Pick-up trucks belong to the genus of vehicles known as “the workhorse”.  Whether it be gallivanting around pothole ridden Manila or carrying stuff to the farm in Batangas, there’s nothing more dependable than a set of wheels with enough ground clearance and wheel travel to traverse any obstacle.  It’s certainly not the most luxurious ride there, but it gets the job done.

Now that you’re properly acquainted with pick-up trucks, what happens when it’s crossbred with a luxury SUV?  The two concepts may seem miles apart, but it should work.  Imagine this: a vehicle that can easily conquer Mt. Pinatubo but with enough gravitas to be accepted in five-star hotels.  Certainly, that gets everyone dreaming, and in one case, it has become a reality in the form of Isuzu’s Alterra 4WD.

For those who need some introduction, the Alterra is Isuzu’s entrant in the pick-up based SUV market.  Designed over the D-MAX pick-up platform, the Alterra rides on a Double Wishbone/Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring set-up.  Modifications were done to the suspension including the incorporation of the FlexRide system softening the ride for ferrying people instead of farm implements.  Under the hood sits a similar engine to the D-MAX, a 3.0-liter DOHC turbo diesel engine.  On the Alterra though, Isuzu has given it some added punch thanks to a common rail direct injection head with variable swirl technology.  The Alterra was first launched last year, but it was only early this year that a 4WD variant joined the line-up.

Coinciding with the launch of the 4WD, Isuzu has freshened up the visuals with new rain channels, roof rails and radio antenna (bee-sting type as opposed to the old pull-type).  Because of this, it’s hard to tell the 2WD and 4WD variants apart besides the tailgate sticker that reads “4WD” and the bright work on the grille.  Overall, the Alterra is best appreciated from the three-quarters front view where the straight and angular hood line is accentuated by the tall doors giving it a very masculine appearance. 

Because of the Alterra’s D-MAX origins, it shares the same cabin with the pick-up from the B-pillar forward; and as such, it’s an ergonomic delight.  All of the controls are within easy reach and operate with tactile efficiency.  Isuzu has taken the opportunity though to swap the silver trimming for swathes of wood while the steering wheel’s now covered with black leather instead of urethane.  The sitting position is on the high side, but it’s still fairly comfortable despite the lack of height and lumbar adjustment.  The second row occupants are treated to spacious leg room, but the middle passenger suffers from a seat that’s cushioned like an ironing board.  The last row is now more livable thanks to the addition of individual head restraints.

Either we've just been drinking lately, or we've actually taken a liking to the Alterra's looks. After being with it for a week, it sort of looks masculine enough.

Shiny tooth grille is a surefire way to tell that this is a 4WD Alterra. Lesser models have something with a lot less bling.