Though Isuzu Motors India
unveiled India’s 1st Adventure Utility Vehicle, the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross at the
2016 Auto Expo, the vehicle will be formally launched on April 27, 2016 when
the company inaugurates its own plant in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh. The company is
currently using the Hindustan Motors facility in Tiruvallur in Tamil Nadu to
assemble the D-Max pick up commercial vehicles in India.
So as to keep up with the excitement, we asked Motown India mascot,
Maximus to go all out on the D-Max toy car. The toy turned out real tough and
we hope the real car is equally tough when it comes to off-roading capabilities.
The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross will be
the first real passenger vehicle in the pick-up segment in India. Though SUV
leader Mahindra & Mahindra has the Mahindra Genio pick up in the passenger
vehicle segment, Tata Motors has the Xenon pick up. The former is priced
upwards of Rs 6 lakh, while the latter is priced at around Rs 10 lakh.
The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross
(Private Registration) would be approximately Rs. 15 lakh and that of the
commercial version of the Isuzu D-Max CrewCab will be approximately Rs. 8.5 –
9.5 lakh. The price for the Isuzu D-Max Single Cab (Commercial Version) will be
announced later.
Powered by a 134 hp, BSIV
compliant, high pressure Common Rail Fuel Injection Diesel Engine, the
powertrain is mated to a robust 5 speed Manual Transmission that delivers a
maximum torque level of 320 Nm @ 1800-2800 rpm. The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross is
equipped with off-roading features like 4WD (shift-on-fly) drive mode, High
Ride suspension that offers higher ground clearance, wider track with longer
wheel base. The chassis frame is designed with a new iGRIP feature (Isuzu
Gravity Response Intelligent Platform) ensures greater stability even at
hi-speeds and sharp curves.
The Isuzu D-Max V -Cross comes
with a 4WD (4X4) configuration, High Ride and a host of exciting features and
can be registered as a “Personal Vehicle”. The ‘V-Cross’ badge is unique to the
personal lifestyle vehicles.
For commercial purposes, the
Isuzu D-Max will be available in various 4X4 and 4X2 configurations, with a
combination of Crew Cab / Single Cab, High Ride / Normal Ride and flat deck /
arch-deck load bodies. Isuzu D-Max will also be available as a Cab-chassis
variant.