A not-so-average test drive: customers take Isuzu D-Max 4×4 offroad

No self-respecting car buyer would skip the chance of taking a desired vehicle out for a spin before closing the deal. In fact, for these individuals who are careful with their money, they would even get behind the wheel of several competing car models just to make sure they’re making the wisest decision.

 

The dealership would be more than happy to grant the request although the best that they would offer is to let the car be driven for a few blocks. Any sort of wild driving is, of course, discouraged since a staff would be joining the short ride.

 

Things get more difficult if you intend to buy a 4×4 variant. You may just have to trust the brochure or a video presentation at the dealership because to test drive that brand-new 4×4 to an off-road trail would be next to impossible.

 

Best chance

 

“Nothing beats the opportunity of test driving a 4×4 to an off road trail. However, one would be very lucky to find a dealership that would allow this. In a way, this has inspired Isuzu Philippines Inc. to organize an annual event wherein loyal customers and prospective buyers could explore the capabilities of an Isuzu 4×4 pickup in a controlled environment,” said Isuzu Philippines Corp. president Nobuo Izumina during the first leg of the 2014 Isuzu D-Max 4×4 Drive Series held in San Fernando City, Pampanga.

 

 

The D-Max 4×4 Drive Series started in 2008 and was held in three locations around the Philippines. This was repeated in 2010 and was held in four locations. “This year, we expanded our reach as we decided to hold this in five locations: From Pampanga (April 25 to 27) we will go to Mandaue, Cebu on May 9 to 11; then to Bacolod City on May 23 to 25; to Cagayan de Oro City on June 6 to 8; and then conclude in Lanang, Davao City on June 20 to 22. As one may have noticed, we have located on areas where there is  very large market for buyers who want pickup trucks that they could use for work and recreational activities,” said Izumina.

 

In fact, in the case of the Pampanga leg, IPC was joined by representatives from the INTECO Group (a group of Isuzu dealerships led by its president Raymund Jarina) who were ready to assist buyers who were able to test drive the 2014 D-Max 4×4 pickup.

 

“This five-leg event is perfect for those buyers who want or will be spending some time off the pavement. Here they will personally experience and appreciate the 2014 D-Max’s 235mm ground clearance, of how stable this pickup is when driven tilted 40 degrees sideways, or why this pickup’s approach (30 degrees) and departure (22 degrees) angles are superior when negotiating steep inclines, deep mounds and uneven surfaces,” described IPC Senior Vice President Arthur Balmadrid.

 

The whole track, designed by 4×4 driving and adventure expert Beeboy Bargas takes the driver and occupants to a series of obstacles meant to punish the pickup.

 

“With the D-Max 4×4 Drive Series, we want to show the capabilities of our pickup, that we are not afraid to put the D-Max to extreme test. We also want to prove how potentially fun and safe off road driving is. After a few rounds, who knows, you might also realize that the 4×4 2014 D-Max is the perfect ride for you!” said Izumina.