Uncompromisingly powerful

When it comes to power, durability, and versatility, very few vehicle types can rival pickup trucks. Many of the major automobile companies in the Philippines have their own versions of the vehicle, and so you won’t be hard-pressed to find the pickup that will meet your needs. Here are a few that you may want to put on your short list.

Isuzu D-MAX

At the heart of Isuzu Philippines Corp.’s D-MAX is the 3.0 4JJ1-TCX BLUE POWER direct-injected VGS Turbo diesel engine. “All of a sudden, you’ll be experiencing 177 Ps of power and 380 Nm of torque for maximum engine output, fuel efficiency, and overall durability,” the company says.

The engine, with Turbo Intercooler, offers maximum torque output across a wide rev-range, which minimizes the need to change gears. To achieve maximum air compression from low revolutions per minute, the VGS Turbocharger makes constant adjustments.

D-MAX looks striking and muscular with new front and rear fascias, a set of stylish 18-inch allow wheels, and Bi-LED headlamps with Daytime Running Lamps that enables better visibility in daylight.

“This tough truck has a soft side,” Isuzu says. “Thoughtfully designed, the Isuzu D-MAX is fitted with comfortable, spacious interiors, and smart features.” With a Passive Entry System, the owner should no longer find himself or herself fumbling for the keys. And with Automatic climate control, regulating the temperature inside the truck can be done at the push of a button.

Ford Ranger

Variants of the Ranger, the pickup model of Ford Motor Company Philippines, possess either a 2.2 TDCi diesel engine or 3.2 TDCi diesel engine. “An extra 10PS of power and 10Nm of torque gives our 2.2L TDCi engine more grunt than ever. If you’re after our super powerful 3.2L then you’ll be happy with the extra kilometers we’ve built into its fuel economy,” the company says.

With the help of an Electronic Stability Program, Ford says the Ranger’s performance can help one keep pace with any job anywhere. And with an Electronic Power-assisted Steering, steering is light and responsive for city driving and parking, and easier to control at higher speeds when traveling an open road.

“Ford Ranger’s interior is durable, spacious, and has been crafted for quieter ride,” the company says. Among its interior features are leather seats, six airbags and a center console with extra storage space, a dual TFT instrument cluster and an ambient lighting system.

Nissan Navara

Nissan Philippines, Inc. claims that its Navara is not just about good looks. “Its rear multi-link suspension system gives it an almost passenger car-like ride – a first-in-segment feature that gives you class-leading comfort,” it says.

“And it’s no slouch on the road either,” it adds. Navara has a seven-speed automatic transmission, engineered using the Japanese automaker’s race-tested technology, which promises owners an “ultimate driving performance with better fuel economy.”

Navara is also a capable road performer. The engine inside its 2.5-liter 4×4 VL variant, for instance, boasts a maximum power output of 190 Ps and maximum torque output of 450 Nm. The company further notes that low-friction components help the engine consume less energy to do what it’s supposed to do and that improved aerodynamics greatly reduces wind drag on the pickup.

“Within the tough truck is sophisticated spacious cabin,” Nissan says. The pickup was built with sedan-like comfort and premium accents, sporting an intuitive dashboard, Zero-Gravity front seats with spinal support, power-assisted driver seat (available in 4×4 VL variants) and ergonomically designed rear passenger seats.

Chevrolet Colorado

Chevrolet Colorado, exclusively distributed in the Philippines by The Covenant Car Company, Inc., offers better performance, improved fuel economy and lower emissions. Several variants of the pickup are powered by a 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which produces 200 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, and others by a 2.5-liter Duramax four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which, matched with a manual transmission, yields 163 horsepower and 380 Nm or torque.

In addition, Colorado “retains the same serious off-road capability as its predecessor with its 1-ton hauling capacity, 3.5-ton towing capacity, and best-in-class 800 mm water wading capability,” Chevrolet Philippines says.

The pickup is equipped with a bevy of safety features like Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and dual airbags. “Additionally, it has a remote engine start function that is useful during hot weather. Through this function, the engine can be started using the key fob, allowing the cabin to be cooled sufficiently before getting inside the vehicle,” the company says.