What better way is there to test a new vehicle and stretch its legs than to take it out on the open road and subject it to the elements? As a manufacturer who has carved a reputation for taking matters to the extreme, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) did one over its competitors by inviting motoring hacks for a 500 km drive to the Land of Hot Spices and scenic Mt. Mayon using Isuzu’s flagship SUV, the 2010 Alterra.

Being an Isuzu event, I hit the bed early the previous night to make it to the early morning breakfast at a restaurant in Sta Rosa where the flag-off ceremony will be held. Joining the small contingent from the motoring media for a breakfast buffet were IPC officials led by its President Keiji Takeda; Art Balmadrid, SVP for Corporate Business; Joseph Bautista, IPC’s head for product development; marketing guru Timmy de Leon and her hardworking marketing team composed of Ronald Baladad and Hermes Canon.

“Many Alterra owners have expressed their satisfaction in this SUV after taking them on long drives. This is the idea for our long drive today. We want you to experience the level of power and comfort of the Alterra,” said Takeda. “The Alterra is available only in two countries, here and in Thailand. Since its introduction in the domestic market, this SUV has always been a top seller due to its spaciousness, power and fuel efficiency. You will experience all of these today,” added Balmadrid.

After the sumptuous breakfast, Bautista briefed the participants about the latest technological additions to their bestseller. Patrons of the Alterra would immediately notice the 16-inch alloy wheels in gun metal finish, beige dashboard, dual seven-inch monitors at the rear headrest with tilting function, a cinema-like 10-speaker audio system with Bluetooth connectivity. Isuzu also equipped the Alterra with an on-board GPS navigation system built into the 2-DIN audio/video unit which controls the whole information/entertainment system.

The journey begins
Immediately after the briefing, the motoring hacks suited up and prepared for the arduous 12-hour land journey to Albay, Bicol. Riding shotgun with me on this journey of discovery were Charles Buban of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Stephanie Asi of the Daily Tribune and Ayvi Cruz of the Philippine Star. “The last time I went to Mayon was to cover its last eruption. I hope it behaves this time,” says Cruz, a photojournalist who vividly remembers the flowing lava coming down from Mayon.

From Sta. Rosa, the Isuzu convoy never had problems with directions due to the i-NAVI system. Every province, highway and landmark were displayed on the screen, including the number of kilometers.

Before reaching the province of Pagbilao, Quezon, the convoy stopped at the local Caltex dealer. Powered by an advanced 4JJ1-TC iTEQ 3.0-liter intercooled turbo diesel engine, the Alterra was able to maximize its potential with Caltex’s Techron D. “Our test results show that Techron D actually cleans fuel injectors and improves power output by 68 percent. It contains additives to control carbon deposits, which helps in the maintenance of the fuel injectors and optimizes engine performance,” explains Dominic Tumbancaya of Caltex.

True enough, once we hit the twisty and uphill portions of Atimonan, Quezon, the authoritative hum of the powerful 4JJ1 engine bounced off the cliff walls, as it attacked the hills effortlessly. My passengers enjoyed themselves as they comfortably watched a DVD movie at the back. My navigator Charles saw to it that fatigue never got the better of me, as we continued to discuss the plus factors of having a Flex ride suspension system. “We really never got to feel the ruts and road imperfections all throughout the journey,” he said.

After spending a day of driving to our destination in Albay, , hearing the splashing of the waves and feeling the gentle breeze of the South China Sea in Misibis Bay Raintree Resort was a welcome treat to cool us down. In true Isuzu fashion, once the hard part was over and done with me, it was relaxation and fun throughout the night. A seafood buffet by the beach capped off an otherwise arduous, yet, comfortable 500-kilometer ride. With the Isuzu Alterra, distance is never a problem.

The 2010 Alterra is available in mono and two-tone paint scheme and retails for P1.4 million for the 4x2 MT, up to as high as P1.6 million for the high-end 4x4 version.