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THE case
against D-MAX, whose latest version, the Isuzu Global
D-Max, has just recently been rolled out of the assembly
lines, is valid: It is built primarily for the macho.
There
has never been a time for machismo to be this pronounced
in the automotive business’s pickup segment than today.
Blame it on the Global D-Max.
The
father of my son-in-law, Rupert Sadiwa, a solid Isuzu
fan that he’s always made it a point to make every
vehicle buy of his an Isuzu since the ’70s, gushed at
the first sight of the charcoal black Global D-Max 4x2
LS A/T.
“It
looks very solidly handsome,” he said. “I can’t wait to
buy this same model.”
And to
think that his Crosswind, which he rarely uses, is still
in tiptop shape.
Another
neighbor of mine, Casiano Alejo, a civil engineer, also
fell for it at first sight and said, “It looks terribly
terrific. How much will this model cost me?”
“For
you, I’m selling it for only P1,075,000,” I said.
“Are you
serious?” said Siano, who is into the construction
business and owns a rather old and creaky pickup of
another brand. “A bit expensive, I guess. What would
be the last price?”
I told
him he had better call Ronald “Mayor B” Baladad.
“Who is
that?” he asked.
“He is
the guy to approach at Isuzu Philippines Corp.,” I
said.
I gave
him Ronald’s number.
“I will
call him soon,” he said.
Sleek
and sassy, the Global D-Max 4x2 automatic 3.0L i-TEQ
4JJ-TC direct-injection third-generation common-rail
diesel train commands a performance offered only by an
engine with the same turbo intercooler magnificence.
Its
world-class power comes from a maximum output of 146 ps
at 3,800 rpm,
294 Nm at 1,400 to 3,400 rpm of torque. It is
Euro-2-compliant.
The
Global D-Max has new, projector-type headlamps and
round-type fog lights for clearer night trips. They
don’t only give an elegant look, but increased
visibility as well. Its fender flare design with
matching wide, aggressive contours makes for advanced
aerodynamics.
Equipped
with a rear bumper chrome finish and multi-reflector
rear combination lamp design, the new D-Max has also put
emphasis on curved forms and clean surfaces for a
fresh-looking, yet classic, interior design.
The
singular innovation in the new D-Max is the “optitron”
meter with digital ambient temperature display and the
average consumption meter.
The 4x2
LS A/T variant has the much-loved four-speed Direct
Electronic Shift Control (DESC), grade logic control
system, third start mode and power mode.
Of
course, like its predecessor, the new D-Max is best
suited for country driving. But it is also a joy to
have when it comes to city driving for its wondrous
maneuverability and instant burst of speed when needed.
Women
generally have reservations about having pickups for
their ride, the D-Max included. The jolt of a leaf
(lift?) spring annoys them.
But who
said pickups are for the distaff side?
The
Global D-Max, like most of its predecessors, is for the
macho man in the city, as well as the toiling masa who
consider this pickup the eternal partner in
nation-building through progress in the countryside
farmlands and livestock operations.
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