Tag: D-max

Overview

So today I am going to review the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross, a life-style pickup truck. Isuzu launched India’s first adventure utility vehicle at the Auto Expo 2016 for those adventure seekers who wanted a go-anywhere truck, good practicality, and an appeal. Isuzu is known worldwide for its engines and the one in the V-Cross is good but not up to the mark. The vehicle is offered with a diesel motor only and the new 2019 facelifted model comes in 3 variants- Standard, High Z, and High Z-Prestige.

The 2.5L Diesel motor produces 134hp and 320Nm of torque, whereas the new 1.9L Diesel motor produces 148hp and 350Nm of torque. This vehicle was launched keeping a certain group of people in mind and convert some people into adventure seekers. One thing is for sure though, the V-Cross offers a ton of road presence. Anyone is ought to give way to this monstrous vehicle, assuming it would fit inside the person’s rearview mirror. Well, jokes aside now let’s move on to the next part. 

First Impressions

We have already discussed about the car’s road presence like no other vehicle on the road. As we complete a hike in to the cabin we are rather disappointed as it is just too basic-plain-blank. Considering it is a 20 lakh vehicle the interiors and ergonomics don’t do it much good but if it is considered as a lifestyle pickup truck and that is what Isuzu is marketing it as it starts to feel more like a good deal. But on a general view, the interiors are rather monotonous, under-thigh support is average for the front seats and poor for the rear ones. The rear seats are placed too upright and aren’t very comfortable. You must think that the legroom would be amazing for a 5-meter long vehicle but no, rear passenger legroom is not good at all. The driving position is good, you sit high and one can actually see the front hood while driving. The ORVMs do a great job but rear visibility in the IRVM is poor if you have the rear cargo-bay lid on. The interiors and ergonomic issues could be blamed on Chevrolet as the interior of the Isuzu was part Chevrolet as the old Trailblazer and the V-Cross do actually share the same interior. 

The pre-facelift model lacked a ton of features but the new 2019 model has fixed it all by offering many more new features. The new 2019 model includes the following features – Automatic Climate control, a touch screen with Bluetooth connectivity, MID, steering mounted controls, cruise control, traction control button, retractable ORVMs, Led tail-lights, bi-LED projector headlamps, a 4WD system with 2High, 4High and 4Low, 2 airbags, ABS with EBD, hill assist, hill descent control, PESS (passive entry with start/stop button), rear parking camera with rear parking sensors. 

The Ride

The V-Cross is a very heavy car (1800 kg) and the 2.5L (134 hp) engine may seem underpowered on paper but doesn’t feel so while driving it. The vehicle has a good low-end and a very empty high-end, which is okay for an off-roading vehicle. The ride might get a little bouncy at higher speeds if the rear cargo area is empty as the vehicle’s majority weight is upfront. Finding a good parking spot might also be an issue for some considering the vehicle’s size. Hydraulic steerings are known for their feel and feedback but having one in a vehicle of this size sure does promise an upper body workout while parking in tight spaces or maneuvering the vehicle at low speeds.

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There is no proper dead pedal in the vehicle and the gear knob just doesn’t know its place as one could never tell which gear you are in by just looking at it, there is just too much of play in the gear slots as well. The Isuzu just doesn’t like to be thrown into corners. The claimed mileage is 12.4 kmpl which is good for a vehicle this size. The suspension of the V-Cross just takes any bump and worst of the Indian roads with ease. A downshift isn’t actually needed for an overtake as the engine is pretty responsive at low revs as well. Judging this vehicle on the road isn’t the best thing to do as off-road is the place where it actually shines. 

Verdict

Isuzu has done an extremely good job of creating a life-style pickup truck for India. Isuzu has nailed it when it comes to SUV road presence. The Isuzu V-Cross strikes a perfect balance between being a daily-driver and being utilitarian, the versatility of the vehicle is what makes it sell. While the exteriors are mind-boggling and the features are great, the only thing making this car look dull is its interiors. Isuzu needs to work on its interiors and reduce the hard plastics which cover the entire cabin and robs all the premium feel that the vehicle offers. Finally, I would like to say that if you are an adventure-seeker, the Isuzu D-max V-Cross is an absolute no brainer in the pickup truck line-up.

“It’s not just a car, it’s a TRUUUCK.”

(just your daily-dose of Nissan puns lol)