How tough is your D-Max? Let Thailand’s Isuzu 4×4 Land show the way

THE ISUZU 4x4 Land is an excellent place to experience how tough and capable the D-Max pickup is. PHOTOS BY CHARLES E. BUBAN

It has been six years since this writer last set foot in this “playground” called Isuzu 4×4 Land.

Located 135 km southeast of Bangkok in Thailand, the area was recently refurbished wherein each of the 12 stations—featuring different off road scenarios—was altered, if not improved.

The Isuzu 4×4 Land was launched in 1993 in time for the launch of the first-generation D-Max 4×4.

Indeed, much has changed inside this 8-hectare property, most notable of which is Station 12’s seesaw-like bridge that tilts (to allow crossing to the other side) whenever the D-Max pickup reaches the mid-part, right after enduring a dizzying 45-degree climb.

If that is not crazy enough, Isuzu 4×4 Land also improved Station 3’s 10-meter hill, the place’s signature attraction wherein the D-Max pickup must climb a 45-degree incline and then afterward, negotiate a 50-degree downhill slope.

If automakers build or rent racecourses to test the mettle of their high-performance vehicles, then Isuzu has this off-road playground where owners of four-wheel drive D-Max could hone their skills as well as realize how well made their pickups are.

Eye opener

While the visit was a welcome reunion for this writer as well as for the rest of the invited motoring press, the Isuzu 4×4 Land served as an eyeopener for the 10 Isuzu Philippines guests who were winners of “Off to Isuzu D-Max 4WD Camp” promo held last September.

“When we bought our four-wheel drive D-Max, we pampered it so much, we only drive on paved roads. I realize we could also take the pickup to more exciting places in Panay (which are mostly away from the main road) and not worry about anything considering the scary terrain we drove into inside the Isuzu 4×4 Land,” said John Marciales, one of the grand prize winners from Kalibo, Aklan.

BALMADRID said IPC wanted promo winners to experience what is it to be like entering a four-wheel drive camp.

The “Off to Isuzu D-Max 4WD Camp” was IPC’s promo last September for buyers of the D-Max. “We want to let our lucky customers experience what is it to be like entering a four-wheel drive camp. The fact that they will all be visiting Thailand for this opportunity is another excellent reward,” said IPC senior vice president Art Balmadrid.

Joining Marciales was his niece Cheska Marciales; they were joined by other raffle winners namely: Alvin and Ms. Alexis Guinanao from Bacolod City; Ms. Doreen Rudes and Ms. Julia Strong and the pair of Jose Antonio and Pilar Pardo, all from General Santos City; and Pepito and Ofelia Marcelo of Pampanga.

First time

Since most of these winners would be experiencing extreme off-road driving for the first time, Tri Petch Isuzu Sales (the official distributor of Isuzu vehicles in Thailand) VP and Isuzu Operations Thailand SVP Panatda Chennavasin explained that each unit would be driven by Isuzu 4×4 Land’s off-road instructors/drivers.

“If any of the guest would opt to drive the D-Max, they will still be accompanied by one of our instructors/drivers in order to guide them on what to expect on a particular station if not teach them the proper technique on how to safely and successfully negotiate a given obstacle,” Panatda explained.

Balmadrid added that the trip to the Isuzu 4×4 Land was an excellent way to attract more buyers for the D-Max considering that the 10 winners would definitely relay their experience on how tough and capable the D-Max pickup is.

Thailand is Isuzu’s largest pickup market in the world, accumulating sales of 1.2 million units (160,000 units were sold in 2011) while more than 2 million units have been exported so far.

The D-Max was the recipient of the “Best-selling registered pickup in Thailand” last year, an award given by Thailand’s Car of the Year award group.