enjoyment."

 

The 2012 D-MAX Special Edition demonstrated these traits once again as the media guests invited to the event drove the vehicle on the scenic routes of Dumaguete and Siquijor. Landing at the Dumaguete City Airport, the guests took six units of the latest D-MAX pickups (which were shipped to Dumaguete and back to Manila by 2GO Freight) to the city's most historic and interesting attractions like Siliman Hall, Dumaguete Bell Tower and the Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao, among others.

Over the roads that link these places, the D-MAX’s 4JJ1-TC iTEQ Direct Injection Common Rail with Turbo Intercooler EURO 2 engine that makes 146PS @ 3,800rpm and 294Nm @ 1,400rpm to 3,400rpm showed its strength at providing ample power when overtaking or going uphill. Certainly, the Caltex Diesel with Techron D that fueled the vehicles helped in ensuring performance, too. Meanwhile, the D-MAX’s independent double wishbone with torsion bar springs and stabilizer bar in front, and its Flex Ride MOVE suspension semi-elliptical leaf springs in the rear, offered optimum control and ride comfort on both paved roads and rough terrain.

From Dumaguete, the event’s participants, bringing along the D-MAX pickups, boarded a roll-on roll-off ferry to Siquijor, where they were given the opportunity to further enjoy the D-MAX’s proven qualities via drive around the 72-kilometer loop of the island. The tour, made more comfortable by the Reebok apparel provided to the group, included visits to Siquijor’s numerous majestic attractions like the Lazi Museum, Lazi Convent, the St. Isidore Labrador Church that’s said to be Asia’s biggest convent, and the Cambugahay Falls. An added surprise for the group was a trip to the famed Apo Island, as well as a D-MAX trivia game that offered gifts given by Home Depot.

During the drive around Siquijor, the features of the latest D-MAX presented themselves in a pristine setting.

“Besides being capable of serving as a dutiful workhorse, the 2012 D-MAX Special Edition reinforces the fact that Isuzu’s popular pickup model is an ideal lifestyle companion that allows its owners to enjoy life and pursue activities like visiting the many wonderful spots that the Philippines has to offer,” Tomita said. “With the D-MAX, the Possibilities are Endless.”

New to the 2012 D-MAX Special Edition are black finish step boards and step tubes that not only aid in passenger ingress and egress but also make the D-MAX look bolder; a new color-keyed front chin for a more macho expression in front; and royal/black finish alloy wheels that improve the vehicle’s stance. Gold finish D-MAX badges enhance the pickup’s premium feel.

Inside, the 2012 D-MAX Special Edition boasts black leather vinyl seat covers; black vinyl door trim insert; illuminated plate that strongly highlights the Isuzu brand; and a new user-friendly entertainment system that has a 6.2-inch WVGA digital TFT LCD screen, plays DVD/WMA/MP3 formats, and connects to Bluetooth and iPods, as well as to an optional dealer-installed navigation system.

Available in LS 4×4, LS 4×2, Boondock 4×4, LX and LT variants, the 2012 D-MAX Special Edition comes in Ebony Black, Glacial White, Titanium Silver, Rich Red and new Satin Silver for the LS models; Ebony Black, Rich Red and Satin Silver with a two-tone combination of Light Silver for the 4×4 Boondock; and Glacial White and Titanium Silver for the LX.

IPC prices the LS 4×4 with manual transmission (M/T) and Boondock II at P1,378,000.; LS 4×4 with automatic transmission (A/T) at P1,438,000.; LS 4×2 M/T at P1,148,000.; 4×2 LX M/T at P993,000.; and the 4×2 LT M/T at P860,000. The 2012 D-MAX Special Edition is now available at all authorized IPC dealerships nationwide. In Metro Manila, Isuzu dealerships can be found in EDSA Balintawak, Quezon Avenue, Commonwealth, Pasig, Manila, Makati and Alabang. In the provinces, Isuzu dealerships are located in Isabela, Pangasinan, Cabanatuan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, San Pablo, Bacolod, Iloilo, Mandaue, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, and General Santos.