A 2018 Isuzu D-Max equipped with a new 1.9-liter diesel engine posted a best mileage figure of 22.59 kilometers per liter during a fuel economy run conducted on July 19.
According to the pickup’s local distributor, Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC), the fuel consumption test was held on a 112-kilometer route between Marilao, Bulacan, and Tarlac City, Tarlac. Six identical D-Max pickups, all fitted with Isuzu’s BluePower RZ4E engine, were used for the activity. The mileage results were verified by the Automobile Association of the Philippines, IPC said.
The company noted the fuel economy run formed part of a road trip designed to “highlight the refined amenities” of the D-Max, as well as those of the Isuzu Mu-X SUV that is now also available with the RZ4E engine. The drive started from and ended in Metro Manila after looping around Bauang, La Union — a total distance of around 508 kilometers.
Hajime Koso, president of IPC, said the activity demonstrated people could still enjoy the “pleasures of taking long road trips without having to get anxious over fuel consumption.”
Mr. Koso explained the new-generation RZ4E engine is the product of more than four years of “extensive research,” and is Isuzu’s foray into making low-displacement but high-output engines — the trend in Europe and in Asia. He said the RZ4E, which makes 148 hp and 350 Nm, has been fitted with “over 200 new components.”
A new six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift mode and a manual transmission with a gearshift indicator can be paired with the engine.
IPC noted a 3.0-liter BluePower diesel engine remains an option for the D-Max and the Mu-X.
It added key features of the pickup include a “car-like interior” in which fitted are an eight-inch touch screen panel for the multimedia system, leather seats, USB ports and numerous storage bins and cup holders, among other items. The truck also has twin LED head lamps with manual leveling controls, LED daytime running lamps, dual SRS air bags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, and a brake override system.
New colors made available to the current D-Max are Sapphire Blue and Galena Gray. Prices range from P857,000 to P1.670 million.
