New Isuzu PH chief says current D-Max to stay for a while

MANILA: New Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) President Mikio Tsukui noted that the current D-Max pickup truck will stay for quite a while amid the arrival of the new mu-X sport utility vehicle (SUV). 

The new leader shared such plan to Zigwheels Philippines  during the IPC leadership turnover ceremonies.

To recall, the Japanese carmaker presented the SUV's bolder, smarter version at this year's Manila International Auto Show a few weeks back. 

“D-Max, I think we recently made some changes. So, at this moment, in the short period, I don’t think we have a plan,” Tsukui commented, referring to the upgrades the pickup truck received in June, last year. 

Currently, the Isuzu D-Max in the Philippines comes with the following powertrain specifications: 

	RZ4E-TC	4JJ3-TCX
Displacement (in cubic centimeters)	1,898	2,999
Maximum power output (in horsepower)	147	187
Maximum torque (in Newton-meters)	350	450
Transmission	Six-speed automatic or manual transmission

Here are its notable exterior and interior features: 

• Halogen or LED headlamps
• Fog lamps 
• Manual or power side mirrors 
• Read combination taillamps 
• 15-, 16-, 17-, and 18-inch wheel sizes 
• Single- or dual-zone air conditioning 
• Nine- or 10.1-inch infotainment system 
• Urethane or leather steering wheel 
• Fabric or leather seats 

In Thailand, Isuzu is selling the D-Max with a new 2.2-liter diesel mill mated to an eight-speed RevTronic automatic transmission. 

Per the Kanagawa-headquartered automaker, the smaller mill can dish out approximately 163 horsepower with 400 Newton-meters of torque. 

Despite no immediate update being foreseen for the Isuzu D-Max, IPC’s head honcho hinted at some “big model changes,” which he clarified would happen “in the future.” 

“...eventually, I think there will also be some big model changes in the future,” Tsukui mentioned. 

“...because car brands always need to renew the design to update to the current trend of the market, and customers are always looking for a new exotic design,” he concluded. 

While waiting for IPC to bring in a new model (whether in the form of an updated Isuzu D-Max or a new nameplate altogether), let’s look at its current lineup here in the country. 

Isuzu D-Max lifestyle variants: 

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 4x2 LS-A MT	Isuzu D-Max 3.0 4x4 LS-A MT
Isuzu D-Max 3.0 4x2 LS-A MT Plus	Isuzu D-Max 3.0 4x4 LS-A MT Plus
Isuzu D-Max 3.0 4x2 LS-A AT	Isuzu D-Max 3.0 4x2 LS-E AT
Isuzu D-Max 3.0 4x2 LS-A AT Plus	Isuzu D-Max 3.0 4X4 LS-E AT

Isuzu D-Max workhorse variants:

Isuzu D-Max RZ4E 4X2 Single Cab MT	Isuzu D-Max 3.0 4x4 LT MT
Isuzu D-Max RZ4E 4x2 LT MT	Isuzu D-Max 3.0 4X4 Single Cab MT

 

Isuzu mu-X variants: 

Isuzu mu-X RZ4E 4x2 LS AT	Isuzu mu-X 3.0 4x2 LS-E AT
Isuzu mu-X 3.0 4x2 LS-A AT	Isuzu mu-X 3.0 4x4 LS-E AT

Also read:

Isuzu D-Max takes 2 championships titles in 2024 PHRX

Isuzu CDO is 2024 Dealer of the Year

MIAS 2025: Isuzu PH displays new mu-X