ISUZU Philippines Corp. (IPC) officially launched on March 5 the first of two legs of the 2015 Isuzu Crosswind media drive series. The pilot leg was set to a 156-kilometer drive to Anilao, Batangas, and the objective was to test-drive the 2015 Crosswind.
“It is its functional design and driving ease that makes the Crosswind the ideal everyday vehicle. It is fitting, then, that we show the Crosswind’s strengths in the best way possible by letting the participants drive it on actual road conditions,” IPC President Nobuo Izumina sai, during his welcome remarks.
The group of 10 motoring media men with IPC executives and officers utilized four different variants of the Crosswind: Sportivo X, XUV A/T, XT and XL—all sporting the silver radiator grille, one-piece color keyed front bumper and multireflector halogen headlamps. The all-weather fog lamps are exclusive to the Sportivo X.
The test-drive commenced in Daang Hari road leading to Aguinaldo Highway, with this writer assigned to the XT variant with 5-speed manual transmission. Noticeable is the clutch smooth operation creating harmonious gear shifting. The front bench-type dual seats with sport jersey-vinyl material combination proved to be comfortable. The spacious rear compartment managed to accommodate our bags, chest cooler and luggage of production props from the cameramen. Roving the highways and reaching our first destinations in Tagaytay—Puzzle Mansion and Orlina Museum—so far proved to be conducive. By noontime, with humidity reaching its peak, the climate inside the cabin maintained a cool ambiance created by the dual full mode control with rear blower air-conditioning of the Crosswind.
Reaching Crosswinds in Tagaytay just in time for lunch and while savoring the sumptuous Thai and continental recipes at Café Voila, the next drive to Anilao was still a mystery. Knowing that we would pass Ligaya Drive, it entails numerous tight winding roads ahead that would put the Crosswind to the ultimate test.
Meanwhile, we went on to see the majestic Swiss Village only to be greeted with stiff terrains that requires low speeds. The drivetrain system of the Isuzu Crosswind demonstrated its ability to handle stiff climb even with intended delays in downshifting to test the torque at extremely low engine speeds.
Entering Laurel Road eventually led us to the winding roads with extreme conditions. The 4JA-1L direct injected turbocharged engine delivered the necessary power and torque climbing the uphill with minimal downshifting, and performed impressive engine breaking on downhill delivering handling control.
The steering system responded to turns smoothly, demonstrating the reliability of the recirculating ball and nut with power assist technology. Shortly after the challenging phase, the convoy made a stopover to appreciate the soothing Taal lakeside view.
When we encountered ongoing road repairs with debris and rough terrain, the noise insulation of the Crosswind proved to be at par for an asia utility vehicles. The combination of front double wishbone with torsion bar suspension and the rear Flex Ride Move with semi-elliptical leaf springs proved to be a good combination to absorb rough terrains, giving that comfortable ride close to a sedan.
We finally reached our destination safe and sound in the newly opened French resort La Chevrerie.
We settled to witness the captivating sunset that created a relaxing mood until dinner was served and we were entertained by a live band.
We ended the day with a brief program by Isuzu expressing their gratitude to the participants. The next morning we took the route going to Lipa City and concluded the pilot leg in Casa Marikit Restaurant, where we enjoyed Italian cuisine for lunch. The driving experience definitely convinced this writer that, indeed, Isuzu Crosswind possesses the family-oriented features of convenience, spaciousness and flexibility.
Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino