AFTER a long wait, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) has finally launched the all-new 2021 Isuzu D-Max.
We know a lot of you are eager to find out more about what the next-generation model has to offer, so we’ve put together here everything that you need to know about this midsize pickup. Let’s get right to it.
Exterior
The all-new D-Max boasts an angrier-looking face than before, with a pair of snazzy chrome strips and a large blacked-out grille highlighting the front end. The headlamps and the foglights have been given a major redesign, too, while the rear end has been slightly tweaked for a sportier look.
Wheel options include 15-, 17-, or 18-inch wheels with silver or matte dark-gray finishes. Top-spec D-Max variants get additional dark plastic bits on the outside that give the truck more style.
A wide range of color options are available, namely: Valencia Orange, Onyx Black, Mercury Silver, Red Spinel, Sapphier Blue, Galena Gray, and Splash White.
Interior
The D-Max’s cabin gets a major overhaul as well. Bucket seats are now fitted across the range, and these are stitched with cloth, black fabric, or brown leather depending on the variant. The range-topping D-Max boasts a more premium interior thanks to the plethora of leather and soft-touch materials around the cabin.
Engine and specs
Isuzu has given its trusty truck a new 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX Blue Power turbodiesel that generates 187hp and 450Nm of torque, which is a significant boost from the previous model’s figures.
A second engine is also available: the familiar 1.9-liter RZ4E turbodiesel that’s capable of 148hp and 350Nm of torque. It’s the same engine, but Isuzu has supposedly tweaked it to improve performance and reduce noise and vibration. Both powertrains can be had with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.
Stopping power is provided by ventilated disc brakes up front and drum brakes out back. The pickup’s chassis has also been reinforced – it’s now bigger and more rigid for improved handling and stability.
Isuzu says the 4×4 variants now have better approach, departure, and ramp-over angles. Wading depth, meanwhile, is now at 800mm.
Extra features
The D-Max now comes with a lot of added toys, and the top-of-the-line variant gets all the bells and whistles. Standard features first: Save for the base LT variants, the range gets a 4.2-inch instrument cluster to go along with the new Apple CarPlay- and Android Auto-compatible 10.1-inch infotainment system, as well as rear A/C vents. The infotainment system, by the way, comes with a built-in navigation system and clinometer.
As for the top variant in the range, extra niceties include an eight-speaker setup (other trim levels have six), rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic climate controls with a dual-zone function, a smart keyless entry system with a push-to-start ignition, and a remote start feature.
It also comes equipped with a myriad of safety tech like forward-collision warning, turn assist, pedal misapplication mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert. Front and rear parking sensors with a reversing camera are available, as is adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and a multi-collision brake system.
Prices and variants
The Isuzu D-Max’s prices range from P875,000 to P1,825,000.(Leandre Grecia via Top Gear PH)
