Being almost exclusively an AUV driver (having driven a Toyota Tamaraw FX and a Revo for almost all of my driving years), I always welcome the break when I get to drive a slightly bigger vehicle. That treat came recently when I had a chance to take the 2010 Isuzu Alterra for a spin.

At first glance, I thought it would take some effort to drive since it’s slightly longer and wider than what I’m used to. Surprisingly, driving the new Isuzu Alterra wasn’t a chore at all. Ten minutes into the trip, I forgot it’s an SUV because it’s quite easy to maneuver, much like a sedan. Being on the bigger side of life, I found the Alterra’s spacious legroom an added bonus. I was more relaxed during traffic jams thanks to the extra space for stretching my legs out.

he midsize sport-utility vehicle, just became even better, receiving more value-for-money features that are sure to impress in these gloomy time of recession.
Just think about it, who will be willing to pay P1.7 million for a truck, which is essentially what the Alterra is. Isuzu has all the extras to prove its worth: Two LCD screens, 11 speakers that churn out 5.1 Dolby Digital DTS Surround Sound, a JVC head unit that takes in DVD, MP3, WMA, USB and other auxiliaries, and controls that lets the backseat people enjoy their DVD marathon.

That’s not mentioning the fact that the 2009 model is powered by the trailblazing 3.0-liter 4JJ1-TC common-rail direct-injection diesel engine, furnished with a new-design 16-inch six-spoke alloy wheels as well as a new-design circular tailpipe finisher. Chrome is also a nice addition on the vehicle, as the door handles and power-folding side mirrors have now been chromed.

The test vehicle was the $38,700 D-Max LS-M 4×4 crew-cab, which improves on the Toyota HiLux SR dual-cab diesel’s standard equipment list with ABS, air, cruise control, one-inch-wider wheels, four extra speakers, projector-lens headlights, a roof console and a three-tonne towing capacity.

Other goodies include cruise control, wheel arch flares, alloy wheels, leather steering wheel rim and shift knob, electro-luminescent instrument cluster, trip computer and projector headlights and front fog lights. Both the five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions are special low-friction designs to help save fuel and run quietly.

The Isuzu is not super-refined but is comfortable and competent as a town and country machine. It comes into its own by carrying fridges and the like, weekend runs to the rubbish tip or highway transport capable of dealing with all types of road conditions. The ride is firm and when unladen the rear end can crash and skip through potholes.

It adequately tackled mountains roads, although the steering is a bit ponderous and needed a lot of turning through the twisty bits. My off-road testing was across Black Mountain Rd between Kuranda and Julatten in North Queensland, but I was disappointed. After all the recent rain I was expecting some wet and slippery conditions but apart from some big puddles the journey was uneventful. Not once did I have to engage 4WD with the gutsy turbo-diesel easily climbing up and over a couple of steeper sections of the track.