4x4 Action Playground thrills Cebu

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) staged the third round of its spectacular 4x4 event in the Queen City of the South.  The event which was held in the SM City Cebu Open Parking Lot last August 12-14 hoped to demonstrate Isuzu’s superiority in off-road driving capabilities.  IPC together with highly trained Off-road driving experts simulated off-road scenarios like the slip roller and articulation ramp which is an alternating ramp that simulates extra uneven and alternating surface changes. They also made a transverse angle ramp that tilts the car to 40 degrees to demonstrates the vehicles stability under extreme conditions. The centerpiece of the event was the 30 feet obstacle called the “Thrill Hill,” a 40-degree.

During the opening, IPC Senior Vice President Arthur Balmadrid said, “Cebu City’s blend of island living feel and urban sophistication makes it one of the most appealing places in the Philippines. Its proximity to natural beauty provides the perfect balance to its bustling city life. This means vehicles like the Isuzu mu-X premium SUV and Isuzu D-MAX pickup are the ideal choices for Cebuanos as both models can comfortably navigate urban settings as well as being highly capable of taking on the great outdoors.”

Accompanying Balmadrid at the opening ceremony was Emmanuel Aligada, President of Isuzu Automotive Dealership Inc., who along with other IPC executives experienced first-hand the variety of driving obstacles found in the Isuzu 4x4 Action Playground.

Featured at the show were two showroom stock units each of the Isuzu mu-X 4x4 LS-A and Isuzu D-MAX 4x4 LS, which were offered up for test-drives so that 4x4 fans and other consumers in Cebu City may be able to experience the excellent off-road performance of the two models.

The mu-X and the Isuzu D-MAX lived up to its Isuzu reputation as it effortlessly maneuvered through the obstacles. What I was so impressed about was how it handled with ease the very steep 40-degree 30 foot climb and descent obstacle called the “Thrill Hill.”  

Serving as added attractions at the event was the special on-the-spot 30 percent discount that IPC offered on genuine Isuzu parts and accessories.

“The discount promo is IPC’s humble way of showing our tremendous appreciation to the people of Cebu, who have been faithful to the Isuzu brand for decades. This unwavering support is what made Cebu one of the strongest markets for Isuzu,” Balmadrid said.

The mu-X 4x4 LS-A, which is equipped with Isuzu’s 4JJ1-TC (HI) 3.0-liter diesel engine that has common rail direct injection, an intercooler and a Variable Geometry System (VGS) turbocharger, is rated to produce 163Ps at 3,200rpm and 380Nm of torque at 1,800-2,200rpm. An available five-speed automatic transmission that boasts a sequential shift function is an option.

This is the same robust and fuel-efficient powertrain that’s found in the D-MAX 3.0L 4x4 LS. The horsepower and torque provided by the engine ensured that both mu-X and D-MAX models featured at the Isuzu 4x4 Action Playground were able to traverse the obstacles on the track without encountering any difficulty.

Also helping the mu-X and D-MAX to achieve incomparable off-road capability is Isuzu’s 4WD Terrain Command Select Dial, which allows drivers to switch from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive Low mode by simply turning a knob. Drivers may also switch from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive High mode even while the vehicles are traveling at speeds of up to 100kph. The mu-X and D-MAX also have ideal approach and departure angles, boosting their performance in all types of terrain.

The 2016 mu-X 4x4 3.0L LS-A AT and mu-X 4x2 3.0L LS-A AT are equipped with Hill Start Assist, which prevents the vehicles from rolling back when starting from a stop on an incline; cruise control; a new rear spoiler with integrated third brake lamp; interior chrome garnishes; multi-information display and instrument meters; and an entertainment system that features a high-resolution eight-inch capacitive touch screen display and control panel for the various improved functions, including for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and BT Music. The system’s navigation feature also has a pinch function, as well as split screen capacity when in radio, disc, USB and iPod modes.

As the event drew off-road driving enthusiasts and mall goers alike for its unique brand of motoring spectacle , IPC continues to thrill the crowds across the country as they will hold the succeeding events in Cagayan de Oro and Commonwealth in Manila after successful stints in SM MOA, Iloilo and Cebu. “We are very happy to bring this event to Cebu as it has one of the largest growth in sales, especially with the mu-X models. We are also looking forward to the next events as this is one big way of demonstrating our confidence in our brand as being powerful, durable and dependable plus fuel efficient units!,” said Joseph Bautista, Isuzu Phil. Corp Division Manager.