PROVING that its expertise lies not just in diesel-engine technology but also in 4WD off-road motoring, Isuzu Philippines Corp. is introducing a special run of the popular Global D-MAX 4x4 called the Boondock Limited Edition (LE) in response to the growing demand for highly capable off-road vehicles especially in remote, unpaved areas in the country that are difficult to reach using stock SUVs and pickups. This LE variant will be available initially in the Visayas and Mindanao, where the demanding types of terrain require four-wheel-drive vehicles.

The Global D-MAX 4x4 has been gaining popularity as an off-road vehicle, thanks to the push-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive control button. With this pickup, it is possible to shift from 2WD to 4WD (4H only) while the vehicle is in motion—no need to stop and lock the front hubs or shift a gear lever. All that is required is a simple push of the dash-mounted 4WD button. “Convenience” is something not previously associated with off-road driving, but the Global D-MAX 4x4 has rewritten the rules of the game.

Of course, for a vehicle to be truly off-road-ready. In this regard, the D-MAX’s 3.0-liter i-TEQ common-rail direct-injection turbocharged diesel engine more than meets the challenge. With 146 ps of power and 294 Newton-meters of torque, this Euro 2-compliant diesel is the perfect power source for an excellent 4WD vehicle.

Despite being a pickup, the Global D-MAX doesn’t have a harsh ride, thanks to its Flex Ride MOVE suspension at the back, which offers a supple ride quality that can be appreciated even in urban settings.

Isuzu has also designed the Global D-MAX 4x4 to tackle the steepest of inclines and the biggest of rocks. Aside from a superior ground clearance, it boasts of an approach angle of 37 degrees and a departure angle of 29 degrees. When negotiating a slanted surface, it can tilt on either side at an impressive 48 degrees.           

Now, with the introduction of the limited-edition Boondock Edition, the Global D-MAX 4x4 now boasts of several new features that are sure to endear it to even the most hard-core off-road driver, such as special all-terrain tires, a set of Bridgestone Dueler 265/70 rubbers wrapped around 16-inch silver-finish alloy wheels. These tires provide maximum grip on all kinds of terrain, including mud, gravel and sand.

Rounding out the list of special features found on the Global D-MAX 4x4 Boondock LE are backing-up sensors, two-tone body colors, “Boondock” sticker, and a sporty chrome kit for the grille and the hood garnish.

“With the Global D-MAX 4x4 Boondock LE, Isuzu once again provides the Filipino driver with a purpose-specific vehicle,” says IPC president Keiji Takeda. “This time, that purpose is to conquer far-flung and unfamiliar territories, which ordinary vehicles will not dare drive to.”

The Isuzu Global D-MAX 4x4 Boondock LE—available in Ebony Black and Forest Green, manual transmission and with a 100,000-kilometer/three-year warranty—is attractively priced at P1.245 million.

In a related development, Isuzu has announced that it will conduct a series of 4x4 driving clinics using the Global D-MAX 4x4 Boondock LE and the Alterra 4x4. The whole-day clinics will seek to teach off-road driving greenhorns how to properly use a 4WD system; how and when to use 2H (two-wheel high), 4L (four-wheel low) and 4H (four-wheel high); and how to drive through a mix of difficult courses like slopes, gullies and hills.

The “Isuzu 4x4 Driving Clinic” was held on March 8 at the back of SM Bacolod (near Bredco Port, Reclamation Area) and will also be conducted on March 29 at the vacant lot beside SM Cagayan de Oro (Masterson Avenue corner Gran Vira Street, Pueblo de Oro) and April 12 at Km. 10 Mac Arthur Hi-Way, Dumoy, in Davao City. Isuzu invites the general public—particularly motoring enthusiasts—to take this rare opportunity to learn proper off-road driving.

Visit your nearest dealership now for a test-drive of the Global D-MAX 4x4 Boondock LE. In the Visayas Isuzu dealerships are in Bacolod, Iloilo and Mandaue. In Mindanao Isuzu can be found in Cagayan de Oro and Davao. Check also www.isuzuphil.com for other Isuzu updates.

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