Isuzu finally launches the Alterra 4x4

We’ve made it clear from the get go, when Isuzu launched the Alterra earlier this year, we thought it was as good a move as any manufacturer has made in recent memory. Let’s face it, with the public gobbling up the idea of platform-sharing SUVs with much enthusiasm, it was only a matter of time before somebody followed in Toyota’s footsteps. However, when Isuzu finally made a move to eat up into the Fortuner’s considerably large pie, it did so with a certain amount of caution that we felt was rather unnecessary. Isuzu pulled its punches and released a 4x2 variant of the Alterra in both manual and automatic guises. Thus for months the Alterra, despite its obvious appeal, had to live with the fact that it was competing strictly as a 4x2 alternative to the 4x4 Fortuner. Thankfully, those days are over.

Not that the Alterra 4x2 does not perform, mind you. There are simply those who demand so much more from their diesel-powered SUVs than commanding views of the road and superb fuel efficiency. Yes, there is in fact a very discerning 4x4 market out there which has thus far scoffed at an otherwise good vehicle simply because it was incapable of rolling on all fours. Early last week, Isuzu Corporation Philippines finally put its foot down and launched an honest-to-goodness effort to woo in the 4x4 enthusiasts back into its fold. "Let’s just say we wanted to make sure that the market circumstances are perfect for the 4x4 model upon its arrival. And they are now, as evidenced by the many inquiries being made by customers around our dealerships," reasons Art Balmadrid, Isuzu’s VP for Corporate Business. Hmm…now that we think about it — whet the public’s appetite then watch them bite. Seems like a sound marketing plan to us.

Apparently, Isuzu also tried to determine what the public appreciated in the 4x2 variant before coming up with the 4x4. As a result, visually, little distinguishes the Isuzu Alterra 4x4 from its 4x2 brethren. Were it not for chrome radiator grilles and door handles (the 4x2’s grille and handles are body-colored) and a distinguishing logo sticker found at the tailgate door, both variants would look exactly the same. A convenient Touch-On-The-Fly electronic transfer case similar to that found in D-MAX 4x4 models, however, makes the Alterra 4X4 a totally different animal altogether. All of the sudden, there is that option to shift into a 4x4 mode — even while on the move.

Other creature comforts that have made the Alterra 4x2 a favorite still abound in the 4x4 variant. There is the beautifully-tuned single-disc in-dash DVD/VCD/CD/MP3/WMA player with DTS and Dolby Digital Decoder that is 5.1 Channel Digital Surround capable with its 10 speakers and detachable subwoofer. There is also the foldable walk through center seat in the middle row and the fold and tumble bench seat on the third row that adequately expand seating configuration options. Best of all, there is the proven suspension combination of independent double wishbones with torsion bar springs and a stabilizer bar up front and the Flex Ride MOVE (Mobility On Versatile Equilibrium) semi-elliptical leaf springs with telescopic shock absorbers at the rear that make for a relatively more pleasant ride.

The Alterra 4x4 is also powered by the same 3.0-liter 16-valve DOHC 4JJ-1 I-TEQ diesel engine that is found underneath the hood of the 4x2 variant. This third-generation common rail direct injection diesel engine delivers more efficient fuel combustion numbers than the common diesel engine, making it not just adequately-powered but more importantly that much more practical. The Alterra’s 146 ps of horsepower produced at 3,800 rpm and 30 kg-m of torque working at around 1,400 to 3,400 rpm are proven numbers that few can scoff at. Extra-adventurous drivers might be disappointed, though, with the knowledge that the Alterra 4x4 will only be made available with a four-speed automatic transmission. Perhaps a subsequent launch of a manual 4x4 variant might be in the offing in the near future? Let’s wait and see, shall we?

Still, one cannot argue that what Isuzu has in this iteration of the Alterra is a formula for success. "Being IPC’s flagship model, we naturally have high expectations for the Alterra 4x4. We intend to make it a major part of our communication and marketing strategies as well as sales and promo activities next year. Together, with the Alterra 4x2, the 4x4 is also our answer to customers’ clamor for the true-blue off-road Isuzu vehicle. More significantly, the Alterra is the embodiment of our SEE (Safety, Economy and Environment) Technology campaign, since it features class-leading safety equipment, a fuel-efficient, third-generation CRDi diesel engine, and compliance with Euro-3 emission standards," explains Balmadrid. To which we say a resounding, "Amen!"