Challenging the tough terrains of Davao, the Isuzu D-MAX 4×4 has successfully demonstrated its unmatched capabilities and powerful performance at the final leg of its driving series. The 2014 Isuzu D-MAX 4×4 Drive Series, which kicked off in April in Pampanga, moved to Bacolod and Cebu in May, then to Cagayan de Oro in early June, before finishing in Davao City.
Held from June 20 to 22 at the Dakudao Estate on JP Laurel Avenue, Lanang, Davao City, the fifth and final leg completed the driving activity’s theme of “One Challenge, Five Destinations.”
The Isuzu D-Max impressed as participants tackled and traversed their way through Davao’s heavy, jungle-like course. Amid occasional rains, the D-MAX 4×4’s power, maneuverability, and traction triumphed over obstacles such as: a 40-degree hill climb done in first gear and in second gear; 40-degree hill climb with a stall midway up; 40-degree descent without braking; lateral climb mount; driving over “elephant holes”; tackling trail ruts; camber right and camber left sides up in 45-degree angles; traversing a roundabout cone; lateral descent ditch crossing; and, driving over cross axle articulation rails.
“It is notable that Davao has always been included in our D-MAX 4×4 Drive Series since it began in 2008. This only means that Dabawenos are one of the strongest supporters of Isuzu products in the country. For this, allow me to extend my sincere gratitude on behalf of Isuzu Philippines Corporation and our dealer, Isuzu Davao,” IPC Executive vice president Takashi Tomita said at the opening of the event.
Also, in the driving exercises lined up on the D-MAX 4×4 track, participants were able to learn special skills required in going off-road with instructions from certified experts at off-road driving.
The D-MAX boasts of one of the highest ground clearances among pickups with a 235mm height for the LS 4×4 and 225mm for the LT 4×4 variants. Isuzu’s new 4WD Terrain Command Select Dial also allows the driver to switch from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive high even while traveling at speeds of up to 100kph. Boosting the pickup’s off-road capabilities are its 30-degree approach angle, 22.7-degree departure angle, the ability to be tilted sideways on a 49-degree slope, and a Limited Slip Differential that lets it tackle any obstacle. The D-MAX has a suspension system composed of independent double wishbone with coil springs in front and semi-elliptical over-slung leaf springs in the rear.
“In the market today, truly the Isuzu D-MAX offers the best value for your hard-earned money,” Tomita said.
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