FIRST impressions do last. And for this writer, a “hand-me-down” third-generation Isuzu Fuego as his first vehicle back in the halls of ivy digs up germinal memories of its marketability in impressing kolehiyalas, reliability in bringing a then college sweetheart from her home in Cainta to an España-based school in Manila, back-and-forth for years on a daily basis and how, take note, tough it was whenever it faced heavy rains that trounced the streets around that flood-drenched university. Imagine that.
Fast forward to now and three pickup trucks past, the ardor for these well-bred machines never faded to distant memory. In fact, it even grew to an unimaginable size as my understanding of the pickup’s flair that it can never be replaced by any other carrier has become clear. Crystal-clear that even the vehicle market has also come to this realization to a point that its demands nowadays have become more adamant than ever.
Take, for example, the recent launch of the fifth-generation Mitsubishi Strada at the City of Dreams in Parañaque. Its being one of the testaments of the pickups growing popularity among vehicle buyers serves as an addition to a lush list of contenders in the industry, particularly on this war of trucks.
During the launch, Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corp (MMPC). was clear with its goals and is now gunning for record numbers. Nissan claimed that it will sell some 300 to 400 units of NP300 Navara per month. Meantime, MMPC VP for Marketing Services Froilan Dytianquin said: “We target the all-new Strada to sell at a rate of 700 units per month.”
The current market leader, the Ford Ranger, does about 500 units. This writer’s brief meet with the Strada as early as last year at the Sodegaura Forest Raceway 4×4 Park in Chiba, Japan, somehow spells that its earlier pitch is, indeed, no joke. Not to mention Hiroshi Masuoka, two-time Dakar Rally champion who demonstrated the true power of this truck in an off-road stint during that time. First off, this fifth-generation model is engineered as a sport-utility truck that combines the functionality of a pickup truck, comfort of a passenger car and amenities of a sport-utility vehicle (SUV). Since its introduction, the Strada has been part of the top choices in the pickup category and has now become one of Mitsubishi Motors’ global bestsellers. The first generation of Strada was launched in 1978 and, for over 36 years, more than 4 million units were sold worldwide.
In the Philippines alone MMPC sold more than 56,000 units of the Strada from the time it introduced its second generation in the 1990s all the way to its fourth edition.
Beyond its new look, the improvements on the performance and other features make it stand out from the rest of the herd. For the Philippine market, six variants are currently available: two-wheel-drive (2WD): GL 4×2 base model manual transmission (MT), GLX 4×2 MT, GLX V 4×2 automatic transmission (AT) and four-wheel-drive (4WD): GL 4×4 base model MT, GLS V 4×4 MT and GLS Sport V 4×4 AT.
At the heart of the Variable Geometry Turbocharged (VGT) variants is a 2.5L 4 In-Line 16-Valve DOHC Turbocharged (VGT) and Intercooled Common Rail Direct Injection Diesel (4D56). This provides a maximum power of 178Ps/4,000rpm and an improved torque of 400N-m/2,000rpm. The top-of-the-line GLS Sport V is equipped with an electronic dial of the Super Select 4WD-II. This technology provides a superb off-road performance and superior handling with just a turn on the knob. This feature also controls the torque distribution between front and rear at a ratio of 40:60, equating to an exceptional handling and easy operation.
Meanwhile, the GL 4×2 MT, GLX 4×2 MT and GL 4×4 MT are powered by 2.5L 4 In-Line 16-Valve DOHC Turbocharged and Intercooled Common Rail Direct Injection Diesel (4D56). Maximum power is at 136Ps/4,000rpm and maximum torque is at 324N-m/2,000rpm.
The exterior of the all-new Strada gets a better trim this time and still continues to flaunt a dynamic and yet sophisticated stance. To begin with, the front bumper evokes strong curves with the lines appearing to flow smoothly from the three-diamond logo in the grille to the headlamps. The LED daytime running lights add to its sporty yet elegant styling. Top-of-the-line variants, such as GLS 4×4 MT and GLS Sport 4×4 AT, are equipped with High Intensity Discharged headlamps for assured nighttime driving visibility.
Last, but certainly not the least, is the distinctive “J-line,” which provides a clever engineering design to shorten wheel base and maximize the interior space. Its wheelbase of 3,000mm, front tread of 1,520mm and rear tread of 1,515mm are set to improve both handling stability and riding comfort.
Now, admittedly, this scribe has already sold its recent pickup truck and has been lucky enough to get first dibs of the 2015 Strada in Japan.
I was so engrossed with these trucks, in general, that whenever I drive my current compact sedan wheels, I still can’t help but daydream having an ample bed space at the back, together with all the other priceless perks that come with the well-bred machine.
Image credits: Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes