Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Road Test Review

The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Adventure Utility Vehicle could probably redefine the way we buy our cars in the country. It’s an outright bold machine with an out and out macho appeal. The V-Cross comes out as a very practical and driver friendly vehicle. Built on a ladder chassis, with double wishbone independent front wheel suspension and long span rear leaf suspension, the V-Cross has all the comforts of a passenger vehicle and the dynamism of a rugged 4X4. The twin cabin styling along with a large cargo area makes it a deadly combination of practicality and fun. You tend to admire it for its rugged and muscular stance.

The vehicle may be huge in size with a wide track and long wheelbase, but it’s got a low centre of gravity ensuring minimal body roll.  Adding to its good looks are the skid plates with engine bottom guard and the vehicle sits on smart 16 inches alloy wheels. The vehicle is aerodynamically shaped for low drag coefficient. It also comes with large electrically foldable and adjustable ORVMs with turn signal indicators. The projector headlamps, the roof rails and chrome highlights together enhance the styling of the vehicle.  Not to miss are the 4X4 decals on the sides of the vehicle.

This twin cabin can seat at least four to five adults with great comfort. It has a wrap around 6-way adjustable driver seat. The area around the dash has a great look and feel about it. The vehicle comes with automatic AC with fine particle pollen filter, a 7” touch screen audio system with USB input, DVD, Aux, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity. 

There is a host of storage compartments and cup holders, flexible rear seats-foldable with 60:40 split, tilt adjustable steering wheel with controls for audio, while the electro-luminescent meters come with multi information display. The chic interiors can give several of the luxury sedans a run for their money.

As we took the vehicle to a nearby forest area we were greeted by rutted paths. But the moment we changed the knob setting to 4H, the 4X4 genius came alive and the tyres gathered the right traction to move ahead. It has a shift on fly 4X4 feature that enables you to move to either 4H or 4L, depending on the terrain and get back to 2WD when required so. The hydraulic power assisted steering felt a lot tough but again I was not complaining, What’s life without a bit of nudge here and there. With so much of electronics embedded in cars these days, I feel that good old driving has lost its charm. But with the V-Cross, you have none of that. There is a perfect balance between the modern and the rugged.

As we tossed the mammoth vehicle on the narrow track, we noticed that the body roll was very minimal and the soft suspension gave the comfort of a passenger car. The moment you step on the accelerator, the engine lunges forward and the turbo kicks in pretty early.

All in all, the V-Cross is a vehicle that defines its own path. It’s macho styling and definitely handsome looks, offer the perfect blend of comfort, practicality and value for money. At around the Rs 13 lakh price, it’s a 4X4 you cannot ignore at all. If only looks could kill…