CEBU, Philippines - Isuzu Philippines Corporation launched the “Trail Cebu” in 2003 to take the Isuzu Fuego to a road test.
In its second leg from September 30 to October 2, the test drive took Isuzu’s early Christmas gift(s) to its customers, around towns and cities of northern and southern Cebu.
The diesel expert just launched a new edition named the X-MAX (pronounced as CrossMax) for both the D-MAX and the Crosswind Sportivo variants, this was learned from Antonio Pineda, general manager of Isuzu Cebu, Inc. prior to the test drive around northern Cebu of the D-MAX last September 30.
The X-MAX vehicles are just in time for the holidays, he said.
These special models are perfect for the season of cheers with excellent navigation-ready and entertainment systems, bright lights (exciting new colors as well as chrome accessories accents), and shopping (roof rack for the Crosswind and bed liner for the D-MAX), he added.
The “Trail Cebu” event served as venue to formally unveil to the media here these latest editions of the two best-selling and award-winning Isuzu vehicles.
New for the D-MAX X-Max edition are color-keyed step boards, tail lamp guards, cargo bed liner, and a navigation-ready 2-DIN audio-video head unit.
Further, it was learned that the vehicle is available in omega white pearl, ebony black, sterling silver and magma red. “Of course, the D-MAX is still powered by the proven 3.0-liter CRDi turbodiesel that produces 146 ps of maximum output and 294 Newton-meters of maximum torque,” a statement read.
“This engine already conforms to Euro 2 emission standards. The D-MAX also retains its customer-favorite Flex Ride MOVE suspension system, which provides one of the most comfortable rides in the pickup segment.”
Meanwhile, new for the Crosswind Sportivo X-MAX edition are white-light-effect headlamps, roof rack, two-tone spare tire cover, ‘X-MAX’ sticker logo, and a dealer-option seven-inch LCD touch-screen monitor.
With the i-Nav feature, the Crosswind is the first vehicle in its class to come with a GPS navigation system. It’s available in magma red, ebony black, glacial white and sterling silver.
The Crosswind is still equipped with the tried-and-tested 2.5-liter 4JA1-L direct-injection turbodiesel that’s also Euro 2-compliant.
“Like the D-MAX, the Crosswind benefits from the supple ride of Isuzu’s vaunted Flex Ride MOVE suspension system,” the statement further read.
Since its launch in October 2003, the D-MAX has already sold a total of 14,246 units in the Philippines. The Crosswind, on the other hand, has sold an even more impressive 55,374 units since its introduction in June 2001 in the local market.
“Many of those who have experienced owning either the D-MAX or the Crosswind still come back to us when it’s time to purchase another vehicle,” IPC president Ryoji Yamazaki said.
“They usually cite durability, reliability, performance and fuel efficiency as the principal reasons why they put Isuzu vehicles at the top of their list. We expect this trend to continue with the new X-MAX editions of the D-MAX and the Crosswind.”
Media guests here and from Manila were divided into two groups for the “Trail Cebu” event.
The first group drove the D-MAX X-Max edition in the northern part of the province, passing through Mandaue, Liloan, Compostela, Danao, Carmen, Catmon, Sogod, Tabuelan, Tuburan, Asturias, Balamban, and back to the city. The second group drove the Crosswind Sportivo X-Max edition in the southern part of Cebu, going through Cebu City, Talisay, Minglanilla, Naga, San Fernando, Carcar, Barili, Dumanjug, Ronda, Alcantara, Moalboal, Badian, Dalaguete, Argao, Sibonga, Carcar, and back to the city.
The D-MAX and Crosswind Sportivo X-MAX editions were launched with fuel partner Caltex Diesel with Techron D; official shipping line Negros Navigation; and navigation system provider Winterpine Marketing Corporation.