D-Max A host of safety and luxury features highlight new
TLANTA: Even in the strangest NBA All-Star Game of them all, LeBron James was still the perfect captain.
AFTER almost a decade, Isuzu’s tough as nails pick-up is finally being replaced by an all-new D-Max. It may look familiar, but this 2021 variant is new from the ground up. It has a completely new and stronger chassis, wider body, a more spacious interior and a new more powerful turbo diesel engine, the 3.0 liter 4JJ3-TCX. This new powerplant uses Isuzu’s highly advance common rail system that can deliver responsive power and top performance capable of producing 190 PS of power and 450 Nm of torque.
Launched late last week in a digital event hosted by its President and CEO Hajime Koso, accompanied by Isuzu PH’s executives led by Shojiro Sakoda, EVP-IPC; Yasuhiko Oyama, VP for Sales-IPC; Joseph Bautista, Sales Division Head and Robert Carlos, Product & Marketing Development Head of IPC; the latest iteration of the D-Max is the end-result of six years of R&D and four million kilometers of all-weather testing in strategic parts of the globe.
The body was aerodynamically tested in a facility where Japan’s famous Bullet Trains are designed and built. This new model has a much longer wheelbase and wider footprint in comparison to the previous generation D-Max. The exterior styling utilize the bold but emotional concept, giving the new D-MAX a powerful and robust appearance. At the same time, the movement of lines now reflects the uniqueness of D-MAX’s sporty and
futuristic design.
“We are very excited to introduce this model to the Philippine market— a market that has been particularly special for us since there are a lot of scenic routes and challenging terrains all over the country that a pick-up and 4x4 enthusiast would love to traverse, especially on the weekends. Because of that, we’ve made sure that the All-New D-MAX will have a wide range of choices to cater to every consumer’s needs,” said Koso, who looked dapper in his suit.
Step inside Isuzu’s sports UTE and you will be visually treated to a myriad o f design cues complimented by a playful mix of colors, fabrics and aluminum finish bezels. Isuzu calls it a “smart concept” which emphasizes on the sharp horizontal layers design theme, wherein most of the features has been redesigned under Isuzu’s universal design concept to minimize vibration, reduce cabin noise – ultimately giving (the) driver and passenger a more comfortable drive.
Performance and safety
According to Robert Carlos, the D-Max can also walk the talk with its technical advancements developed during six-year research and development phase. Where the road ends, the All-New Isuzu D-MAX truly excels. Design and engineering innovations—such as the one-piece aluminum tail shaft, 800mm water wading depth capability, newly designed steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment, redesigned gear lever for better gear selection and control (for both MT and AT), Terrain Command Select Dial, and electronic differential lock—ensures that the D-MAX can overcome virtually all types of terrain.
Despite possessing new levels of comfort and convenience, this pickup can withstand the harshest conditions, thanks to its engineering innovations such as the new front suspension geometry, chassis design featuring larger side rails and 8 cross member for torsional rigidity, new rear leaf spring design, ultra-high tensile steel reinforced cabin structure, and a semi mid-ship engine design.
Patrons of the D-Max will be happy at this variant’s exceptional levels of safety features. No matter how rough and tough the going gets, the All-New Isuzu D-MAX keeps all its occupants protected, with its wide array of active safety features, which include the anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) with brake assist (BA), electronic stability control (ESC) with traction control system (TCS), hill start assist (HSA) and hill descent control (HDC), and the brake override system (BOS).
Safety goes a notch higher with the D-MAX 3.0 LS-E variant, with its new Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) that employs state-of-the-art sensors and a first in its class SMART DUO CAM that enables the D-MAX to constantly monitor the surrounding environment, thus offering the driver the following active and passive safety features: Forward collision warning (FCW); Autonomous emergency brake (AEB); Turn Assist; Pedal Mis-application mitigation; Adaptive cruise control (ACC); manual speed limiter (MSL); lane departure warning (LDW); blind spot monitoring (BSM); rear cross traffic alert (RCTA); parking aid, and multi-collision brake (MCB). On top these, the new D-MAX comes with 7 S.R.S Airbags and has been given a 5-star safety rating by the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Price of the new D-Max starts at the entry level D-MAX RZ4E 4X2 Single Cab MT P857,000; D-MAX RZ4E 4X2 LT MT P987,000; D-MAX 3.0L 4X4 LT MT P1,288,000; D-MAX RZ4E 4X2 LS MT P1,219,000; D-MAX RZ4E 4X2 LS AT P1,309,000; D-MAX 3.0L 4X2 LS MT P1,320,000; D-MAX 3.0L 4X2 LS-A AT P1,390,000; D-MAX 3.0L 4X4 LS MT P1,630,000 and the D-MAX 3.0L 4x4 LS-E AT P 1,825,000.
BORN and bred at the punishing Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama Test Track, the outcome was an IS lineup agile and provocative. First to be introduced locally were the pulse-pounding IS 350 F Sport (P3,808,000) and the IS 300h Premier (P3,328,000). Now, Lexus introduces the IS 300h which is priced at P2,978,000. Both IS 300h variants—while boasting hybrid technology—thoroughly espouse Lexus’s DNA.
Powerful yet efficient drivetrain
Under the svelte and sculpted lines of the IS 300h is a powerful-yet-efficient hybrid 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder mated to a Lexus E-CVT intelligent transmission for optimum efficiency in every driving condition. The 16-valve DOHC dual VVTi petrol engine is paired with an equally powerful electric motor. Working in tandem, it produces a combined output of 220hp, with zero to 100kph clocked in at 8.7 seconds.
