Isuzu PH updates D-Max with revamped exterior, more safety tech

MANILA: Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) has unleashed the updated D-Max pickup truck for the 2024 model year.

The model entered the local market boasting new technological features, as well as a nip and tuck for its exterior. 

Exterior

Up front, the refreshed D-Max received a new 3-dimension front grille finished in gun-metal and black chrome. The new grille is also accentuated by a pair of redesigned LED headlamps lined by sharper-looking LED daytime running lamps. 

In addition, the truck’s new fascia was improved with air curtains for its fog lamps. According to the company, the said pieces have enhanced the vehicle’s aerodynamics by reducing air drag. 

The updated model from the Japanese truck specialist features 18-inch matte dark gray metallic alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. Its rear section, on the other hand, received a new taillight design.

Overall, the new bits, gave the D-Max a stronger and more aggressive appearance. However, for those wanting more eye candy and practicality from the truck, the Japanese manufacturer likewise released a new Cargo Sail accessory for its bed.

Depending on the variant, the Isuzu-made truck is likewise fitted with under-body protection, specifically a front and rear skid plate as well as a transfer case protector. 

Like the pre-updated D-Max, the new one features power-folding side mirrors, rear fog lamps, automatic functionality for its LED headlights, a bedliner, and roof rails, among other features. 

Interior

Step inside the refreshed D-Max, and one will see a contemporarily-designed cabin that  was carried over from the previous version. Higher-spec trims are still filled to the brim with soft-touch surfaces, and the dash features the same sleek but angular design. 

Nestled on the lower sections of the center console, however, is a new wireless smartphone charging pad. The driver, meanwhile, gets upsized screens with up to 10.1 inches for the central infotainment display and a seven-inch digital gauge cluster. 

The new 10.1-inch display comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Combined with the new wireless charging pad, the D-Max is now easier for tech-savvy prospective buyers to use. Sound, meanwhile, is fed into the truck’s cabin by up to eight speakers. 

For its front seats, the updated model retained brown leather for the higher-spec trims or fabric for the lower-spec variants. The second row gets 60:40 split-folding functionality as well. All inside are then kept cool by an automatic air-conditioning system. 

Safety

Present on the new Isuzu D-Max is the brand’s collection of advanced driver assist systems. The said suite of safety features includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, among others.

As of the update, the off-road-capable vehicle gets additional safety features such as a 360-degree around-view monitor, a built-in digital video recorder, and a rear cross-traffic brake  (RCTB). 

Notably, the D-Max’s RCTB automatically applies the brakes whenever the truck detects an impending collision caused by an object approaching from the left or right. 

Other standard safety features for the Isuzu D-max include anti-lock braking, stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.  

Engine

Propelling the new D-Max is the same array of engine options available for the pre-updated version. 

The most powerful of these is the 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX, which can output up to 187 horsepower (hp) and 450 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. Lower-spec 4x2 variants, meanwhile, use the 1.9-liter RZ4E-TC, which can produce up to 147 hp and 350 Nm of torque. 

Depending on the D-Max variant, the said engines are paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox or a five-speed manual transmission. Variants fitted with a 4x4 drivetrain also come with a transfer control switch and an aluminum electric differential lock. 

Variants, price

The Philippine-spec refreshed D-Max is available in six color options: Namibu Orange, Biarritz Blue, Onyx Black, Islay Gray, Satin Pearl White, and Splash White. 

For reference, here are the prices of the updated Isuzu D-Max: 

• 3.0 4x4 LS-E AT​ - P1.945 million ​
• 3.0 4x2 LS-E AT​ - P1.695 million​
• 3.0 4x4 LS-A MT Plus​ - P1.75 million ​
• 3.0 4x4 LS-A MT​ - P1.71 ​million
• 3.0 4x2 LS-A AT Plus​ - P1.51 million ​
• 3.0 4x2 LS-A AT​ - P1.47 million ​
• 3.0 4x2 LS-A MT Plus​ - P1.44 million ​
• 3.0 4x2 LS-A MT​ - P1.4 million ​
• 3.0 4x4 LT MT​ - P1.299 million ​
• RZ4E 4x2 LT MT​ - P1.048 million ​
• 3.0 4x4 Single Cab MT​ - P1.178 million ​
• RZ4E 4x2 Single Cab MT​ - P938,000 ​

Folks who are interested in the updated Isuzu D-Max can test out the truck at the brand’s 4x4 Action Playground. The event is scheduled for SM Mall of Asia from June 20-23, SM Cebu Seaside from July 5-7, and SM Lanang Davao from July 26-28.

Photos from Cesar Guiderone Miguel

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