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.

Isuzu Philippines introduced the current special edition Boondock variant of their popular D-Max pick up last weekend at Isuzu Sta. Rosa in Laguna where they also held the first of a series of open-house events to offer repeat customers exclusive discounts and gift voucher incentives.

Boondock: a westernization of the Tagalog word “bundok,” the term dates back to the early 20th century when U.S. military men in the Philippines would put on their boondockers (field boots) to go hiking in the boondocks (mountains).  Originally used to brand an off-roading special edition of the first generation D-Max a decade ago, the Boondock badge now returns on enhanced top-spec 3.0 LS 4×2 variants featuring larger all-terrain tires on a higher-raised and stiffened undercarriage plus body extensions that make the mid-size pickups even tougher and more versatile.

Large and knobby 265/70 R17 Yokohama Geolandar G015 all-terrain tires add to the Boondock’s rough-road flexibility adding more than 3cm to wheel diameters (compared to the 255/60 R18 tires of the standard 3.0 LS variant) and boosting the ground clearance up by 1.2cm (up to 24.7cm up from the 23.5cm of the standard LS).  Handling with the higher profile tires is compensated for with monotube nitrogen-filled high-performance shock absorbers where the neutral gas allows high pressurization of the hydraulic oil, delivering stronger damping control on springs while avoiding foaming of the pressurized oil.

The Boondock is offered in black or grey finish with more visible enhancements being …

• Over fender and cargo bay wall extenders in contrasting color finish (grey on black or vice versa)
• Black roof rails and side rocker panels
• Steel, matte-black honeycomb-perforated sidestep with Boondock logo
• The Boondock decal on the rear tailgate

Positioned above the D-Max’s urban-sleeked 4×2 X-Series edition, list prices for the D-Max 3.0 LS 4×2 Boondock special edition are P1.390M for the MT sub-variant, P1.450M for the AT.

<SOURCE> Press Statement of Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC), “‘I Love Isuzu’ campaign shifts to Sta Rosa, as the D-MAX Boondock debuts in ‘Open House’,” 2019:

A month after the festive and successful launch of the “I Love Isuzu” campaign last April 25 at the Festival Supermall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) shifts the celebration a bit further south at Isuzu Santa Rosa.

The focus of the “Open House” has now been the launch of the new Isuzu D-MAX Boondock.

The “Open House” concept, part of the “I Love Isuzu” campaign, makes Isuzu Santa Rosa dealership, its vehicle roster and aftermarket services, closer to its customers and potential buyers by way of fun and engaging activities, contests and promotions; the introduction of the new D-MAX Boondock.

The festivities started early with the motorcade of 24 vehicles drumming up excitement along the designated route from a SHELL station in Biñan going to the dealership.

The D-MAX Boondock was finally revealed after IPC Product Planning Head Robert Carlos described the new and exciting details about the pick-up.

And based on initial feedback by customers and members of the D-MAX Club coming from Team Isuzu Pilipinas and Team ICE in attendance, the D-MAX Boondock Edition packs in more of the tough, durable, and powerful persona that truly befits its name, its intended natural habitat.

The D-MAX Boondock Edition fits the utilitarian vehicle profile sought after by the premium lifestyle, with its higher ride height of 247 mm, 1, 900 mm overall height, off-road look, and a muscular stance that looks tough enough for anything that comes its way.

Based on the popular D-MAX 3.0L LS, the D-MAX Boondock Edition is fitted with 265/70 R 17 All-terrain tires wrapped around black alloy wheel R17 rims. This all-terrain tire has been engineered to provide ultimate traction across various conditions, whether rolling down the highway or leaving the pavement behind.

Monotube nitrogen-charged performance shock absorbers ensure instantaneous response to changing road conditions and offering faster damping reaction. As a result, improved steering control on different terrain and driving conditions is achieved.

The steel side steps not only give easy access but offer valuable protection to the pick-up body. The honeycomb design with the Boondock logo also helps in no-fuss cleaning and provides better traction during ingress and egress.

To complement the overall look, the D-MAX Boondock Edition is equipped with roof rail, cargo extender, rocker panel, over fender, and a massive Boondock decal installed at the tailgate.

Of course, the D-MAX Boondock Edition walks the talk, with its powerful, Euro-4 emissions rated 4JJ1-TCX 4-Cylinder in-line Blue Power 3.0-liter diesel engine with turbo intercooler and VGS Turbo Charger mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with gearshift indicator or a 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift. The D-MAX Boondock Edition is able to generate maximum power outputs of 177 PS at 3,600 RPM and 380 Nm of torque at 1,800 to 2,800 RPM.

