Better off-road ability for D-Max.

Isuzu fans might be waiting in great anticipation for the third-generation D-Max, but that does not mean the Japanese bakkie brand is completely done with its current double-cab.

The new Boondock edition is certainly one of the very last second-generation D-Max upgrades that will come to market, as the third-generation version is due for its global rollout soon. It also shows what is possible with the Isuzu RT-series platform.

Distinguishing the Boondock from other D-Max double-cabsare bold mountain-themed side graphics, which spread across the doors and cabin pillars. Below the cab there are running boards, featuring a honeycomb structure, to ensure superior mud-shedding in off-road terrain.

Isuzu’s product team are not targeting leisure orlifestyle buyers with the Boondock edition D-Max. This double-cab is aimed at adventurous off-roading customers and as such, it rolls Yokohama Geolander G015 tyres, sized 265/70.

Mounted on blacked-out 18-inch alloy wheels, these tyres have adequate air-volume and sidewall strength, to allow for significant deflation, if additional traction is required in challenging off-road conditions.

Isuzu has chosen to leave the proven 4JJ1-TCX 3-litre turbodiesel engine untouched and in the Boondock application,it produces 130 kW and 380 Nm, as it would in any similarly powered D-Max double-cab. Both six-speed manual and automatic gearbox options are available with the Boondock.

The engine might be stock, but the suspension configuration is not. Isuzu has added nitrogen-filled monotube shock absorbers to all fourcorners, improving the bakkie’s ability to smooth out surface imperfections at speed. This should make it more comfortable and confidence-inspiring to drive at speed, on poorly maintained gravel roads.

Beyond cushioning the Boondock’s off-road ride quality, those new shocks also give it a slight increase in ride height. Whereas a standard D-Max double-cab 4×4 has 225 mm of ground clearance, the Boondock increases that to 247 mm.

For the moment, Isuzu is only committed to its Philippine market with the new D-Max Boondock. And no: it does not come with a preloaded Boondock Saints playlist, programmed into the infotainment system…

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