Rough riding in style

The trek up Mount Mayon’s lava front isn’t a long one. It’s roughly just four kilometers to the first flag destination passing that route. It might sound like an easy walk to the first pit stop but it isn’t. The igneous rock that hardened from Mayon’s last eruption is loose and wobbles with every step. Deep crevices are punctuated by coarse formations that devour even the sturdiest of trekking shoes like an all-you-can-eat buffet. The undulating terrain forces climbers to use their hands and feet wisely, considering balance and safety all the while.

The end of the trek doesn’t take one up to the summit of Mayon — not even close, actually, as it just barely brings one to the foot of the almost perfectly conical mountain. But the sense of achievement one gets after making it to the flag is unparalleled. From the top of the lava front the view of Legazpi, its neighboring towns, and the sea rewards climbers. The air is cool and crisp and with the majestic Mayon in the background, one feels how awesome creation really is.

The media group sponsored by Isuzu Philippines Corporation was the first to do this trek. Perhaps to test how tough the people they invited really are. But the trip to Bicol was the perfect opportunity to showcase their top of the line SUV, the Alterra Urban Cruiser X. Like the people that drove it to the jump-off point, it is tough, sturdy, and stylish (that last bit, however, is something maybe not many of the climbers would agree with after the grueling climb.)

The Alterra Urban Cruiser X has all the qualities of a complete lifestyle SUV. “Because of its sophisticated looks and features, the 2013 Isuzu Alterra Urban Cruiser X appeals to young executives who lead dynamic and active lifestyles,” says IPC president Ryoji Yamazaki. “The fact that this premium SUV is highly capable of taking on the urban jungle as much as it could the scenic countryside makes it quite ideal for people who are always on the go.”

The Alterra is great for getting out of the city. Its big enough to stash all your camping and trekking needs and has enough off-road capabilities to take on the road less travelled. The 4JJ1-TC-iTEQ 3.0-liter diesel engine under the bonnet is environment-friendly as it complies with Euro 3 emission standards. Equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler, plus a common rail direct injection system, the engine produces 146ps and 294Nm of torque. Isuzu’s patented Flex Ride MOVE suspension with semi-elliptical leaf springs with telescopic shock absorbers support the Alterra and safety is addressed with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and G-Sensor, dual airbags, providing the power and reliability one needs on those paths still to be created.

New features on the Alterra Urban Cruiser X include new available body colors, a rugged front chin, a European-inspired rear chin with reflectors, smoked headlamps, redesigned fog lamps, a rear spoiler with LED stop lamps, and two reverse sensors with a wide angle reverse camera.

Inside, the Alterra proves to be an entertainment system on wheels. With a new system from Kenwood, the cabin features an audio/video head unit with a built-in 7-inch wide touch panel monitor, an iPod direct connector, integrated Bluetooth connectivity, MPEG capability, SD card reader, powerful 240-watt front speakers with additional tweeters, and the 280-watt rear speakers. High definition LCD screens mounted on the new-design headrests will keep passengers in the back happy, too.

By all means, the Alterra isn’t a new vehicle. However, it is constantly being redesigned to fit specific customer needs, whatever they may be. Top-notch styling, durability, and overall practicality are the benchmarks of the Alterra and other Isuzu vehicles, and this is something that the customer can appreciate. Like the old saying goes: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Not even a rough drive to the base of Mount Mayon can break the Alterra.

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For more information about the Alterra Urban Cruiser X and other Isuzu vehicles visit www.isuzuphil.com

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E-mail me at enricomiguelsubido@gmail.com

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