Pick-up trucks belong to the genus of vehicles known as “the workhorse”. Whether it be gallivanting around pothole ridden Manila or carrying stuff to the farm in Batangas, there’s nothing more dependable than a set of wheels with enough ground clearance and wheel travel to traverse any obstacle. It’s certainly not the most luxurious ride there, but it gets the job done.
Now that you’re properly acquainted with pick-up trucks, what happens when it’s crossbred with a luxury SUV? The two concepts may seem miles apart, but it should work. Imagine this: a vehicle that can easily conquer Mt. Pinatubo but with enough gravitas to be accepted in five-star hotels. Certainly, that gets everyone dreaming, and in one case, it has become a reality in the form of Isuzu’s Alterra 4WD.
For those who need some introduction, the Alterra is Isuzu’s entrant in the pick-up based SUV market. Designed over the D-MAX pick-up platform, the Alterra rides on a Double Wishbone/Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring set-up. Modifications were done to the suspension including the incorporation of the FlexRide system softening the ride for ferrying people instead of farm implements. Under the hood sits a similar engine to the D-MAX, a 3.0-liter DOHC turbo diesel engine. On the Alterra though, Isuzu has given it some added punch thanks to a common rail direct injection head with variable swirl technology. The Alterra was first launched last year, but it was only early this year that a 4WD variant joined the line-up.
Coinciding with the launch of the 4WD, Isuzu has freshened up the visuals with new rain channels, roof rails and radio antenna (bee-sting type as opposed to the old pull-type). Because of this, it’s hard to tell the 2WD and 4WD variants apart besides the tailgate sticker that reads “4WD” and the bright work on the grille. Overall, the Alterra is best appreciated from the three-quarters front view where the straight and angular hood line is accentuated by the tall doors giving it a very masculine appearance.
Because of the Alterra’s D-MAX origins, it shares the same cabin with the pick-up from the B-pillar forward; and as such, it’s an ergonomic delight. All of the controls are within easy reach and operate with tactile efficiency. Isuzu has taken the opportunity though to swap the silver trimming for swathes of wood while the steering wheel’s now covered with black leather instead of urethane. The sitting position is on the high side, but it’s still fairly comfortable despite the lack of height and lumbar adjustment. The second row occupants are treated to spacious leg room, but the middle passenger suffers from a seat that’s cushioned like an ironing board. The last row is now more livable thanks to the addition of individual head restraints.
Unlike the 2WD model which is available in no less than 8 variants, the line-up for the 4WD is more simplified: automatic transmission only with a choice of a monotone and two-tone paint scheme. As such, the 4WD is fully loaded with dual SRS airbags, anti-lock brakes with g-sensor and a Clarion 5.1 Surround Sound system with 11 speakers. The latter, which is Alterra’s claim to fame, is well founded as it plays the audio-visual formats; besting those ultra-luxury German sedans. The Alterra can play CD, VCD, DVD, WMA, and MP3. Additionally, the 4WD has a glove box mounted auxiliary audio input jack and an Apple iPod connector. Forget the other so-called “iPod ready” systems; this one actually controls the iPod from the head unit while keeping the iPod fully charged.
It’s about right that the Alterra comes with such a stereo since you can use its full extent without worrying about the engine’s droning noise. Commonly, Japanese diesel engines have a reputation of being powerful but short on refinement; luckily the Alterra breaks from this norm. Twist the ignition and there’s some diesel clatter, but it’s smooth and shudder free. Equipped with a 4-speed automatic, the acceleration isn’t dramatic, but it can pull the Alterra’s two-ton mass up to 100 km/h. The relatively short gearing though limits acceleration beyond this speed, but it guarantees favorable numbers at the pump: 8.82 km/L in city driving.
The Alterra feels stable and safe, but given the high center of gravity and vague steering, there’s some hesitation during cornering and lane changing. The ride exhibits some degree of bounciness, but it’s still comfortable enough for city use. Flood trotting capabilities are unmatched as the Alterra’s high ground clearance makes short work of Manila’s flash floods. The turning radius is larger than most, so some re-acquaintance is required for proper tight space maneuvering.
The entire week spent with the Alterra certainly ended on a good note. Although it still can’t blow the doors off some of its rivals, the Alterra, especially in 4WD guise, is a worthy alternative giving surprisingly good performance, useable interior space and an awesome stereo system. Of course, being built on a solid foundation and good engineering comes at a price. The 2WD starts at P 1,395,000 while the two-tone 4WD tested sets you back P 1,628,000. And despite all the luxury treatment, the price is perhaps the bitterest pill to swallow. The Alterra is one great and capable SUV, but shame about the price.
By Ulysses Ang | Photos by Ulysses Ang
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