Proving that its expertise lies not just in diesel-engine technology but also in 4WD off-road motoring, Isuzu Philippines Corp. is introducing a special run of the popular Global D-MAX 4x4 called the Boondock Limited Edition (LE). This is in response to the growing demand for highly capable off-road vehicles especially in remote, unpaved areas in the country—places that are difficult to reach using the usual stock SUVs and pickups. This LE variant will be available initially in the Visayas and Mindanao since these parts of the archipelago have demanding types of terrain that require four-wheel-drive vehicles.

The Global D-MAX 4x4 has been steadily gaining popularity as being off-road-capable, thanks to the push-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive control button. With this pickup, it is possible to shift from 2WD to 4WD (4H only) while the vehicle is in motion—no need to stop and lock the front hubs or shift a gear lever. All that is required is a simple push of the dash-mounted 4WD button. 'Convenience' is something not previously associated with off-road driving, but the Global D-MAX 4x4 has rewritten the rules of the game.

Of course, for a vehicle to be truly off-road-ready, it has to have an abundance of power under the hood. In this regard, the D-MAX's 3.0-liter i-TEQ common-rail direct-injection turbocharged diesel engine more than meets the challenge. With 146ps of horsepower and 294 Newton-meters of torque, this Euro 2-compliant diesel is the perfect power source for an excellent 4WD vehicle.

The good thing here is that the Global D-MAX—despite being a pickup—doesn't necessarily have a harsh ride. Thanks to its Flex Ride MOVE suspension at the back, the D-MAX offers supple ride quality that can be appreciated even in urban settings.

Isuzu has also designed the Global D-MAX 4x4 to tackle the steepest of inclines and the biggest of rocks. Aside from a superior ground clearance, it boasts an approach angle of 37 degrees and a departure angle of 29 degrees. When negotiating a slanted surface, it can tilt on either side at an impressive 48 degrees. Clearly, this pickup was engineered to make short work of the roughest terrain imaginable.

Now, with the introduction of the limited-edition Boondock Edition, the Global D-MAX 4x4 now boasts several new features that are sure to endear it to even the most hardcore off-road driver. It all starts with special all-terrain tires, a set of Bridgestone Dueler 265/70 rubbers wrapped around 16-inch silver-finish alloy wheels. These tires provide maximum grip on all kinds of terrain, including mud, gravel and sand. Knowing you have tires that will not bog down the vehicle on unpaved surfaces provides unparalleled peace of mind.

Rounding out the list of special features found on the Global D-MAX 4x4 Boondock LE are backing-up sensors, two-tone body colors, "Boondock" sticker, and a sporty chrome kit for the grille and the hood garnish.

"With the Global D-MAX 4x4 Boondock LE, Isuzu once again provides the Filipino driver with a purpose-specific vehicle," says IPC president Keiji Takeda. "This time, that purpose is to conquer far-flung and unfamiliar territories, which ordinary vehicles will not dare drive to."

The Isuzu Global D-MAX 4x4 Boondock LE—available in Ebony Black and Forest Green, manual transmission  and with a 100,000-kilometer/three-year warranty—is attractively priced at P1,245,000.

In a related development, Isuzu has announced that it will conduct a series of 4x4 driving clinics using the Global D-MAX 4x4 Boondock LE and the Alterra 4x4. The whole-day clinics will seek to teach off-road driving greenhorns how to properly use a 4WD system; how and when to use 2H (two-wheel high), 4L (four-wheel low) and 4H (four-wheel high); and how to drive through a mix of difficult courses like slopes, gullies and hills.

The "Isuzu 4x4 Driving Clinic" was held last March 8 at the back of SM Bacolod (near BREDCO Port, Reclamation Area); will be conducted on March 29 at the vacant lot beside SM Cagayan de Oro (Masterson Avenue corner Gran Vira Street, Pueblo de Oro) and April 12 at Km. 10 Mac Arthur Hi-Way, Dumoy, in Davao City. Isuzu invites the general public—particularly motoring enthusiasts—to take this rare opportunity to learn proper off-road driving.

Isuzu is launching its off-road driving campaign not only to show that its vehicles are still the best choice when it comes to meeting 4x4 requirements, but also to help countless Filipino drivers destroy geographical boundaries.

Visit your nearest dealership now for a test drive of the Global D-MAX 4x4 Boondock LE. In Visayas, Isuzu dealerships are located in Bacolod, Iloilo, and Mandaue. In Mindanao, Isuzu can be found in Cagayan de Oro and Davao.

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