There are two kinds of enthusiasts as far as I see it. Those that think they are and those that do. The ISUZU team is the latter. They are not just enthusiasts, they have brought the adventurer spirit to life. While they don’t have the largest automotive presence in the country, they have managed to fire the imagination with their newest product showcase – The Isuzu D-MAX V-Cross. The tagline more importantly reads – India’s first Adventure Utility Vehicle. Now we have really seen the maturing of the utility vehicle towards a niche, however extremely aspirational segment.
As a reader, enthusiast, adrenaline junkie here are some specs that will get you thinking about the myriad possibilities that the V-Cross suddenly offers: Max power of 134 hp@3600 rpm delivering 320nm @ 1800-2800 rpm mated to a 5 speed manual transmission. Added to this is the plush double cab, seating 5 people comfortably as the 4 cylinder VGS Turbo Intercooled Diesel engine hums underneath. 16 inch alloy wheels and muscular fenders add to the overall look. Don’t start drooling just yet…there is more. Did I hear you ask about the 4WD option? Really, you think Isuzu would have missed out on that while breathing life into the V-Cross? The dial type shift on the fly 4WD knob does the job and in style as well.
While it brings an attractive loading bay into the equation, it offers top of the line creature comforts and safety features as well. Let me rattle off a list of acronyms that I am sure most of you are accustomed with by now: ABS, EBD, ISOFIX anchors for the child seat, A great MID, AC with a particle filter, steering mounted audio controls and electrically foldable ORVMs are part of the package as well. What we do get to hear for the first time with the D-MAX V-Cross is the iGRIP platform that they have come up with. Now this is an acronym that I am sure you are not familiar with so here goes – Isuzu Gravity Response Intelligent Platform. This is a great piece of technology that allows for stability while negotiating sharp curves and at great speeds.
At this point we are going to allow you to close your eyes and put yourself in the driver seat. Adventure has arrived!