Maximum torque is an impressive 221Nm. The EV Drive Mode lets you use the electric motor at slow speeds. This in turn reduces emissions and saves on fuel.
With a suspension system tuned and refined at the track, the double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear is complemented by ABS; Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill Start Assist (HSA); and a Traction Control System. The IS 300h will bring out the sporty driver in you—if you so desire.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Front and center on the dashboard is an eight-inch touch display for the audio system. Connectivity is of utmost priority these days, therefore Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Miracast come standard in the IS 300h. A ten-speaker audio system will please even the most discerning audiophiles.
A power tilt and telescoping tiller and leather-wrapped wheel with paddle shifters nestled behind them offer an even more satisfying driver and car interface. Voice recognition adds ease of use as well. There is also a multi-information TFT display where drivers can monitor their fuel economy through the Eco-Driving Indicator Light and Zone Display.
The luxuriously crafted interior can be had in black synthetic leather. Driver and front passenger are treated to eight-way power- adjustable seats, so finding the best driving position can be done with ease.
Added convenience and safety features
A Parking Assist Monitor accurately guides your parking attempts by superimposing guide lines on the back camera’s video screen. This is very helpful, especially in crowded parking spaces. Adding to this is a clearance and back sonar to make sure that drivers are aware of what is behind them when in reverse. Passenger safety is of course very important, so eight sensorcontrolled airbags line the cabin giving enhanced protection.
Stunning exterior
The IS 300h will slice through the air with its sculpted aerodynamic shape. The IS formula is simple. It all begins with the low and imposing stance that’s a full 30 millimeters wider than its predecessor’s. Meanwhile, the silhouette emphasizes the ‘wide and low’ IS design DNA. Topping things off are fresh 18-inch alloy wheels shod with 235/45 R18 tires. Improved brakes add stopping power and give drivers a more natural brake feel.
The IS 300h is available in seven exterior colors, including newly developed Chromatic colors: Sonic Titanium, Sonic Iridium, and Sonic Chrome. Colors that are exclusive to the IS 300h variant are Sonic Quartz and Red Mica Crystal Shine. Graphite Black Glass Flake and Heat Blue Contrast Layering round off the headturning choices.
A highly attractive package
The IS 300h is also one of the most attractive compact luxury sedans available in the market. Considering it is equipped with sophisticated hybrid technology and is built with a Takumi-level of craftsmanship, its price of P2,978,000 undercuts its closest German rival—a model not offered with a hybrid drivetrain locally.
Get into an IS 300h and all of your senses will be stimulated, thanks to the beautifully designed exterior; the exceptional ride comfort; and the sharp and responsive handling worthy of an allaround sports sedan. Lexus DNA dictates that all of its models offer drivers a unique Lexus driving signature, and the new IS is a very significant model for the luxury brand because it was the catalyst for this exciting and new direction.
ATeam LeBron showed off its high-flying and longrange skills during a dominating run to close out the first half, setting up a 170-150 romp over Team Durant in the league’s 70th midseason showcase Sunday (Monday in Manila).
This one sure was different than the previous 69 All-Star contests.
Determined to pull off an exhibition that is huge for TV revenue and the league’s worldwide brand, the NBA staged the game in a mostly empty arena in downtown Atlanta, a made-for-TV extravaganza that was symbolic of the coronavirus era.
Even with intense safety protocols in place, two players didn’t even make it to tipoff. Philadelphia stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons were ruled out because they got haircuts from a barber who tested positive for Covid-19. But once the game began, it fell right in line with the three previous All-Star outings with the captain format. The top vote-getters in each conference pick the teams, a duty that James has earned all four years.
He’s now 4-0, having defeated Stephen Curry’s squad in 2018 and teams selected by Milwaukee’s two-time reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo the last two years.
This time, James drafted his two former adversaries to assemble a dominant squad that blew away Kevin Durant’s team.
Antetokounmpo was the game MVP after shooting 16 of 16 for 35 points. Curry chipped in with 28 points, while Damian Lillard had 32. James spent most of the night admiring his drafting skill, playing less than 13 minutes and finishing with four points.
The only good thing for Durant: he didn’t have to participate in this shellacking, sitting out the game with an ailing hamstring.
Bradley Beal led Team Durant with 26 points. On a night highlighting Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Team LeBron swept the first three quarters and was first to reach the final target score, earning a total of $750,000 for its charity, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
The game got out of hand late in the second quarter. With scant defense being played, Team LeBron took turns dunking off alley-oop passes. Chris Paul delivered back-to-back lobs that Lillard and Curry slammed through. Then, it was Paul on the receiving end of a payback pass from Curry.
Other winners
All-Star Weekend was crammed into a few hours.
During the pregame, Indiana forward Domantas Sabonis defeated Orlando center Nikola Vucevic in the Skills Challenge, redeeming last year’s finals loss to Bam Adebayo. That was followed by Curry knocking off Utah’s Mike Conley to capture the 3-Point Contest for the second time. The Warriors star added to the long-range title he won in 2015.
At halftime, Portland’s Anfernee Simons defeated New York Knicks rookie Obi Toppin in the Slam Dunk Contest, nearly kissing the rim with his winning throw-down. Cassius Stanley of the Indiana Pacers was eliminated in the opening round.