Isuzu just celebrated their 25th year in the Philippines last June and things are looking up even further for the brand. Sales for light commercial vehicles are going up and they’re enjoying a good slice of the pie thanks to their offering in the segment, which also achieved a milestone recently. This is why they’re bringing their bigger contenders at the 2022 Philippine International Motor Show in World Trade Center.
The Isuzu Traviz was the brand’s bestselling model for 2021 and so far this year, the light commercial segment it belongs is getting more attention as year-to-date sales are up by 55%. The Traviz in particular also sold its 10,000th unit last June which is why they’re flaunting it at PIMS.
The Traviz is available as a refrigerated van, aluminum van, dropside truck, and a utility van. No matter what you get, it will come with Isuzu’s 2.5-liter Blue Power Euro4 diesel engine that makes 77 hp and 176 Nm of torque, paired to a 5-speed manual. The cabin features a more contemporary approach with a rounded-off dash, optional airconditioning, and an ergonomic driving position.
Apart from its versatility in meeting your needs, the Traviz is also more than capable in hauling and traveling. It has a payload capacity of up to 1,660 kg and can also run up to 1,063 kms in one full tank according to their fuel economy drive that was observed by the Automobile Association of the Philippines.
Isuzu’s biggest display for the show will be the N-series Smoother. It’s a 4-wheeler light truck that’s powered by a 3-liter Blue Power Euro4 diesel engine making 122 horsepower and 354 Nm of torque. What’s unique about the Smoother is its automated manual transmission. This allows the truck to be operated with only two pedals, removing the left leg fatigue resulting from stepping on the clutch during stop and go traffic. It even has an eco mode for a more efficient drive when you don’t need the full power from the engine. Just like many automatic transmissions from passenger cars, the Smoother still comes with a manual mode in case you need to hold the rev or for engine braking during descents.
It’s also generous in terms of cabin amenities. It has a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, optional airconditioning, cab tilt indicator on the gauge cluster, and even a dedicated USB charging port on the dashboard apart from the USB input of the audio system.
Of course, its most recognizable offerings will be at the show – the Isuzu mu-X and D-Max. It will be exciting what variant of the D-Max pickup they’ll bring since they’ve introduced a new LS-A 4×4. It inherited bi-LED headlights, the dark grille, and 18-inch alloy wheels that used to be for the top of the line model only.
Visit their booth at the main hall of the 2022 Philippine International Motor Show in World Trade Center, Pasay City, to see these trucks in the metal.