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Isuzu is known for being generous with their sound systems, and the D-MAX and Alterra are no different. In the D-MAX, the fancy head unit can play CDs including those filled with MP3s. There’s even an included USB and Apple iPod connector hidden in the glove box. Once connected, the iPod’s playlist can be controlled (and re-charged) by the head unit. If the six speakers on the D-MAX are luxurious enough, then the Alterra’s is simply kingly. With its standard 5.1-channel Dolby Digital amplifier and 11-speaker system, it brings mobile entertainment to life. Two headrest mounted widescreen LCDs show off the Alterra’s movie capability—from VCDs to DVDs and even DIVX digital files. And it doesn’t stop there. New for the 2008 is a Bluetooth hands-free phone system plus a rear back-up camera (which oddly operates when the radio is on) complimenting its standard reverse sensors. Both head units require a thorough manual read-thru to understand.

It maybe a bit late to the market, but at least the D-MAX finally receives a common-rail direct injection diesel engine under the hood. Signifying the biggest change in Isuzu’s pick-up, it’s been the trusted powertrain introduced in the Alterra. The 3.0-liter i-TEQ engine cranks out 145 horsepower and 294 Nm of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm. In both applications, the engine is high on refinement, but there’s a certain rev range (usually between 2,500-3,000) where the clatter a lot—usually making you think twice whether these are genuine CRDi engines.

Both of these vehicles are available with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox. With the manual, the engine exhibits a newfound smoothness and is all but stall-proof. The gearshift has a long throw and a somewhat rubbery feel, but the clutch is light and easy to modulate. A double-digit fuel mileage (11 km/L for the D-MAX and 10.63 km/L for the Alterra) is easily attainable. For those who can’t stand depressing a clutch pedal continuously in Manila traffic, the four-speed automatic does an equally pleasing job. However, being a ‘slush box’, it saps the engine performance considerably—making acceleration less than brisk. There’s a penalty too when it comes to fuel economy, dipping to as low as 8.5 km/L in the Alterra 4WD.

For safety, the range-topping D-MAX is equipped with a four-channel ABS with EBD and dual airbags. Meanwhile all Alterras come standard with the aforementioned safety features.

Despite having the same underpinnings, the D-MAX and the Alterra have varied personalities when it comes to driving. Designed as a pick-up, the D-MAX feels decisively firmer. Between the two, it feels more planted and secure on the road. On the other hand, the Alterra’s ride is soft, perhaps too soft, as to feel sickly to ride in. Those with a very traditional notion of good ride (i.e. geriatrics) will probably find it just fine. Because of this set-up, the Alterra feels too wayward in its road manners as well. If you want to find out what “body-on-frame” means, you should try cornering the Alterra. Visibility-wise, the D-MAX has the upper hand too as the Alterra suffers from poor rear quarter vision.

Though both the Alterra and the D-MAX already have one of the world’s most formidable diesel engine makes under their hoods, the latest changes should more than keep it afloat on the sales charts. However, perhaps more changes (at least in the case of Alterra) should have been done on its chassis.