A FEW weeks back, Arlan Reyes, assistant manager for advertising and promotions of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC), sent this writer an invitation to take part in a test-drive of its 2007 Strada 4x4 pickup.

According to the email, the route would involve driving the all-new Strada on the on-going Clark-Subic highway construction and that “it will be a good opportunity to do an ocular of this major road infrastructure as we will also invite members from CDC and SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) Project Management Team to explain the developments.”

The first thought that went through this writer’s mind was a question:  “Why do we need to do an ocular of an unfinished road?”

Not wanting to disappoint our good friends from Cainta (site of the MMPC plant), we, nonetheless, agreed to attend the event.

And, luckily, we did.

Before motoring off in a convoy of Stradas prepared especially for the test-drive, our group of journalists were treated to a hearty breakfast at the Hilltop Restaurant of the Mimosa Golf and Country Club inside the Clark Economic Zone.  This was followed by a welcome address of MMPC senior vice president Mel Dizon, who said that the event had been planned since last year and considering that no other carmaker has taken the motoring press through the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, it was something that MMPC had to do right away.

“Aside from the aspect of generating awareness about the project, which will benefit motorists once it is completed, the various sections of the project will provide a good chance to test the mettle of the new Strada,” Dizon explained.

SCTEX project engineer Darwin Chan was on hand to provide more information on the project, which he says is the centerpiece of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Subic-Clark Area Development Program and the main thrust in creating a new economic corridor in the North.”

The SCTEX, which began construction in April of 2005, will boast of a total distance of 94 kilometers and “will link Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga; Subic Bay Freeport and Special Economic Zone in Zambales, and Central Techno Park in Tarlac.

Costing P20.97 billion to build, the Clark to Subic portion, which is 50-kilometers long, is scheduled for completion in August, while the Clark to Tarlac portion, measuring 43 kilometers, should be operational by November.

Come hill or high water. The Mitsubishi Strada 4x4 showed that its performance is as good as its looks during a test-drive through the on-going construction site of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

After the briefing, the group of journalists clambered aboard the Stradas and drove off to lahar-land.

Although this writer is not an engineer by profession, it was easy to see that the construction was first-rate and that work was proceeding at a frenetic pace.  Some of the completed sections comprised four-lane pavements with asphalt and concrete surfaces. Slowly but surely, the eight interchanges and four bridges that will connect the entire stretch of the expressway are now being erected.  According to Dizon, the route—once completed—will cut down the travel time between Clark and Subic by 30 to 40 minutes. “Motorists from Manila, who regularly go on weekend getaways, will have an alternative to driving down South,” he added.

On the smooth sections, the Strada performed as well as expected. On the rough stuff, however, the vehicles exceeded all expectations. The river crossings, uphill and downhill scrambles on loose soil and rock crawling posed very little difficulty for Mitsubishi’s pickup.  It proved that it just didn’t look good.  It is good on the road and on any terrain.  No wonder it has received the nod from many pickup aficionados.

“We are excited about the Strada’s acceptance in the market.  Since it was launched, it garnered 70 percent of sales in its class.  We are hoping that the trend will continue,” said Froy Dytianquin, MMPC manager for advertising and promotions.

The adventure was truly an eye-opener for all those who came along for the drive. Not only was awareness generated for the developing infrastructure, it also showed why the Strada is finding its way into many garages.  Way to go, Mitsubishi!

A FEW weeks back, Arlan Reyes, assistant manager for advertising and promotions of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC), sent this writer an invitation to take part in a test-drive of its 2007 Strada 4x4 pickup.

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