Isuzu Alterra - Generation 1.1 (2005-2009)

ISUZU ALTERRA (2005-2009)

This SUV isn't in the same league as the model it replaces, the Trooper. Rather, it is based from the D-Max especially that the platform is modified. A selling point of this vehicle is the standard entertainment system which includes a 5.1 Dolby surround system and LCD screens with DVD and VCD function.

See the overview of this Alterra

See the Generation 1.2 model

See the latest model of the Alterra

OWNERSHIP DETAILS	4x4	4x2
Years Available	December 2005-February 2009	May 2005-February 2009
ENGINE SPECS
Engine	4JJ1-TC iTEQ DOHC 16V I4 with Turbo Intercooler	4JJ1-TC iTEQ DOHC 16V I4 with Turbo Intercooler
Horsepower	144hp @ 3,800rpm	144hp @ 3,800rpm
Torque	294Nm @ 1,400-3,400rpm	294Nm @ 1,400-3,400rpm
Fuel Type	Diesel	Diesel
Fuel System	Common Rail Turbo	Common Rail Turbo
Transmission	4-Speed Automatic	5-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Automatic
Fuel Tank Capacity	76 Liters	76 Liters
DIMENSIONS
Length	4,950mm	4,530mm
Width	1,800mm	1,820mm
Height	1,805mm	1,655mm
Wheelbase	3,050mm	2,620mm
Curb Weight	1,835kg	1,775kg (MT), 1,785kg (AT)
Body Style	5 Door SUV	5 Door SUV
Engine/Drive Type	Front Engine/Four Wheel Drive, Manual Low	Front Engine/Rear Wheel Drive
Seating	7	7
SUSPENSION & TIRES
Front Suspension	Double Wishbone with Torsion Bar Springs & Stabilizer Bar	Double Wishbone with Torsion Bar Springs & Stabilizer Bar
Rear Suspension	Flex RideMOVE Suspension, Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs with Telescopic Shock Absorber	Flex RideMOVE Suspension, Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs with Telescopic Shock Absorber
Front Brakes	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Rear Brakes	Drum	Drum
Tires	245/70 R16	245/70 R16
Wheels	16 Inch Alloy	16 Inch Alloy
SAFETY
Airbags	2	2
Anti-Lock Brakes	Yes, With Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and G Sensor	Yes, With Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and G Sensor
Traction/Stability Control	None	None
Other Safety Features	Adds: Limited Slip Differential	Rear Parking Sensors, Reverse Camera
EXTERIOR
Fog Lamps	Front and Rear	Front and Rear
Other Exterior Features	Adds: Chrome Door Handles and Grille	Side Mirror Signal Repeaters, Side Step Board, Roof Rails, Rear Wiper, Rear Spoiler with Third Brake Lamp, Two Tone Option
INTERIOR
Steering Wheel Adjustment	Tilt	Tilt
Steering Wheel Material	Leather	Leather
Seating Adjustment	Manual	Manual
Seating Material	Leather	Leather
Other Interior Features	Adds: None	45/10/45 Split Fold 2nd Row with Pass-Through Center, Foldable 3rd Row, Wood and Silver Accents, Rear LCD Monitors, Chrome Door Handles
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
Power Amenities	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors
Climate Control	Manual, Dual	Manual, Dual
Audio System	JVC or 1DIN AM/FM/CD/VCD/DVD/Audio/Video System with 5.1 Dolby Surround Channel	JVC or 1DIN AM/FM/CD/VCD/DVD/Audio/Video System with 2 or 5.1 Dolby Surround Channel
Speakers	10 with Detatchable Subwoofer	6
Steering Wheel Controls	None	None
Alarm	Yes	Yes
Keyless Entry	Yes	Yes
NOTES	Reverse camera and chrome inside door handles added in December 2007.	Reverse camera and chrome inside door handles added in December 2007. 2 channel surround option deleted in 2007.
RIVALS	Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Toyota Fortuner

Used Car Review - Isuzu Alterra (2005-2014)

Myk Belmonte reviews this SUV which didn't catch the radar of others back then.

2005-2014 Isuzu Alterra

History
Passenger pick-up vehicles (or commonly called as PPV) are a popular vehicle segment in Thailand, mainly because pick-up trucks such as the Toyota Hilux Vigo and Isuzu D-Max are their best sellers that makes sense to expand the market. These vehicles have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages, good is they are mostly tough and building them does not require a fortune but they suffer poor riding dynamics since they have pick-up truck genes. Vehicles competing in this segment currently include the Toyota Fortuner (Hilux based), Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (platform derived from the Strada), Chevrolet Trailblazer (shares its platform with the Colorado), Ford Everest (Ranger derived), and the Isuzu MU-X (D-Max based).

