Picking up on safety: How important is ADAS on the Isuzu D-MAX?

When the All-New Isuzu D-MAX was launched last March, its slew of upgrades and features truly revealed it to be head and shoulders above the previous generation of the popular pickup model. It also marked the nameplate’s decisive arrival into an elite group of modern vehicles — pickup or otherwise — given impressive contemporary features to make the driving and riding experience not only more convenient but, more importantly, safe.

It could be said that the Japanese vehicle maker noted for its durable and reliable trucks took its time to develop, refine, and perfect the D-MAX — taking all of six years to research and four million kilometers of testing to come up with “the most innovative and feature-laden iteration of the iconic pickup truck.”

One of the important additions to the slew of offerings on Isuzu's All-New D-MAX is the so-called Advanced Driver Assist System or, simply, ADAS. This allows the vehicle to be aware of its surroundings and, through enabled features, provide safety to both occupants and even people outside the vehicle. Available in the top-of-the-line D-MAX 3.0 LS-E variant, we take a look at some important factoids about this driver-assistive suite of features and functions.

1. ADAS is predicated on sensors and a Smart Duo Cam.

Any system of this sort begins with a means by which the vehicle can get appropriate input. The Isuzu D-MAX gets state-of-the-art sensors and an advanced smart 3D camera (called the Smart Duo Cam), which is unique to the model in this category. Isuzu said the system is able to “constantly map the surrounding area to measure distance of every obstacle on the road.” So it basically lets the Isuzu D-MAX see and sense everything.

2. ADAS makes assistive and safety features possible.

As it is able to monitor the environment, the D-MAX can now offer vital features such as forward collision warning (FCW) which lets the driver know through audible and visible alerts when a frontal crash is evident. If no action is taken, the system can intervene through autonomous emergency brakes (AEB); the same happens when the pickup is turning and a collision is deemed imminent (turn assist). The suite of features also includes pedal misapplication mitigation, adaptive cruise control (ACC), manual speed limiter (MSL), lane departure warning (LDW), blind spot monitoring (BSM), rear cross traffic alert (RCTA), parking aid, and multi-collision brake (MCB).

3. Because of ADAS (and more), the D-MAX gets five stars from the ASEAN NCAP.

On top these ADAS features for the top variant, the new D-MAX also receives an anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) with brake assist (BA), electronic stability control (ESC) with traction control system (TCS), hill start assist (HSA) and hill descent control (HDC), and brake override system (BOS). These assure greater control and confidence whatever the terrain and condition. Completing the shell of safety are seven SRS airbags.

The icing on the cake for the Isuzu D-MAX is a five-star safety rating from the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program, which is a badge of honor on a pickup that is thoroughly modern, capable, fun, and safe.

For more information about the all-new Isuzu D-MAX, log on to www.isuzuphil.com, or contact an Isuzu dealership.

Photos from Isuzu Philippines Corporation