Drives

2010 Isuzu Alterra 3.0 review

2010 Isuzu Alterra Car Review

Being almost exclusively an AUV driver (having driven a Toyota Tamaraw FX and a Revo for almost all of my driving years), I always welcome the break when I get to drive a slightly bigger vehicle. That treat came recently when I had a chance to take the 2010 Isuzu Alterra for a spin.

At first glance, I thought it would take some effort to drive since it's slightly longer and wider than what I'm used to. Surprisingly, driving the new Isuzu Alterra wasn't a chore at all. Ten minutes into the trip, I forgot it's an SUV because it's quite easy to maneuver, much like a sedan.

Being on the bigger side of life, I found the Alterra's spacious legroom an added bonus. I was more relaxed during traffic jams thanks to the extra space for stretching my legs out.

The 2010 Isuzu Alterra's 3.0-liter 4JJ-TC common rail direct injection diesel engine is quite responsive to sudden acceleration and driving on an uphill terrain was a breeze. As it runs on diesel, one can also count on some degree of savings in fuel cost.

But more than the engine power, the interior of the Alterra is certainly schnazzy--starting with the comfy leather seats. It's also equipped with a mobile entertainment system and a JVC head unit that plays DVDs. The 2010 Isuzu Alterra is also iPod ready with two LCD screens and a 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound for top-notch entertainment. It makes you feel like you're in a living room. Too bad for me--I was the designated driver on this particular trip and I had to concentrate on the road.

The new Alterra's exterior package comes with power-folding side mirrors and fog lamps. It's also equipped with a four-eye reverse sensor that made parking easier considering the SUV's size. The sensor's downside is that it's loud. It's like hearing a police siren inside your car as you're backing up.

The loud sounds don't end there. The engine still holds true to the old complaint about diesel engines. Compared to some of the recently released diesel engine vehicles I've driven, the Alterra's is still a bit loud. But the home theater-worthy sound system does help in drowning out the noise.

Overall, cash shelled out for the 2010 Isuzu Alterra is money well spent. Aside from the fact that you can sit more people in, its on-board entertainment certainly adds a different dimension. You not only have a mode of transportation, you also have a place to chill in. Since my Alterra experience, I've been wishing to graduate from my AUV to this pimped up SUV.

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  • navigator2377 Feb 22 2010 @ 02:17am
     
    @ Alvin, if you want some answers go to Isuzu website or dealers. and if you want answers, please try not to type your message in text format.. nakakairita.. cellphone ba ito?? hellooo... yes, noise means monre manly stance!! pero masakit talaga sa tenga!! hehehe
       
  • jefsan Jun 05 2010 @ 06:16am
     
    I can't wait to see the new 4JJ1-TC engine to arrive to our shores. Just knowing that it produces 164 ps at 3600 rpm makes me drool!!! I have a 2005 Alterra, AT, and it can run 195kph with the aircon still on (i forgot to close the ac, hehe). Nobody can say that it is slow when I've beaten the Montero Sport and the Fortuner already! Isuzu is tested and proven!!!
       
  • dtkiko Jun 05 2010 @ 08:38pm
     
    To Jefsan: YEAH, Jepoy! i concur 2 bajillion times! Haha! That is a 3-litre 4JJ1-TCX (with an "X") DDi-iTEQ with VVGS hehe!!!! Do you see also how wide the peak torque is distributed? I have no doubt this is also just as fuel efficient as the current 4JJ1-TC but with the extra ooooommmmppppphhhhh in power! In the meantime, drool for a while how the VVGS-equipped DMax (good enough to be quite an Alterra hehe) may look like with that hood-scoop in there (copy and paste link): http://www.isuzu.it/repos/wallpaper/52.jpg
       
  • enzofroilan Jun 23 2010 @ 04:27pm
     
    @alvin: open your mind and try to type like this way, not lyk dis way, or whatever
       
  • GTi Jun 29 2010 @ 10:08am
     
    The Trooper is a true internationally sold SUV on the same class as the Prado and Pajero, and the Alterra despite being a good product in its own right is still one class lower and simply not worthy of filling its shoes. I'd want a refreshed Trooper with projector headlights, front facing 3rd row, 4x4 system, the Alterra's sound system and VGT equipped 4JJ1 engine please. :)
       
  • dtkiko Jul 11 2010 @ 05:08am
     
    A 164 ps/ 360 Nm torque VGT-equipped Isuzu Alterra could already be on the way to the Philippines.
       
  • Rem Feb 03 2011 @ 08:47pm
     
    Yes, Isuzu's line-up really needs to be refreshed (I mean replaced) with all-new models. Dami na nagrereklamo, pero aanuhin mo ang modern SUV na maarte at magastos ipagawa? Isuzu's engines are tried and tested, legendary na nga daw yung engine noise, I believe that Isuzu engines are tough and reliable since we own a 10-year old Hi-Lander XTRM (malakas pa rin humatak). One thing I hate about Isuzu is their pricing. for example, Toyota Innova has DUAL AIRBAGS ABS compared to the Crosswind which doesn't even have one for the driver? :/
       
  • mondragon Apr 12 2012 @ 07:15pm
     
    ok na din yang alterra...if my budget k 4 a little bit of luxury price, pwde kna dito sa alterra... expertise ng isuzu yang diesel engines especially sa reliability & fuel efficiency... kasama yang alterra at d-max sa top10 fuel efficient cars... cla lng ang diesel fueled na auv/pick up... other are sedans...

    timing gear ang alterra not chain/neither belt... so less maintenance... may konting ingay nlng sya kc euro3 na..
       
  • mondragon Apr 28 2012 @ 08:26am
     
    mga sir, isuzu alterra sabi ng agent, timing chain & Gear driven dw i2... per i tink timing gear lang i2... nwei mjo maingay nga sya compare sa iba suv... pero mjo tahimk n din sya kc EURO3 na po i2.. ung mga montero(timing chain only) or innova(timing belt) are only euro 2 i think.... isa pa crdi na din po alterra, still efficient but mor power...
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