Isuzu unveils new, more powerful D-MAX

Not wishing to mess with a proven formula, Isuzu has come up with only the most significant changes for the latest D-MAX – changes that will further cement the D-MAX’s status as one of the best pickups in its class.

Heading the changes and new features in the 2007 D-MAX is a new diesel engine under the hood. Finally, the D-MAX is now powered by a 3.0 liter 4JJ I-TEQ common-rail direct-injection diesel engine with turbo intercooler that produces a maximum output of 146ps at 3,800rpm and a maximum torque of 294 Newton-meters at 1,400rpm to 3,400rpm.

At launch, the new Isuzu D-MAX is available only in a 4x2 version, but with three variants: the LT base model, the LX midrange model and the LS high-end model. The LX and the LS both get the above-mentioned CRDi diesel engine, while the LT has the 2.5-liter 4JA1-L direct-injection diesel engine that produces 81ps at 3,900rpm. Both the LT and the LX have a manual transmission, while the LS has an available automatic gearbox.

The other significant changes in the 2007 D-MAX are the new grille design and an additional height increase of 25mm for the LS and the LX, lending the pickup a tougher look and making it the tallest in the 4x2 class.

The LS and the LX also share the following in common: torsion bar springs and stabilizer bar for front suspension (coil springs for the LT); Flex Ride semi-elliptical leaf springs (regular semi-elliptical leaf springs for the LT); 16- inch aluminum wheels (15-inch steel for the LT); black leather steering wheel (urethane for the LT); new chrome rear bumper and side stepboard design; new crystal lens rear combination lamp; projector-type headlamps (halogen multi-reflector type for the LT); Optitron-type instrument panel (analog type for the LT); six audio speakers (two speakers for the LT); sports jersey/fabric combination for the seats (vinyl for the LT); keyless entry; power and central door locks; power windows; and power side mirrors.

The LS, being the high-end variant, additionally gets a Pioneer in-dash CD/MP3 player with USB and iPod connectivity, dual airbags and antilock brakes.

The LT is available in Glacial White and Sterling Silver. The LX, meanwhile, is available in Glacial White and Touchstone Gray. The LS painted in Glacial White, Tornade Red, Ebony Black, Impulse Blue, Phoenix Gold and Touchstone Gray.

The LT manual is priced at P805,000, while the LX manual sells for P925,000. The LS manual and automatic have introductory prices of P1,015,000 and P1,075,000, respectively.