After launching the D-Max top-spec LS-A in Makati City last August 29, Isuzu now introduces the new variant with off-road test drive and mall display events for the Visayas and Mindanao regions. The launch last weekend at the SM Seaside City in Cebu is now followed by the event at SM Lanang in Davao City starting today, Friday, September 20, and running until Sunday, September 22.
Isuzu Philippines Corp. president Hajime Koso says, “the D-MAX LS-A represents nearly a century of Isuzu’s experience and innovation in the design, engineering, and workmanship of diesel-powered utility vehicles.” He adds that, “the D-MAX LS-A is infused, as well, with features that address the demands of a market that value both hard work and play, business with leisure.”
The D-Max LS-A replaces the 3.0 LS as the model’s top-spec variant, eventually to become the upper range model above their 1.9L RZ4E LS line-up. The LS-A still features the 3.0 liter 4JJ1-TCX diesel mill with variable geometry turbocharger producing 173hp (177ps) of peak power and 380Nm of max torque, with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, and initially available with a 4×4 drivetrain (the 4×2 option will be made available later this year).
The distinguishing touches of the new LS-A start in front with dark-grey furnishings replacing and expanding on the D-Max’s grille chrome, merging this downwards with a two-tone bumper that brandishes bushing stylings on the corners and a silver skid plate at bottom center. Along the side, the LS-A now features power folding side mirrors in toughened dark grey polymer finish plus logo’d cargo extenders running along the top of the rear deck walls, also in dark grey. There are fender shields joined visually front to back by faceted rocker panels, all in dark grey, and underscored by a step board in black. The LS-A’s 255/60 R18 low-walled Toyo tires are mounted on matching two-tone alloy wheels that are exclusive to the new variant.
At introductory prices that a source tells us are around P200K under what will become its regular price points, the new D-Max 3.0L LS-A 4×4 is now on offer at P1.630M for the MT variant and at P1.700M for the AT. These are the former prices of the 3.0L LS 4×4 MT and AT variants, remaining stocks of which are now being offered with significant discounts at P1.320M and P1.390, respectively.
The launch of the mall display at SM Seaside City, Cebu
Both the new LS-A and the outgoing LS models have been made available to the public for the off-road test drives. Visitors are paired up with instructor drivers to guide them through specially built dirt tracks that feature steep uphill climbs and downhill descents, side sloping patches to test grip and stability, mud-pools to prove 4×4 traction, an array of deep “elephant” potholes to push the suspension’s articulation to its limits, and that exciting climb up and descent from a tall “table-top” that’s meant to test torque, approach and departure angles, and the driver’s adrenaline threshold.
The regional launches were started last weekend in Cebu in the Central Visayas where the off-road test drives have particular relevance. Dealer group Isuzu Cebu, Inc.’s general manager Steve Gingco says that in a market where a 200 percent increase from the same period last year now sees pick-up trucks surpassing SUVs in popularity, and compared to the rest of the country where most pick-up sales are for 4×2 variants, Cebu is the one place where most carmakers record an even split between these and 4×4 off-roading trucks.
