2021 Isuzu D-Max gains five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP

Updated Sep 19, 2022 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

Scoring a five-star rating from the Euro NCAP is no easy feat.

For new car models, passing or let alone getting a five-star rating from the European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) is difficult. This is because the said organization is always seeking ways to modernize their tests and making them look and act closer to real-world scenarios.

Lately, Euro NCAP added the “Mobile Progressive Deformable Barrier.” This new device is capable of evaluating the protection of occupants, as well as determining just how the crumbling front-end of cars causes injuries. Also, it is meant to represent another car, specifically a midsize sedan.

A picture of the 2021 D-Max during the Euro NCAP frontal impact test

The 2021 D-Max undergoing frontal impact testing using the Mobile Progressive Deformable Barrier

On top of that, the organization is also employing a new test dummy called “Thor.” Currently, the said dummy is capable of assessing far-side impact protection and how the driver might injure the front passenger during an accident.

Of note, cars without any driving assist technologies will be hard-pressed to get a high rating. Euro NCAP is even looking into assessing driver fatigue and distraction.

That said, the new 2021 Isuzu D-Max has just obtained a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP’s battery of tests.

To be more specific, the new pickup truck model scored 86 percent for child occupant protection, 84 percent for adult occupants, 83 percent in safety assists technologies, and 69 percent for vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians, etc.

>>> Related: 2021 Isuzu D-Max: Expectations and everything we know so far

Euro NCAP Crash & Safety Tests of the 2021 Isuzu D-Max

Note that the ASEAN NCAP has already crash tested the D-Max earlier this year. On that specific series of tests, the 2021 D-Max acquired an overall five-star rating as well. Despite that, the Euro NCAP still carried on crash testing the Isuzu D-Max to find out if it holds up to European safety standards.

If you’re wondering what safety features the third-generation D-Max comes with, it is equipped with seven airbags, a multi-collision braking system, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, post-collision braking, driver attention assist, among others.

Although it did well in occupant safety rating, do note the truck only rated at 69 percent for the road user safety test due to lacking an active hood, and reverse autonomous emergency braking. This however, doesn’t diminish the fact that the 2021 D-Max is one impressive truck.

>>> Related: ASEAN-NCAP appoints tried-and-true lab to conduct safety tests

A picture of the Isuzu D-max on a mountain road.

Does this news make you even more excited for the 2021 Isuzu D-Max?

For more automotive news, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.

Know more about Isuzu D-Max 2024

Isuzu D-Max

The Isuzu D-Max 2024 is a 5-seater pickup truck that is available in several variants with various options for a 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain. Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) is offering this truck at a price that ranges from Php 938,000 to Php 1,945,000. There are two engine options powering the D-Max. One is a 1.9-liter RZ4E-TC inline-4 turbodiesel engine that makes 148 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, while the other is a 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX inline-4 turbodiesel engine that delivers 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. Either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission can be paired to the said engines.

In terms of dimensions, the D-Max spans 5,277 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, and 1,810 mm in height. It boasts a ground clearance rated at 240 mm, as well as a wheelbase of 3,125 mm. Some of the competitors of the Isuzu pickup truck in the Philippines are the Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara, and Mazda BT-50.

>>> New and used Isuzu D-Max 2024 for sale in the Philippines

Isuzu D-Max Launch

Isuzu Philippines launched the new D-Max in March 2021. The brand offers the third-generation D-Max with a couple of engine and transmission options. 

In April 2023, Isuzu PH then brought in the facelifted model that carries a whole host of exterior changes. 

As of now, the Isuzu D-Max 2024 Philippines is available in up to 12 variants.

Isuzu D-max Exterior

The facelifted 2024 Isuzu D-max features an all-new exterior design that now comes with a more aggressive and bolder appeal. The D-Max also retains its angular look which adds to the pickup truck’s overall muscular demeanor. 

The top-spec 2024 D-Max LS-E variant gets a pair of sharp-looking LED headlights that are integrated with U-shaped daytime running lights. The D-Max’s grille was restyled, and it now comes in a two-tone black-colored finish, which allows the truck to have a more beefed-up appearance as compared to the older version. Lastly, the D-Max’s Philippines angular bumper comes with LED fog lamps.

