Tough and comfy: Isuzu D-Max
In the Isuzu Driveway Getaway 2018 organized earlier this year for motoring writers I recall being told that the D-Max is one pickup that meets any challenge, as I was fortunate to have the D-Max to myself towards the end of the year.
“The astounding fuel mileages that all of you got from this economy run, most especially of those who won the challenge, only proves that with the right combination of good driving habits and the efficiency of the RZ4E engine, the 2018 Isuzu D-Max can be the answer to the worrisome increases in the pump prices of fuel,” said IPC president Hajime Koso. “The RZ4E is a new-generation diesel engine which has been the result of Isuzu’s over four years of extensive research in BluePower diesel engine technology, and represents our first foray into the lower displacement but higher output engine technology that has become the trend in Europe and in Asia. Even while generating maximum 150 PS of power and 350 Nm of torque, the 2018 Isuzu D-Max powered by the RZ4E engine — with its over 200 new components — was still able to get a fuel mileage of 22.59 kms per liter from the winning media team.”
The D-Max did not disappoint when I took it for a spin towards the end of the year. I was pleasantly surprised how the D-Max handled itself in the streets of the metro taking each ride with lots of confidence, as the Isuzu vehicles are known to do.
Power and fuel-efficiency has been further optimized and managed by the six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift mode or the manual transmission equipped with the Gear Shift Indicator
The 2018 Isuzu D-Max as “hardworking vehicle with the lifestyle attitude” — a workhorse that’s also a lifestyle pickup, combining the qualities and characteristics of a tough, durable truck and the comfortable amenities of a passenger car.
There is not much that one can do wrong when seated behind the D-Max wheel because it really does all the work and I had to do was sit pretty and drive.
OK, I had to do the navigating through the roads and the busy side streets that Waze choice to lead me through — but the hard work of getting me to my various destinations in city was easy as pie for the D-Max.
For starters, the DNA of a true-blue truck, as only Isuzu — a world-leader in truck engineering, designs, and manufacture — can make. The D-Max is the only pickup in the market designed for its purpose, with the strength and function of a truck (with its rigid chassis, high-tensile steel cabin, and steel timing chain), yet with nearly the same comfort of a passenger car and equipped with the latest technologies in safety and convenience.
As we all know the Isuzu trucks have a reputation of being one of the best on the market and the D-Max pick up did not disappoint.
There is also much to stay about how its interiors have become more comfy though the years. I really liked the passenger car-like interior of the 2018 Isuzu D-Max, with the eight-inch touchscreen audio/video entertainment system, leather seats and well-positioned soft pads.
And, an aggressive fascia equipped with premium features such as the Bi-LED headlamps with manual leveling controls providing more brightness but less power consumption and longer LED daytime running lamps (DRL) for added safety. The touchscreen serves as the focal point for the 2018 Isuzu D-Max infotainment system, complete with Navi system (3 L variant only), Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, and multiple usb ports.
Before I stop with all this heavy tech specs of the D-Max let me add that full safety features, such as dual SRS airbags, anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), brake assist (BA), electronic stability control (ESC), traction control system (TCS), hill-start assist (HSA), hill descent control (HDC), and the Brake Override System (BOS), a failsafe measure ensuring that the brakes take precedence and overrides the accelerator input if the accelerator and brake pedals are pressed at the same time.
The streets of Manila, Makati, Pasig and wherever else I took the D-Max for my drive were no match to the lovely interiors coupled with the tough engine that the D-Max is equipped with.
Drive on.