Available in Cosmic Black and Galena Gray colors, the Isuzu D-MAX Boondock Edition is priced at P1.390 million for the D-MAX 3.0 4×2 LS MT Boondock, and P1.455 million for the D-MAX 3.0 4×2 LS AT Boondock.

Beyond the debut of the Isuzu D-MAX Boondock Edition, the “Open House” in Isuzu Sta. Rosa underscores how valuable Isuzu customers and the Filipino motoring public are to IPC, and it shows once more in the “I Love Isuzu” campaign in the dealership.

The “I Love Isuzu” campaign has entailed months of research, planning, and collaboration among IPC and its dealers, business partners, suppliers, and the various Isuzu auto clubs across the country. The campaign perfectly represents IPC and continues the good relationship with long-time clients and partners.

The “I Love Isuzu” campaign has hinged on not just Isuzu vehicles’ exceptional durability, reliability, power, performance, and fuel-efficiency, but also on the entire motoring lifestyle experience of their owners and their families and friends, the kind of lifestyle experiences that have evolved into fond memories throughout the decades.

Isuzu Sta. Rosa’s “Open House” as an integral part of the campaign, has lined up various activities and rewards schemes for its clients, customers and stakeholders, including: Special 10K worth of Isuzu Parts Coupon for closed transactions, 3K worth of SHELL Fuel Voucher for every successful referral offered to existing clients and 20% Isuzu Genuine Parts Discount. In addition to this, a whole day of bankers’ and client test drive, Fleet Service Clinic and open service shop for clients.

To know more about IPC’s “I Love Isuzu” campaign, upcoming Isuzu Dealer Open House schedules, and the D-MAX Boondock Edition as well as the complete roster of Isuzu commercial vehicles and light commercial vehicles, visit your nearest Isuzu dealer or log on to www.isuzuphil.com.

Taguig City, Philippines | 27 January 2017—Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) has unveiled the new D-Max LS X-Series, adding limited-edition touches to the popular pick-up’s 4×2 top-spec trim that refine the aerodynamics of the top-scoring 38.46km/l diesel sipper.

“There is no denying that the Isuzu D-MAX is an ideal vehicle for leisure activities and is also a highly capable workhorse. With the arrival of the new D-MAX X-Series, the model now addresses the lifestyle mobility requirement of active and urbane families too. So now, no other pickup truck available in the local market can offer the combination of utility, reliability, versatility and high style that the D-MAX X-Series does,” said IPC President Hajime Koso.

Distinguished by a gunmetal-grey radiator grille with bright red Isuzu badge in the center and limited-issue two-tone 18” wheels, the X-Series D-Max features factory-fitted spoilers in the front, at the sides and atop the leading edge of the cargo deck to make it even more stable and whittle down its aerodynamic drag co-efficient at cruising speeds. A front skirt to scoop away air flowing under the vehicle adds down-force for a touch more control traction. While, on the cargo box, top-edge fairings along the side and up against the crew cab, plus trailing bottom side-skirts, mitigate drag-inducing turbulence.

“Isuzu Philippines sold 3,966 D-MAX units in 2016, with deliveries rising 27.3 percent when compared to the model’s sales result in 2015. This growth, which is in lockstep with the pace of commercial vehicle demand in the country, was fueled largely by the continuous upgrades that the D-MAX has received. The introduction of the new X-Series line is meant to sustain the D-MAX’s upward trajectory,” Koso said.

The enhancements ought to improve fuel-efficiency further on the D-Max which had garnered the top-score, that 38.46km/l rating, at the mass fuel-eco run done by the Department of Energy in May 2016 (with same generation model, 3rd-gen, though before the September facelift, and with the same 3.0L CRDi VGS turbodiesel). Completing the premium kit-out are black leather interior touches featuring red stitching to match the exterior’s red accents, and intricately embroidered X-Series badges on the front-seat seat-backs.

“Aside from its already sporty looks, Isuzu collaborated with Under Armour to create a special X-Series collection sports apparel and items which are ideal for those buying this limited edition D-MAX variant. We picked this brand because it embodies the same characteristic of the X-Series which is tough and active” Koso added.

Premium items create another dimension to buying into the X-Series package. Partnering up with a leading sports brand, Isuzu bundles a selection of Under Armour products with an X-Series purchase—buyers can select from among a variety of Under Armour sport shirts, accessories and bags.

X-Series editions are offered for the 4×2 variants of the D-Max top-trim 3.0L LS line-up, adding P100k to the list price and coming out to P1.26M for the MT model and P 1.33M for the AT. Available colors are Splash White, Venetian Red and Cosmic Black.