Story & photos by Patrick Tulfo
AS summer was getting hotter by the minute, Isuzu Phil. Corp. (IPC) once again turned up the heat further by staging their 4×4 event, dubbed as the “Isuzu 4×4 action playground” recently, which left participants and spectators in awe. IPC displayed the latest iterations of their best-selling pickup, sport utility vehicle and action utility vehicles, and demonstrated the full capabilities of the vehicles.
They couldn’t have chosen a better place to stage such an event than the Exploreum parking area at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay, as it’s located just beside Manila Bay, which gave participants a nice view of the sea upon reaching the top of the “Thrill hill,” which was no doubt the main attraction of the event.
The Thrill hill was a 20-foot ramp that literally took the breath away of all the participants during the three-day event. The no-barrier ramp can be likened to a roller-coaster ride where passengers were literally suspended on their seats that’s why they had to wear their seatbelts.
Upon reaching the top, one was given a fine view of the blue waters of Manila bay, but that was just the start of the thrill, as the downward part of the ride was even more gut-wrenching. It left passengers of either the 4×4 D-Max or mu-X literally hanging on their seats. It was an adrenaline rush to say the least. But, aside from the Thrill hill, the 4x4s were made to go through a series of obstacles that showcased the full capability of their four-wheel-drive system. The obstacles included the articulation ramp, the slipper slope and the 40-degree transverse angle ramp, which felt as if the vehicles would topple over.
Both the mu-X and D-MAX conquered all of these with ease as it gets its motivation from the 4JJ1-TC (HI) 3.0 common rail direct-injection diesel engine that is also equipped with intercooler and variable geometry turbocharger. It is rated at 163 horsepower and more important 380 Nm of maximum torque, which comes in as early as 1,800 revolutions per minute. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift function, plus Isuzu’s 4WD Terrain Command Select Dial that lets the driver shift from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive (High or Low) by a simple turn of the knob. You get a combination that effectively puts power on all four wheels.
In his opening remarks, IPC President Hajime Koso said, “We at Isuzu Philippines, believe that consumers must always be supplied with as much information with regards to vehicle that are available in the market. This way, they can make the best and informed choices. While the specification sheets and brochures may be able to supply some technical information, actual experience with a particular vehicle is just as important in determining its capabilities. This is what the Isuzu 4×4 playground seeks to provide; it allows consumers access to first-hand knowledge about our vehicles.”
Isuzu also took the opportunity to introduce the latest variants of the mu-X, D-MAX and Crosswind models. The 2.5-liter mu-X LS-A with manual transmission now comes with features reserved for the higher automatic variant like passive entry and push button start/stop, a multi-information display, electroluminescent instrument meters, cruise control, TPMS ready entertainment system with a seven-monitor with touchscreen. Outside, it now features a chrome radiator grill, side-view mirror and door handles. It now sports 17-inch alloy wheels and an automatic climate control system.
Meanwhile, both the 3.0-liter LS-A 4×4 and 4×2 with automatic gets a Hill Start Assist, which stops the vehicle from moving if the system detects that it’s on an incline.It also comes with a cruise control, new rear spoiler with integrated brake lamp. The interior now boasts of chrome garnishes, plus a new entertainment system that has an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen monitor, which also acts as control panel for various functions like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The built-in navigation now has pinch function, plus a split screen when in radio, iPod, usb modes.
Also on display during the event were the new Sportivo Limited Edition and the D-MAX Limited edition, as well. The two vehicles boast of new features in and out. The next Isuzu event that fanatics should watch out for will be the Truckfest to be held in Pampanga from June 2 to 4. While the next 4×4 Action Playground will go all the way from Iloilo from June 24 to 26. For more information on their latest offerings, log on to www.isuzuphil.com.
Image credits: Patrick Tulfo