Driving the Isuzu D-Max to the max

It has been quite a spell since I last test-drove a pickup.  So, when the opportunity came for me to take a spin in the Isuzu D-Max 4X4, I was excited.

As you know, I love these huge trucks that give one an extra edge on Manila’s overcrowded streets.

Under the hood of the muscular D-Max lies Isuzu’s tried and tested 4JJ-1TC 3.0-liter CRDi engine that produces 144 BHP of power at 3800 rpm and 294 Nm of torque between 1400 to 3400 rpm.

Matching these engine choices is a new five-speed automatic transmission (offered in the LS 4x2 and 4x4 variants) that features a sequential shift function that makes manual gear shifting possible. The new D-Max truck sports a new all-terrain feature. Isuzu’s new 4WD Terrain Command Select Dial allows the driver to switch from two-wheel-drive to four-wheel-drive even while traveling at speeds up to 100 km/hr.

The motoring jargon aside, what this all means is that the D-Max packs a punch under its hood — an engine that is truly powerful but will not cost a fortune to run.  And, for those who drive on the streets of Metro Manila daily, the savings can mean a lot.

When I got the D-Max I was at first intimidated by its size. I am a small driver and I thought that this big truck would be hard for me to maneuver.  So, for a test, I took it for a spin in the village where I live so that I could get a good feel of its ride. I brought Vodka the Bichon and Tasha the  Poodle with me to the village test drive.

I was quite surprised to find out that the D-Max was not as intimidating to drive as it looked. Matter of fact, I found it quite easy to maneuver. I tried to pretendlike I was a first-time driver and did some parallel parking, just for test purposes. I liked the way the side-view and rear-view mirrors gave me a good look as to what was behind the bed of the truck.

The elevated cab area of the Isuzu D-Max was made for drivers like me.  The vehicle seats are comfortable and covered with leather, adding a bit of pizzazz to the truck.

Time for a test

I opted to test the D-Max 4x4’s power, maneuverability and traction on off-road driving.  It is not easy to find many off roads here in Metro Manila — although at times the city’s flooded streets and potholes can resemble off-road conditions. I took the D-Max to Subic, where I knew that I could drive on a few off-road-like places.

Let me first say that I had fun with the D-Max on the NLEX because it gave me more leverage on the road against those buses that like to use their size in overtaking I also liked that the D-Max responded to my commands as I drove it.

No, no racecar driver stunts here — just a leisurely drive through the NLEX and then through SCTEX until I reached Subic.

I looked for a place where I could test the D-Max. For starters I made a climb up a steep hill. I was more than happy that the D-Max did not feel like it was going to slide downhill when I stepped on the brake and then resumed my drive midway through the steep hill.

The next test, and the one that was a little more challenging for me, was to find a few off-roads that would allow trucks to drive on it. As luck would have it, I found a big, empty field. I drove the truck through the bumpy road. And, although I felt like a cowgirl on a young stallion, I enjoyed the ride immensely as the D-Max did everything that I commanded it to.

I made stops just before hitting a bump in the road, and then stepped on the gas and the brakes where there were potholes filled with water. It was fun — and the most fun was had because the D-Max was so reliable. I really liked that the off-road capabilities of the D-Max 4x4 truly address challenging conditions. It is a durable, reliable and fuel-efficient workhorse. 

I got off the D-Max to take a short break. I got ahold of the brochure and here’s what it says in techie lingo:

“The D-Max boasts one of the highest ground clearances among pickups with a 235mm height for the LS 4x4 and 225mm for the LT 4x4 variants. Isuzu’s new 4WD Terrain Command Select Dial also allows the driver to switch from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive high even while traveling at speeds. Boosting the pickup’s off-road capabilities are its 30-degree approach angle, 22.7-degree departure angle, the ability to be tilted sideways on a 49-degree slope, and a Limited Slip Differential that lets it tackle any obstacle.”

What I do know is that whatever the language (techie lingo included), the test drive of the D-Max on any road condition was so much fun. I also know that the Isuzu D-Max did everything that it claims it can do  — and in such an effortless fashion.

It was almost 4 p.m. and a drive home was in order. It was after 8 p.m. by the time I made it home.

On that day, I was one happy camper.  After all, the joy of the test drive is not in getting to the destination. It is in being able to experience just how much fun a drive can be. And, the Isuzu D-Max is really a pleasure to drive.