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PIMS 2024: Isuzu Philippines’ booth features an unlikely star

The simple products show diverse and unexpected possibilities

Isuzu’s display may be simple, but its message is profound. PHOTO BY RED SANTIAGO

Isuzu Philippines has such a limited product lineup that visitors to this year’s Philippine International Motor Show  might overlook its exhibit. After all, the company has always been known for its commercial vehicles. During the automaker’s presentation, we saw a couple of the usual suspects and one unexpected guest.

The D-Max can be a capable camper for your next overlanding trip. PHOTOS BY RED SANTIAGO

The D-Max pickup has two sample units. One is an ordinary but very capable four-wheel-drive steed. The other shows what this thing can become—a rugged ride you can confidently take overlanding.

The Mu-X may not be the plushest of the bunch, but it can be with the right modifications. PHOTO BY RED SANTIAGO

There’s also the Mu-X midsize SUV. The new variant, known as the Executive Edition, illustrates how a few, simple mods can give the PPV a clean, luxurious look.

This special version also has additional niceties like red-and-black leather interior with red stitching. The rear seats were also upgraded to VIP seats featuring power recline, added leg rests, and massage functions. Additional features include USB Type-C charging ports as well as ambient lighting.

Doesn’t this Traviz concept remind you of the very versatile i-Van of old? PHOTOS BY RED SANTIAGO

Next is a concept car of the Traviz commercial vehicle. The cargo-van configuration brings back memories of the once-available i-Van, which was useful for hauling cargo and transporting passengers.

What does a light-duty truck do in the middle of Isuzu’s booth? PHOTO BY RED SANTIAGO

However, the three models aren’t the stars at Isuzu’s booth. You’d be surprised that in the middle of all these vehicles is a light-duty cab-and-chassis truck called the N-Series EV Concept.

This uses the cab-over design of the current N-Series model. While the ladder frame and the suspension components are virtually the same, a look behind the cab shows a bespoke electric powertrain.

Two packs of 20kWh batteries provide 40kWh worth of juice to the vehicle. PHOTOS BY RED SANTIAGO

Connected to the rear axle is an HP11 electric motor that can produce 120hp and 370Nm. These figures are similar to those of Isuzu’s regular internal-combustion engine.

Juice comes from dual 20kWh battery packs for a total of 40kWh. This is good for an approximately 115km of driving range. It isn’t that high, given the usual mileage of delivery trucks.

Based on the current-generation N-Series, this electric CV looks stylish. PHOTOS BY RED SANTIAGO

The concept truck’s charging system is compatible with a Type 1 normal charger or a CHAdeMO rapid charger. Not much information was shared, but seeing a normal-looking truck with the guts of a modern electric vehicle is nice.

Soon, your deliveries will be made by this environment-friendly truck. PHOTOS BY RED SANTIAGO

The vehicles that Isuzu has shown may not be as flashy, premium, or high-tech as the others. But what Isuzu tries to say here is profound—that simple vehicles are capable and flexible enough to be the ride of your dreams.

If you want to see what Isuzu vehicles offer, you can head to PIMS at World Trade Center until October 27.



Red Santiago

A jack of all trades, Red is passionate about cars, motorcycles and audio. He sometimes drives for a ride-hailing app company—just because he really loves driving.



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