An Early Isuzu Christmas

MANILA, Philippines - Family reunions and road trips are an integral part of the Christmas celebration. The three or even twelve hour drive to lolo and lola maybe be arduous at times, but seeing them beaming with delight at your arrival more than makes up for the tiring journey. However, as much as anyone loves the relaxing time spent at the wheel, no one likes getting lost; especially in unfamiliar surroundings. Though everyone is familiar with major thoroughfares in Metro Manila, how many can consider themselves experts when it comes to places like Pampanga or Benguet? Lucky for the self-confessed “city slicker”, GPS-based navigation systems have alleviated most of road trip related stress. Generally available as an aftermarket add-on, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) has gone a step further and fully integrated the navigation system in the special X-MAX edition of its Crosswind and D-MAX vehicles.

Pronounced as “CrossMax”, the X-MAX editions of the Crosswind and D-MAX were launched in the Queen City of the South: Cebu, in time for the Christmas season. Already generously equipped both the Crosswind and D-MAX receive even more goodies cementing them as a cut above the rest in both comfort and creature features. Headlining the list of new features is the aforementioned integrated navigation system which also doubles as the in-car entertainment system with DVD, MPEG4 and RDS-Tuner capabilities. Both vehicles boast of a touch screen making the complex menus easy to understand and operate as well as a fully working, full-coverage Philippine map covering everywhere from Luzon to Mindanao. The only difference between the Crosswind and D-MAX is that on the former, the unit has a motorized sliding mechanism to bring out the 7-inch screen while on the latter; it’s a fixed 2-DIN design.

Trying out the navigation system around Cebu and Mactan, you can’t help but be impressed by its coverage and accuracy. In IPC’s event (held in cooperation with Caltex Diesel with Techron D, Negros Navigation and Winterpine Marketing Corporation) entitled “Trailing Cebu with the Isuzu D-MAX and Crosswind X-MAX”, several media guests were divided into two groups. The first group drove the D-MAX X-MAX edition in the northern part of the province, passing through Mandaue, Liloan, Compostela, Danao, Carmen, Catmon, Sogod, Tabuelan, Tuburan, Asturias, Balamban, and back to the city. The second group drove the Crosswind Sportivo X-MAX edition in the southern part of Cebu, going through Cebu City, Talisay, Minglanilla, Naga, San Fernando, Carcar, Barili, Dumanjug, Ronda, Alcantara, Moalboal, Badian, Dalaguete, Argao, Sibonga, Carcar, and back to the city.

Going through remote mountain passes where there’s little or no cellular phone coverage (for Globe at least), the navigation system held up quite peerlessly, guiding the group through provincial highways, small barangay roads and everything in-between. It’s also extremely helpful that the navigation system has built-in point of interests such as places of worship, gasoline stations and eateries for those who want to venture around. In addition, map updates are periodically available to keep track of the latest additions and changes to the country’s ever changing “roadscape”.

Removing the dreaded loss of direction in the road trip equation, IPC also gifts the Crosswind and D-MAX X-MAX editions with increased cargo flexibility, perfect for picking up family members from the airport or pier. The Crosswind now has a roof rack as standard while the D-MAX benefits from a genuine Isuzu bed liner.

Spotting the X-MAX edition apart from the rest of the Crosswind and D-MAX line-up is easy thanks to new and distinctive cosmetic design cues scattered throughout the exterior. Aside from the prerequisite “X-MAX” stickers, the Crosswind gets new cool white headlights that lend an HID effect as well as a new two-tone spare tire cover. Meanwhile, the D-MAX receives new color-keyed side stepboards as well as a chromed tail lamp garnish. In addition, the X-MAX editions are available in a range of holiday inspired colors: Omega White Pearl, Starry Black (D-MAX only); Glacial White, Ebony Black (Crosswind only); Sterling Silver and Magma Red (Crosswind and D-MAX).

Known for its leadership in diesel engine technology, both the Isuzu Crosswind and D-MAX are powered by reliable and fuel-efficient drivetrains: the tried-and-tested 2.5-liter 4JA1-L direct injection in the Crosswind and the 3.0-liter common rail direct injection iTEQ engine in the D-MAX. Both engines pass Euro-2 emission standard and are available with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions. Additionally, both the Crosswind and D-MAX feature the customer-favorite Flex Ride MOVE suspension system for a comfortable and compliant ride through any terrain.

Since its launch in 2003, the D-MAX has already sold a total of 14,246 units in the Philippines. On the other hand, the Crosswind has racked up an even more impressive 55,374 units since its 2001 introduction.

“Many of those who have experienced owning either the D-MAX or the Crosswind still come back to us when it’s time to purchase another vehicle,” said IPC President Ryoji Yamazaki. “They usually cite durability, reliability, performance and fuel efficiency as the principal reasons why they put Isuzu vehicles at the top of their list. We expect this trend to continue with the new X-MAX editions of the D-MAX and the Crosswind.”