THE “THRILL HILL” challenges the driver to climb a 45-degree incline, then go down the other side to tackle a 45-degree descent.
ALTHOUGH the number of rugged body on frame vehicles has dramatically shrunken over the years, the selection of off road-capable SUVs and pickup trucks has never been better.
While most buyers of these type of vehicle won’t be scrambling up a mountain or drive through the puddles anytime soon, they should be glad that they won’t be disappointed should they find themselves in a situation that would test the mettle of their chosen ride.
This is perhaps the reason why Isuzu Philippines Corp. recently organized the three-day “Off-Road Fest” at the Bonifacio Global City’s 9th Avenue open grounds.
The centerpiece of this event was a 20-foot (as tall as a two-story house) inclined steel ramp called “thrill hill” that tests the vehicle’s ascending and descending capabilities.
Push the limit
“The Isuzu Off-Road Fest is designed to push the limit of our Isuzu mu-X and D-Max models that are both powered by our new Variable Geometry System-equipped 3-liter turbo diesel engine. We want the public not just to see but to also experience the true power of these two
exciting models,” said IPC president Hajime Koso.
These two models were available since October, added Koso.
During the event, there were professional offroad drivers assisting in every stage of the short obstacle course consisting of “axle twisters,” which features nearly 2-feet-high platforms meant to isolate each wheel and enable the vehicle to flex its four-wheel-drive muscles.
Other obstacles featured were the metal rollers that simulated low-grip conditions, and a small rock pit.
The finale, of course, is the thrill hill that challenges the driver to climb a 45-degree incline and go down the other side, this time tackling a 45-degree descent.
“I believe our visitors had a great time. Aside from the drive experience, there were also daily performances to cap each night (Itchyworms on Nov. 27, DJ Nix Damn P on Nov. 28, and Pinoy Rock legend The Dawn on the last day),” said Koso.
Brand ambassadors
Isuzu mu-X’s brand ambassadors, the Team Kramer, were also present on the first day to greet the crowd and join in the celebration.
THE MOST powerful variants of the D-Max and the mu-X (background) features Isuzu’s Variable Geometry System-equipped 3-liter turbo diesel engine.
Koso informed that the event also offered for test drive the equally exciting 4×2 variants of the mu-X and
D-Max. Moreover, there were also modified units on display to highlight the various official parts and accessories that could be installed on these two models.
“This three-day festival is also our way of saying thank you to the Filipino market for their continued support to our products over the years,” said Koso who was happy to report that IPC is expecting to sell 22,000 units this year.
Should this figure be reached, IPC will be posting a record-high 42-percent growth from 2014’s actual sales of around 14,000 units.
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