Year 2002 saw the launch of the D-Max pick-up in Thailand that replaced the TF line (including our Fuego, locally) but the MU-7 didn't had it launch until November 2004. It was basically a D-Max in body but the rear area was covered and this got a revised suspension system that suited for carrying passengers than cargo. In Thailand, it replaced the Wizard SUV, also based from the predecessor of the 'Max. Although its pick-up cousin was treated to a redesign in 2011, the MU had a new body two years later with a name change to MU-X.

Before, the Trooper was the sole SUV offering of Isuzu Philippines until various problems with the injectors had the Alterra (its local name) replacing it which had the Everest and Fortuner to compete with back then. It bowed out in September 2014 with the MU-X, a more competent vehicle, was released. During its selling time, a sole 4x2 and 4x4 models were available until they were renamed as the Urban Cruiser in 2011 and Urban Cruiser X in 2012 with a less optioned Zen added in 2009.

Value and Costs
With the MU-X having its debut recently, expect Alterra prices to be in the same level of popular competitors. Prices range from P550,000 for the early models to P1,100,000 for 2013 models. As a general rule, January 2012 and later purchased units have a remainder of their warranty so have a lookout for those. 4WD option was added to the range in December 2005 but only paired with an automatic.

Thanks to its brand reputation, maintenance costs are similar or sometimes lower than rivals that's when you take care of the vehicle meticulously. Using the right fuels and regular changing of oil and filters will free the car from black smoke from the tailpipe.

Exterior and Interior
If you tell that the front resembles the D-Max, then you're correct. For some who can't say the resemblance to the pick-up truck, then just think of this: the rear bed is replaced by a roof, rear door, and third row seats are added. With a length of 4,950mm, it is significantly longer than the Fortuner and the 2008 Montero Sport. The sleek lines complement the long body but you may say that it resembles a funeral hearse (oops, November 1 had passed by). Urban Cruiser models get front and rear chin while side step boards are standard for all.

One of the selling points of this vehicle back then is a standard entertainment system in the form of a DVD player (depending on the year which may be either a single din radio or a touch screen one), two headrest monitors, 5.1 surround system, and a detachable subwoofer. Entertainment system aside, passengers can expect decent space inside but the second row's middle seat is too tight plus interior quality is acceptable and not on the cheap side.

Engine
A common trait among PPVs is that engine options are the same with their pick-up truck brethren, and the Alterra does not break the tradition with the 4JJ1 3.0 - shared with the D-Max - having 144hp at 3,800rpm and 294Nm with a torque range between 1,400-3,400rpm. On paper, power figures are conservative but drive it and you'll see effortless driving to 100kph but go beyond it and it shows its limitations. On the other hand, the low torque range can give you high fuel economy figures. As always, expect some engine clatter since this reminds you that you're driving a diesel.

Driving Impressions
Since this is an SUV based on a truck, so don't expect sports car handling plus maneuvering this can be hard no thanks to its long size. The suspension settings are tuned for comfort, so driving this one at high speeds or road ruts then it begins to bounce out. If you prefer a wallowy ride similar to some American cars, this is it.

Verdict
If you need a cheap SUV which has a diesel engine, then put the Alterra on your list. Some traits like a hard to maneuver vehicle and a bouncy ride may put others off, but then you can live with those compromises.


The Good:

• Fuel friendly
• Low maintenance costs
• Standard entertainment system

The Bad:

• Diesel noise
• Truck like ride
• Numb steering

The Pick: 3.0

THE SPECS

Engine: 2,999cc 4JJ1-TC I4 diesel

Power: 144hp @ 3,800rpm

Torque: 294Nm @ 1,400-3,400rpm

Fuel Consumption: 8-10km/L (city), 10-13km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies)

Transmission: 5-speed manual (4x2), 4-speed automatic

Suspension: Front double wishbone with torsion bar springs and stabilizer bar, rear Flex RideMOVE suspension with semi-elliptical leaf springs

MORE INFO

Price (New): P1,300,000-P1,700,000

Price (Now): P550,000-P1,100,000

Rivals: Chevrolet Trailblazer, Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Toyota Fortuner

On Sale: May 2005-September 2014

Resources:

https://www.facebook.com/teamisuzu.pilipinas

Contacts:

Isuzu Makati - (02) 819-1219

Isuzu Quezon Avenue - (02) 926-7111

Photos from http://olx.ph/57597993

Car Profiles - Isuzu Alterra (2005-2014)

2005-2014 Isuzu Alterra

The Good: Fuel friendly, cushy ride

The Bad: Engine clatter, unrefined

The Say: An interesting alternative which has some good and bad traits.

Go For: 4x2
Avoid:

Price Range: P550,000-P1,100,000
Our Rating: ***

Related Reviews: None as of the Moment
Latest vehicle profile: Isuzu MU-X

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2005-2008
2009-2014