Other new bits added to the 2024 model include grey-colored over-fenders, cargo extenders, and front bumper guards. It likewise gets a new set of 18-inch alloy wheels sporting a new design.

Isuzu D-max Interior

Inside, the 2024 Isuzu D-Max retains a refined more premium-looking than the old model. This is specifically seen in the top LS-E variant of the D-Max that comes with a two-tone interior theme of black and brown.

It also gets leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster display. You can also see brown accents on the door panels, which gives the cabin a premium-looking appeal. Right at the center of the dashboard, you’ll see a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. Placed below it are tactile buttons for air climate control.

Technology & Safety Features

The 2024 Isuzu D-Max is equipped with a boatload of tech and safety features. First up, the 10.1-inch touchscreen comes with Apple CarPlay and Android compatibility. It also has a built-in navigation system. The said features are standard in almost all of the variants of the 2021 D-Max except for the Single Cab and LT variants. 

In terms of safety, the top-spec 2024 D-Max trim is equipped with a total of seven airbags while the rest of the variants gets two. The D-Max LT, LS, LS-A, and LS-E get an anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, and brake assist. On the other hand, it is only the LS, LS-A, and LS-E variants that feature electronic stability control, traction control, hill start assist, and hill descent control. 

The top-spec D-Max Philippines is the only variant equipped with the Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS), a tech that’s similar to Subaru’s EyeSight.

Platform & Chassis

The Isuzu D-Max comes with a double-wishbone suspension for the front and a leaf spring on the rear. In terms of braking power, the D-Max gets a ventilated disc for the front while a drum brake is on the rear.

Engine & Drivetrain

The brand offers the third-generation D-Max with a couple of engine and transmission options. The first option is a 1.9L turbo diesel that produces 148 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. For car buyers who are looking for more power, they can opt for the bigger mill, which is the 3.0L engine that pumps out 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. These two engines are equipped with the brand’s BluePower technology for Euro 4 compliance and better fuel efficiency. Both engines can be paired with either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.

Available colors for the Isuzu D-Max Philippines are Valencia Orange, Splash White, Sapphire Blue, Onyx Black, Red Spinel, Galena Gray, and Mercury Silver.

The competition in the pickup truck segment in the Philippines is tight. But in terms of power, the Isuzu D-Max hasn't reached the 500 Club just yet unlike the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. Regardless, the D-Max offers top-notch reliability and durability.

Isuzu D-Max 2024 Price List

Let's check out the Isuzu D-Max 2024 price in September in the Philippines.

Variants  Price
Isuzu D-MAX RZ4E Single Cab 4x2 MT ₱938,000
Isuzu D-MAX RZ4E 4x2 LT MT ₱1,048,000
Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 Single Cab 4x4 MT ₱1,178,000
Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4x4 LT MT ₱1,299,000
Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4x2 LS-A MT ₱1,400,000
Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4x2 LS-A MT Plus ₱1,440,000
Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4x2 LS-A AT ₱1,470,000
Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4x2 LS-A AT Plus ₱1,510,000
Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4x2 LS-E AT ₱1,695,000
Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4x4 LS-A MT ₱1,710,000
Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4x4 LS-A MT Plus ₱1,750,000
Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4x4 LS-E AT ₱1,945,000

Isuzu D-Max Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Reliability and durability are expected
  • Impressive 1.9-liter engine
  • Rugged exterior design
  • New wheels are better-looking compared to the old model's.

Cons

  • Use of leaf spring can be an issue for some

Isuzu D-Max FAQs

1. How much is the Isuzu D-Max 2024 in the Philippines?

The price of Isuzu D-Max ranges from 938,000 Php for entry-level to 1,945,000 Php for top-of-the-line.

2. What is the ground clearance of the new Isuzu D-Max?

The ground clearance of the new Isuzu D-Max is 240mm.

3. Is Isuzu D-Max a Pickup truck?

Yes, D-Max is a Pickup truck.

4. Does Isuzu D-Max have a reverse camera?

Yes, it does. With the reverse camera, you can see what is behind the car on the screen.

5. What is the Wheelbase of Isuzu D-Max Philippines?

Wheelbase of D-Max is 3,125 mm.

 

₱ 917,000 - ₱ 1,905,000

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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goridus.goridus

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