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By Ulysses Ang, Contributor
Isuzu has always been a force to be reckoned
with when it comes to diesel engines. Their formidable
direct-injection lean burners have always been the first choice when
it comes to reliability and dependability. This reputation has
translated well to their passenger vehicle line.
The Alterra, D-Max and Crosswind have been
continuously selling strongly despite the stiff competition. Not
wanting to rest simply on its diesel superiority, Isuzu has been
continuously upgrading its products, all to cater to the
ever-finicky buying public. Coming from the same basic gene pool,
the 2008 Alterra and D-Max represent the newest offerings from the
diesel leader.
Those familiar with both the Alterra and D-Max
will note that it has been a while since they made their local
debut. Despite this, both managed to remain updated.
First seen in the Alterra, the sharp and angular
headlamps represent the main highlight of the D-Max’s front
fascia. Both vehicles have projector-type low-beam units that are,
sadly, fitted with halogen lamps only. From there, the luxurious
Alterra goes the subdued route with curvier wheel arches and less
pronounced fender flares. On the other hand, the D-Max is
chunkier—with its squared off arches and wider fender flares. In
both cases, chrome has been liberally applied. The bright work
stretches from the grille to the door handles and even to the rear
plate garnish on the Alterra. If you’re keeping score, you’ll
note the D-Max has more bright stuff found on the side mirrors, rear
bumper and alloy wheels. And this isn’t even counting the
available gold paint job for Isuzu’s venerable pickup.
In terms of interior design, both Isuzus offer
simple and no-nonsense layouts. However, their treatment is as
different as their target markets. The D-Max is filled by a handsome
black-and-silver motif that’s both attractive and much more
practical to clean in everyday use. The seats are finished in
“Sports Jersey,” which provides grip.
On the other hand, the Alterra is decisively
more upscale with its homey café-colored leather seats and beige
plastics. Even the aluminum accents have been replaced by wood
paneling. Both these Isuzus feature revised instruments with
electroluminescent lighting. They do a unique “aircraft-type”
sweep every time the vehicle starts up. A small multifunction trip
meter is even incorporated.
Because the Alterra and the D-Max are catering
to different markets, the two are different from the B-pillar
rearwards. Where the D-Max merely offers a livable rear seat, the
second row on the Alterra feels first-class. There’s more than
enough space to actually cross your legs and still have room in long
drives. If there are occupants on the third row, the seats even
slide forward to split the knee room.
Despite being merely livable though, the
D-Max’s rear bench is way better than most pickups thanks to a bit
of recline function and height-adjustable outboard seatbelts. The
middle passenger gets a three-point seatbelt. In contrast, the
Alterra makes do with a two-point belt for the middle occupant.
Isuzu is known for being generous with their
sound systems, and the D-Max and Alterra are no different. In the
D-Max, the fancy head unit can play CDs including those filled with
MP3s. There’s even an included USB and Apple iPod connector hidden
in the glove box. Once connected, the iPod’s playlist can be
controlled (and recharged) by the head unit.
If the six speakers in the D-Max are luxurious,
then the Alterra’s are simply kingly. With its standard
5.1-channel Dolby Digital amplifier and 11-speaker system, it brings
mobile entertainment to life. Two headrest mounted widescreen LCD
monitors show off the Alterra’s movie capability—from VCDs to
DVDs and even DIVX digital files. And it doesn’t stop there. New
for the 2008 is a Bluetooth hands-free phone system plus a rear
back-up camera complementing its standard reverse sensors.
It maybe a bit late to the market, but at least
the D-Max finally received a common-rail direct injection diesel
engine. Signifying the biggest change in Isuzu’s pickup, it’s
been the trusted power train introduced in the Alterra. The
3.0-liter i-TEQ engine cranks out 145 horsepower and 294
Newton-meter of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm.
Both of these vehicles are available with a
five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox. With the manual,
the engine exhibits a newfound smoothness and is all but
stall-proof. The gearshift has a long throw and a somewhat rubbery
feel, but the clutch is light and easy to modulate. A double-digit
fuel mileage (11 km/L for the D-MAX and 10.63 km/L for the Alterra)
is easily attainable.
For those who can’t stand depressing a clutch
pedal continuously in Manila traffic, the four-speed automatic does
a pleasing job. However, this “slush box” saps the engine’s
performance considerably, making acceleration less than brisk.
There’s a penalty too when it comes to fuel economy, dipping to as
low as 8.5 km/L in the Alterra 4WD.
As for safety, the range-topping D-Max is
equipped with a four-channel ABS with EBD and dual airbags.
Meanwhile, all Alterras come standard with the aforementioned safety
features.
Despite having the same underpinnings, the D-Max
and the Alterra have varied personalities when it comes to driving.
Designed as a pickup, the D-Max feels decisively firmer. On the
other hand, the Alterra is softer, more adept to carrying family and
friends. That said, both vehicles feel planted and secure enough on
any terrain, given you don’t treat it like a sports car.
Visibility-wise, neither is obtrusive with front
corners easily visible thanks to the angular styling and a rear
overhang that’s manageable.
With the Alterra and the D-Max already having
one of the worlds’ most formidable diesel engine under the hood,
the latest changes more than keep them ahead of the game and are
enough to cement Isuzu’s supremacy in the field.
SPECSHEETS
Isuzu alterra 4wd
Vehicle type: Five-door SUV,
front-engine/part-time four-wheel drive
Engine: Common Rail Direct Injection Turbo, 3.0
DOHC 16V inline-4 (145 hp @ 3,800 rpm, 315 Nm @ 1,400-3,400 rpm)
Transmission: Four-speed AT
Seating capacity: Seven
Main features: Dual airbags, ABS with EBD,
leather seats, wood paneling, DVD-entertainment system with
11-speaker system and Bluetooth hands-free phone system, rear
back-up camera with reverse sensors, power folding mirrors.
Price: P1,673,000
Isuzu d-max 2wd
Vehicle type: Four-door pickup,
front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Engine: Common Rail Direct Injection Turbo, 3.0
DOHC 16V inline-4 (145 hp @ 3,800 rpm, 294 Nm @ 1,400-3,400 rpm).
Transmission: Five-speed MT
Seating capacity: Seven
Main features: Dual airbags, ABS with EBD,
sports jersey fabric seats, metal paneling, stereo/CD/MP3 stereo,
chrome alloy wheels.
Price: P1,015,000
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