2018 Isuzu D-Max gets various upgrades including a 1.9-litre diesel engine

MANILA: In order to keep hold of the pickup segment in the country, Isuzu Philippines has launched the 2018 D-Max with a host of upgrades to make it more appealing to the customers. The upgrades here are visible both at the exterior and in the interior. However, the biggest addition is under the hood of the new D-Max.

Isuzu has given the 2018 D-Max a new 1.9-litre RZ4E CRDi turbocharged diesel engine which produces 150 PS of max power at 3,600 revs and generates a peak torque of 350 Nm at 1,800 to 2,600 revs. As far as the transmission is concerned, this engine comes mated to either a 6-speed automatic with manual select or a 6-speed manual with Gear Shift Indicator (GSI). The new engine is a welcome addition, however, there isn’t a 4x4 variant available.

Speaking about the new D-Max, Hajime Koso, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) President, said, “The RZ4E is a new-generation diesel engine which has been the result of Isuzu's over 4 years of extensive research in BluePower diesel engine technology and represents our first foray into the lower displacement but higher output engine technology that has become the trend in Europe and in Asia.”

The exterior of the new D-Max RZ4E gets a few changes. The front features a new pair of Bi-LED headlamps along with a set of LED DRLs. The large front chrome grille has also been redesigned to give the pickup a more muscular appearance. The side view is improved a bit thanks to the new 16-inch alloy wheels. The changes at the rear of the truck are minimal and include LED tail lights and a few new badges. To make the 2018 D-Max look refreshed, Isuzu has also introduced two new color options - Sapphire Blue and Galena Gray.

Entering the cabin of the 2018 D-Max RZ4E you’d notice that the interior is now more car-like with features including a 7-inch touchscreen display with AM/FM radio, USB, Aux, iPod, and Bluetooth. There are USB charging ports for both the front and rear rows, a 12V power socket, a new multi-info display and gauges, power folding side mirrors, and various storage areas. The new fabric seats are pleasing to the eyes and also provide a good amount of comfort.

The manual variant of the new Isuzu D-Max RZ4E LS will set you back by Php 1,179,000. And if you want to go for the automatic variant then you’d need to spend Php 1,249,000. The new 1.9-litre diesel engine is also available with the other trims (LT, Flexible, and cab & chassis models) of the D-Max, and it also comes with the new mu-X which was unveiled in March.