Award-winning Isuzu D-Max dominates 2022 Philippine Rallycross Series 

MANILA: The successive winner of the recent Annual C!'s Pick-up of the Year award, the 2022 Isuzu D-Max, has won three vehicle classes in the Philippine Rallycross Series (PHRX), and has once again demonstrated its supremacy in the dirt time trial racing competition. 

Mon Dimapilis and Louie Camacho, two experienced rally drivers, drove two 2022 Isuzu D-Max 3.0 LS-E 4x4 AT rally cars that had just minor modifications.

PHRX is a timed racing competition held in a dirt track which started in 2015. Many professional car racers and motorsport enthusiasts participate in the competition’s different categories and various classes, and among its many supporters is Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC).

Nine technical dirt driving rounds of the PHRX season, which began in May, were held at various dirt tracks in Cavite and Pampanga. After the ninth round, the Isuzu D-Max Team was able to clinch a 1-2 finish in three classes, with Mon Dimapilis taking first place in each class and Louie Camacho winning the Overall Champion title for the Pick-up, Utility Vehicle, and All-Wheel Drive Class.

“We are very proud of the result of this year’s Philippine Rallycross Series. The Isuzu D-Max has proven once again its versatility and durability, this time on the dirt track. And this is the kind of lifestyle we want to promote with this vehicle, our customers can enjoy the D-Max both for work and play on the weekends,” said IPC Assitant Division Head for Sales, Robert Carlos.

Apart from the racing seats and harness, the only modifications done to the 2022 Isuzu D-Max rally vehicles were limited to suspension and tires, the rest were kept to stock condition. Its powerful 4JJ3-TCX Blue Power Diesel Engine — paired with the driver’s rally expertise emerges — as an unbeatable formula to D-Max success over the other notably modified vehicle who competed in the PHRX. With another feather on its cap, the 2022 Isuzu D-Max shows strength in different aspects, no doubt why it is still one of the most popular pick-ups in the market today.

Isuzu — what is known to be the acclaimed number one truck brand in the Philippines for 22 consecutive years — has proven its dominance once again as the 2022 Isuzu D-Max won the “Pick-up of the Year” title in the 18th Annual C! Awards.

Being hailed as Pick-up of the Year for the second time in a row confirms the superiority of the 2022 Isuzu D-MAX in the pickup truck segment. The Annual C! Awards is one of the most prestigious awards in the automotive industry where the “best-of-the-best” is chosen in each segment. All nominees have undergone comprehensive review and actual tests by the jury consisted of C! Magazine’s editorial team who has driven and meticulously examined the vehicles.

While it is already common for pickup trucks to have powerful engine, sporty design, and large cargo capacity because of its usual function as a vehicle, the third generation Isuzu D-Max has taken the segment into a whole new level by introducing a first-in-its-class advanced safety features and more comfortable interior design.

Based on the thorough assessment of the jury, the truck’s advanced safety features, excellent interior design combined with its dynamic engine performance and enhanced functionality are what made it the best-in-class pick-up truck again for 2022.

Apart from serving looks, Isuzu also made it clear through its standout features that the 2022 Isuzu D-Max now has a broader target market scope. With its Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) with Smart Duo Cam — a unique feature in its class which provides full assistance to the driver — and the new overall interior design exuding comfort and convenience, the Isuzu D-Max proves that it also makes a reliable and safe family vehicle that every adventurous family should own.

Meanwhile in the UK, What Van? industry experts have once again awarded the Pickup of the Year title to Isuzu UK. The Isuzu D-Max has won the award for the fifth time in the past six years.

Each year, the What Van? Awards honor the brands, products, and organizations that have excelled in their respective fields. This year's ceremony was held on December 8 at the Intercontinental London. Only the finest in each hotly contested category are honored by the annual awards, which are assessed by a panel of seasoned industry experts from across the light commercial vehicle sector.

The Isuzu D-Max possesses a wide stance and bold design which makes it perfect for both on-road and off-road applications. For maximum visibility, the Isuzu D-Max is equipped with new bi-LED headlamps, daytime running lights, and tail lamps. It also features a newly designed integrated rear bumper that provides added protection and a step to easily access the payload cargo.

Photos from Isuzu, Isuzu Philippines Corporation

Also read: Tetsuya Fujita appointed Isuzu PH president