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ISUZU’S
introduction of the global D-Max and Alterra was no
doubt a blast for the automaker last year. This year,
Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) started with all guns
blazing when they held the D-Max 4x4 Driving Clinic,
which happened last week at Canyon Woods Residential
Resort in Tagaytay City.
The
assembly time and place was 10 in the morning at Taal
Vista, where members of the media and IPC executives
gathered for brunch. Upon arrival at Canyon Woods, the
group proceeded to the seminar where participants were
given an overview of the driving clinic, which was
conducted by Joseph Bautista, IPC Product Planning and
Development head.
The
driving basics were detailed to us by Jirayuth “Yuth”
Adhidhebnarangkura of Tripetch Isuzu Sales Co. Ltd. of
Thailand. “Four-wheel driving is not as complicated as
what one thinks,” said Yuth (his nickname was much
easier to pronounce). The technique of driving on steep
slopes with proper clutching, braking and gear shifting
can be applied to 4x4 driving.
After
the group was given driving assignments, it was sent off
on a driving relay, which consisted of three parts:
slalom, safety driving and off-road driving. In the
actual driving clinic, Yuth sat in one of the two D-Max
4x4 units used in the clinic, the other being Phoonsap
Mingwatanabun, also a four-wheel-drive expert from
Tripetch Isuzu. The experience demonstrated how the
techniques maximized the four-wheel driving capability
of the Isuzu vehicles. Used in the dirt portion were two
D-Max 4x4 LS units with manual transmissions, which were
stripped of their step boards and rear bumpers to
provide better ground clearance.
When
this writer sat behind the wheel, the D-Max had already
run the course three rounds earlier, yet it still stood
proud and tall. Its temperature remained at its normal
level despite being driven by the others quite hard. The
slalom and safety-driving courses, meanwhile, were held
on paved road.
Imagine
the high-rider doing a slalom through seven pylons which
seemed to be spaced so closely apart that it seemed that
only a Starlet could drive through. The D-Max’s front
Independent Double Wishbone with Torsion Bar Springs and
rear Flex-Ride Move suspension did just fine. In safety
driving, the D-Max effortlessly conquered an uphill
climb on steep slopes without the 4WD activated. It
didn’t have to push hard thanks to the 3.0 I-TEQ CRDi
turbo-diesel engine’s 146 hp and 294 Nm of torque even
in second gear.
“Proper
clutching and gear selection are the things to remember
in downhill freewheeling,” said Yuth. When the vehicle
descends on a downhill, one may use either first, second
or third gear depending on how the engine revs with
ease. Ensure that the clutch pedal is released to
activate engine brake, which controls descent speed. One
may feel the engine over-revving but it’s normal. Our
test drive unit had manual transmission; however, Yuth
said this also works for automatic gearboxes.
Before
hitting the gravel, we activated the 4L button on the
dashboard. 4L stands for low-range gearing, which is
used for tackling off-road tracks and should be
activated when the transmission is in neutral and the
vehicle on full stop. From there, we shifted to first
gear and after releasing the clutch, the 4L moved the
vehicle without the driver having to step on the gas.
“While
climbing, it is important to keep the clutch released.
You can step lightly on the accelerator for more power
if so needed,” said Yuth as the D-Max approached the
peak of an ascent. In the case of the D-Max, we did not
need to throttle it up. “Remain in first gear and step
very lightly on the brakes if the vehicle speeds
downward,” he added as we descended from the extremely
sloped hump. “Don’t hit the brakes hard to avoid
toppling down the vehicle.” The engine controlled the
vehicle’s approach speed via the engine brake.
The
trail was not as hard as those found in rain forests but
was practical enough for one to understand the basics
and feel the essence of running on four wheels. Yuth was
right, four-wheel driving was so fun and easy that even
IPC’s Lara Santos, the only lady who gave the trail a
try, enjoyed the drive.
Also,
the event gave the media a chance to see that these new
models by Isuzu are muscular inside-out as their engines
matched their looks.
After
Canyon Woods, the group headed back to Tagaytay for some
exotic Balkan dishes at Greek Taverna. Truly, the entire
experience confirmed how worthwhile it was to spend
almost a whole day with Isuzu vehicles. |
