Isuzu invites the media to a Driveway Getaway with the 2018 D-Max and mu-X

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July 23, 2018

Last March, Isuzu Philippines Corporation rolled out refreshed versions of the mu-X and D-Max in the Philippine market. It wasn’t just a mere cosmetic change as the Japanese commercial vehicle maker likewise unveiled the new RZ4E engine that promises more power and better fuel efficiency than the mil it replaces.

To put its money where its mouth is, IPC invited select members of the motoring media to a ride-and-drive event to try out the capabilities of its updated offerings. The Isuzu Driveway Getaway 2018 allowed participants to sample the Isuzu D-Max and mu-X from its fuel partner’s Petron Marilao station all the way to Thunderbird Resort in Bauang, La Union.

The event wasn’t just the usual seat time behind the tiller kind if event, however, as the media were divided into teams and challenged to consume the least amount of fuel. This was determined by the amount of fuel they used up which was measured at Petron Tarlac. The winners were announced during a dinner held that evening at Thunderbird Resort.

Besides being a fuel eco run, the event also gave everyone a chance to sample the updated Isuzu D-Max. Now sporting a new front fascia with upscale touches like bi-LED headlamps, daytime running lights, and a new grille, the pickup also gets that premium vibe inside with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and leather upholstery for the 3.0-liter model (the RZ4E variant gets a 7-inch unit and fabric seating surfaces).

Of course, the biggest change comes in the form of the aforementioned RZ4E motor. This one may have a smaller displacement yet produces equal or even more power than its larger-displacement counterparts. It is mated to either a 6-speed automatic with sequential shift or a manual transmission with Gear Shift Indicator.

The new “workhorse with a lifestyle attidude” pickup, as Isuzu dubs it, starts out aat P1,179,000 for the RZ4E MT variant and tops out at P1,670,000 for the top-spec 3.0-liter AT version.

About the Author

Mr. Gerard Jude Castillo
Gerard has been a self-confessed car nut ever since he was a little boy. As a grown-up, he indulges in his passion by collecting toy cars (which he started since childhood) and reading up on the latest cars out there.  As Associate Editor, he will ensure that you get your fill of the latest cars in the market, as well as a load of automotive features.