By Aida Sevilla-Mendoza
Philippine Daily Inquirer
SIX years ago, Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) introduced an out-of-town driving excursion and competition called the Isuzu Challenge to demonstrate the versatility and fuel efficiency of its vehicles. The Isuzu Challenge soon became a much-anticipated annual event for motoring journalists and Isuzu vehicle owners alike.
Lately, IPC has expanded participation in its out-of-town driving events to include the lifestyle as well as the motoring media. IPC’s recent “Great Drive, Great Life” two-day happening, for example, had trendy lifestyle outdoor activities on the agenda such as trap shooting, cruising aboard a yacht around Subic Bay, horseback riding and sailing as well as the usual driving skill contest of an off-road slalom course and river crossing with the 2008 Isuzu Alterra.
Apparently, IPC is presenting its flagship model, the Alterra, in a new light. Strong, durable, reliable, all-terrain and fuel-efficient, yes, but also comfortable, smooth, on-street driveable and well-suited for long family trips and leisure activities. Since the Alterra is built on the same platform as the Global D-Max and is powered by the same engine, it inevitably acquired the rough-and-ready image of a made-over pickup truck rather than a family-friendly sport utility vehicle. IPC is trying to balance that image.
Anyway, more than any other truck-based SUV, the Alterra is equipped with on-board entertainment facilities and safety features to make long hauls out of town relaxing, enjoyable and safe for families with small children. Dominating the dashboard is a new JVC DVD/ tuner with 3.5-inch monitor, Dolby digital decoder, iPod and Bluetooth wireless capability, 5.1-channel digital surround 10-speakers system with a slim-design, detachable 180-watt pre-Amp subwoofer at the back. Second row passengers can watch a DVD movie via dual 7-inch LCD screens with tilting function mounted on the backs of the front headrests.
On a trip to Clark with a professional driver at the wheel, I sat in the back and was able to enjoy the entertainment offered by the Alterra’s DVD system. The DVD I viewed was a Wallace & Grommit movie. Driving the Alterra myself on another day toward Makati, I watched a DVD movie on the life of Bobby Darin — but to play it safe, I only looked at the in-dash monitor whenever traffic crawled to a full stop, which happens often on the South Luzon Expressway.
The Alterra’s audiovisual system, by the way, includes a rear spoiler-installed video reverse camera and backup sensor that aid the driver in parking maneuvers. The Alterra’s other safety features are dual SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, 3-pt height adjustable ELR seatbelts on the front and second row seats, anti-theft system with integrated keyless entry and large high-mount stop lamp.
Aside from the question of safety, people often ask how comfortable a ride a truck-based SUV like the Alterra can provide. Not as comfortable as a passenger sedan, certainly, but better than that of a leading truck-based SUV brand. Whether I was the driver or the back seat passenger, I found the ride quality not as bouncy or as harsh, comparatively speaking.
However, my test-drive and -ride of the Alterra did not include the third row seat. Being a seven-seater, the Alterra has a bench-type fold-and-tumble third seat which requires some effort to access and may be comfortable only for kids. The Alterra’s suspension is similar to the D-Max’s: independent double wishbone with torsion bar springs and torsion bar up front plus Flex Ride semi-elliptical leaf springs with telescopic shock absorbers at the rear.
Befitting its aspirations as a lifestyle as well as an off-road vehicle, the 2008 Alterra has nice upscale touches such as power-retract side view mirrors with integrated LED signal lamps, black leather steering wheel, leather-and-vinyl combination upholstery, chromed interior door handles, digital average fuel consumption meter display and digital ambient temperature display.
Both the 4×4 (P1,673,000) and 4×2 (P1,490,000–P1,555,000) versions of the 2008 Alterra retain Isuzu’s powerful yet fuel-efficient 4JJI-TC iTEQ 3.0-liter 3rd generation common rail direct injection diesel engine with turbo intercooler that is Euro-3 compliant and packs 146 ps/ 3,800 rpm and 294 Nm max torque starting at 1,400 rpm and steadying at 2,400 rpm. The brakes are ventilated discs in front and drums at the rear while projector-type halogen headlamps and fog lamps light the way. Alloy wheels are shod with 245/70 R16 tires.
Summing up, does the Alterra qualify as a family-oriented life-and-leisure vehicle? No, when it comes to looks—its leading common rail diesel competitor looks more stylish. Yes, when it comes to on-board entertainment features and amenities, safety equipment, space and comparative riding comfort.
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TODAY’S BUMPER STICKER: If you don’t stop when I do, smile as you go under!
