Forever Young

The Isuzu Trooper has been around for quite some time now. Yet, its efficient boxy styling continues to please the minimalist’s eye and enthrall buyers into becoming loyal customers. Its seeming timelessness and rugged demeanor may have its enduring appeal but with the influx of new models in the sport utility vehicle (SUV) category, the Trooper may be up for some rough sailing in the near future.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) is well aware of this situation. The company has continued to come up with upgraded versions of the venerable Trooper that not only fights toe-to-toe with the latest the competition has to offer but it leaves them bloodied with its outstanding value-for-money or the proverbial "bang-for-the-buck". So last September 9 at the Dream Bar at 6750 in Makati, IPC launched its latest take on the long-running Isuzu Trooper.

For 2005, the Trooper will again enter the fray with basically the same body, the same engine and the same marked attitude that Isuzu loyalists love. The familiar 3.0-liter 16-valve double overhead cam (DOHC) turbocharged 4JX1-TC diesel engine mated to an equally durable 4-speed automatic transmission will provide the Trooper with enough mechanical motivation to power it out of tough spots. Expect more of the same tough performance and proven reliability from the new Trooper since it carries the heritage of its predecessors.

However, IPC saw it fit to endow its flagship model with new features to freshen it up a bit. For starters, the 2005 Trooper will be immediately recognizable since it will be equipped with a sporty horizontal-design radiator grille that sports chrome accents and a gold Isuzu badge. The new face is complimented by a front bumper chin spoiler that broadens the Trooper’s face and somehow adds an air of masculinity and intimidation. Fog lamps add to its newfound image while giving better night driving visibility and ultimately, add to its list of safety features. The chromed 16-inch twelve-spoke alloy wheels add an air of sophistication and elegance to the Trooper’s profile. Even the spare tire cover was not spared in the redesign, as it now sports a more solid look with new and prominent character lines.

Inside, the 2005 Trooper continues to offer the same executive comfort with its leather seats, spacious interior and ergonomic design. The boxy exterior endows the interior with a lot of useful space that can transport even a personal refrigerator standing right side up. But you’d be hard pressed to use it for loading anything other than a box of chardonnay or antique Ming vases because of the interior’s finish. You’d even be hard pressed to load it up at all because of the new entertainment package that the new Trooper comes equipped with a JVC DVD head unit is now standard equipment with Isuzu’s top SUV, guaranteeing hours of listening and viewing pleasure on the road. The JVC also features a variable-color graphic display to compliment the aural experience and an MP3 capability for a more enjoyable listening and viewing experience.

As a whole, the new features of the 2005 Isuzu Trooper add up to create more excitement for the company’s enduring flagship. At P1,995,000, IPC has wisely priced the Trooper to undercut its main competitors. Combined with its reputation for reliability, toughness and frugality, IPC has created the makings of yet another winner.