Alterra explores Batangas

Isuzu Philippines Corp. has once again played host to a day-long event in its trademark fashion: sumptuous buffet breakfast, a gruelling drive and a relaxing spa to cap the day.

Dubbed Great Dive, Great Life, Isuzu organized the event with an eye to trumpeting the flagship SUV, the 2009 Alterra. Participants coming from several media outfits were grouped into teams of four and allowed to drive a sparkling, factory-fresh Alterra on the roads of Cuenca, Alitagtag and Agoncillo towns of Batangas. After a gastronomic fill at the Bellevue Hotel in Alabang, our convoy rode off to the day trip south of Manila, a province known for its deadly fan knives and black coffee. “With these out-of-town trips, we want to show Filipinos living in the city that they need not go very far to take a break from their busy schedule and maintain a stress-free life. The role of the Alterra shows that by having a comfortable and powerful SUV like the Alterra, anyone can go anywhere, any time they want,” says Keiji Takeda, IPC president.

Noticeable changes to the 2009 version are its projector headlamps with circular fog lamps a few inches below the headlamp clusters; chromed side view mirror and door handle; tailpipe finisher and six-spoke alloy wheel which added a sporty, yet elegant look to the muscular SUV.

First phase of the ride and drive put the metal beast to a test at the Star Tollway in Batangas. Despite its bulk and heft, the Alterra’s 4JJ1-TC 3.0-liter turbocharged engine had the power and torque to outsprint any vehicle in its class. It may not have the looks of a Chris Bangle to grab attention, but this SUV can really hold its own on an open stretch of road or a Public Works Department road project gone bad.

Its flex ride system, which is composed of twin tube multi-piston shock absorbers and independent wishbone arms with stabilizer bars, helped us tackle the roads less traveled with confidence and ease. The unforeseen humps and bumps of the loose terrain only highlighted what a pleasure it is inside the Alterra whose suspension system absorbed the shocks and made the ride steady and comfortable. Its climate control system turned the tropical countryside into Stateside of sorts as if we were driving not under the punishing rays of the noon-day sun. But I must admit that this SUV has its downside in that its JVC audio/video head unit is not exactly user friendly.

After spending the whole morning driving around Batangas, our convoy made its way to the Tagaytay Highlands for a much needed lunch break and some relaxing body massage, with the hills of Tagaytay as backdrop. It was a perfect way to cap another successful ride and drive event. “With this event, Isuzu would like to show that the Alterra is not just for the urban executive, but also a good recreational vehicle for the whole family. It is the ultimate companion for those quiet escapes from the hassles of daily urban living,” Takeda said.

Since its introduction in 2005, the Alterra has been a consistent bestseller, boasting comfort features, powerful yet efficient engine and rock-solid dependability. Isuzu says it sells 100 units a month of this flagship variant and counts corporate executives, businessmen and power brokers among its major clientele.