INITIAL 4x4 variants, available in either a manual or automatic transmission.

The Isuzu brand has been around for about a century. It entered the market in the 1920s by introducing a pickup truck as one of its first production vehicle. With a long colorful history of pickup technology, it has earned its keep and established a solid and reliable line of vehicles. Thus, fast-forward years later, only history can tell what craft the diesel expert has mastered as it breeds another tough slugger off its well-bred stable of workhorses — the Isuzu D-Max LS-A.

This newest iteration of Isuzu’s ever-evolving pickup line comes in the premium body of the Isuzu D-Max LS-A. Banking on 16 years in the local market after it succeeded its long line of ancestors, this model is Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) pride and joy as it rolls out its most stylish modern pickup version yet.

THE Isuzu D-Max LS-A comes in a complete package.

With a public display at the new Glorietta Activity Center, Makati, this stunning workhorse brings to the fold about a century of Isuzu’s experience and innovation in the design, engineering and workmanship of diesel-powered utility vehicles.

“Introduced in 2003, the Isuzu D-Max pickup has sold more than 46,000 units so far and continues to be one of the country’s most popular pickup models for its durability, fuel efficiency and overall value for money. The new Isuzu D-Max LS-A joins the ranks of premium pickups with its stylish yet functional design and competitive pricing without compromising the pickup’s core value of being ‘Tough Enough for Anything,’” IPC president Hajime Koso shared.

Isuzu Motors Limited executive officer Hirokazu Okubo in his special message at the launch, meanwhile, said, “Worldwide, the Isuzu D-Max is trusted in countries like Thailand, Australia and the United Kingdom, certainly because of its design and functionality that have gone through rigorous testing and development.”

“The new Isuzu D-Max LS-A variant will be a great addition to the very competitive local pickup truck market,” he added.

At the heart of this beast is the powerful yet fuel-efficient 4JJ1-TCX 3.0-liter four-cylinder In-line Blue Power diesel engine with VGS turbo intercooler that generates 175 hp at maximum power and 380 N-m at maximum torque.

Though initially available in only the 4×4 variant, IPC did mention that it will also be bringing in 4×2 variants in the coming months. Both variants will have an option for either six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift or the six-speed manual transmission with gear shift indicator.

Inside and out, it also comes in a complete package of features that cater to the modern Filipino lifestyle, which maximizes the best qualities of the urban professional and the weekend adventurer.

At the onset, this brute has deep dark gray front grille and bumper, coupled with side step board and rocker panel, cargo extender and roof rails.

Inside, its warm and roomy cabin indulges occupants as it bestows comfort and convenience. Not to mention it rocks nifty niceties, such as: the auto-climate control air conditioning system, passive entry/push start-stop system, 12V accessory socket, three USB charging ports, 15 storage compartments and 10 cup holders.

The new D-Max LS-A is available in the following colors: Cosmic Black, Sapphire Blue, Titanium Silver, Red Spinel, Splash White, Silky Peral White. With all the added features on the model, IPC announced that there will be a more competitive pricing for this variant. So far, its current D-Max lineup ranges from a price of P987,000 to as high as P1,700,000 for the top-spec LS variant. This new premium LS-A variant will be offered in more or less near this price range.