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-   -   Isuzu @ Auto Expo 2016 (including the D-Max V-Cross) (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/commercial-vehicles/173020-isuzu-auto-expo-2016-including-d-max-v-cross.html)

Mod Note: Our V-Cross Report has been taken live at this link. Please continue the discussion over on the new thread. Thanks!



Ever since its launch, the Isuzu D-Max has created quite a fan following among private buyers...


...Now, at the Expo, Isuzu has finally showcased a lifestyle vehicle to cater to their needs:

High Points:

• It will be manufactured at the new Isuzu Motors India manufacturing plant at Sri City, Andhra Pradesh from April 2016
• 2.5L diesel engine (134 BHP / 320 Nm) + 5-speed manual transmission
• 4WD (4X4) configuration
• It gets features like projector headlamps, 16" alloy wheels, steering-mounted audio controls, 7" touch screen audio system with DVD, USB, AUX, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity
• Expected price - Rs. 15 lakh (ex-showroom Chennai)
• Launch is scheduled in the second half of 2016
• Can be registered as a "Personal Vehicle"

The Japanese manufacturer introduces this lifestyle vehicle:



Available in a double cab variant:


Not your ordinary D-Max commercial vehicle. This one can be registered by private users as well:


It will be positioned above the Tata Xenon XT and Scorpio Getaway:


The deck can be customized to meet the requirements of the user:





This canopy is an optional extra:





It looks imposing:


The crash guard and auxiliary lights might not be part of standard equipment:


Projector headlamps + fog lamps. The blue is merely a reflection:


Ample ground clearance to take you to the off-the-road camping site:


Chrome ORVMs with integrated turn indicators:


Metal side steps for easier access:


Available in 4WD configuration:


16" alloy wheels:


A fully accessorized version:


This was a Thai spec version with black interiors et all:

Stepping inside the D-Max V-Cross...

Beige interiors for the Indian version have still not been confirmed. The colour was actually yellowish. We strongly feel that such a vehicle deserves black interiors for easy up-keep:


2 tone dashboard with matte silver inserts. The interiors are very similar to that of the Chevrolet Trailblazer. After all, a lot of parts are shared between the 2 trucks:


Interior quality was basic. On par with the current Fortuner:



Dual glovebox + cupholder (below the air-con vent):


Beige door pad + black door armrest:


These were pre-production vehicles so ignore the imperfect finish on the seats. Driver gets a height adjustable seat:


Notice the ORVM controls:


Leather wrapped steering wheel. It gets mounted audio controls too:


Electro-luminescent meters with MID:


7" touch screen audio system with DVD, USB, AUX, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity. It gets climate control too:



Dial-type shift-on-fly 4WD knob:


That's .anshuman (6+ ft) sitting comfortably in the back seat. Headroom and legroom were actually very good:


A really cool cut out of the V-Cross:



Even the tyre was cut!


Notice the leaf-springs at the rear:


This is the chassis:



The engine bay looked menacing especially because of the way the air pipes were routed from the block:


Check out this neatly modified V-Cross:


This is a 3.0L version owned by a Mr. Olan Sornsirirat, who won the 2014 Australasian Safari:

This engine was actually a working / moving model:





Then there was the 4x2 D-Max double cab which we're familiar with:



All-black interior. Everything is basic in nature. Storage areas are aplenty:



Driver's seat gets height adjustment:


Vid6639 (6.0 ft) was very comfortable in the back seat of this truck:


The rear seat base can be folded up and strapped. Even the back rest folds down:


Tool kit located below the rear seat floor:


A high riding 4x4 variant. Notice how much the body is raised compared to the 4x2 variant above:





This one gets a single-din stereo compared to the double din shown above:


A look at the single cab 4x2 variant:



This one has got an air-conditioned cargo box to haul perishable items (flowers, food etc.):

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line section.

From our review - stand without worry!

This is something I have always suspected. How enormous margins are Toyota FOrtuner and now Ford Endeavour selling at that they are pricing their locally manufactures SUVs at the same price as the CBU GM TrailBlazer. This above vehicle is basically the TrailBlazer with 4WD added on (normally a 2 lakh option in vehicles this class in India) and with a deck behind the rear seats.
If the expected price is accurate, Isuzu is planning to sell it at 45% discount to the TrailBlazer.

I hope this finds homes in a lot of garages of personal vehicle buyers in India and Isuzu is encouraged to bring their SUV based on this at a 20% increment (18 lakhs). That would set the cat among the pigeons.

Despite being so new in India and with limited range , they have displayed their products with great details , shows hard work of Isuzu Indian Team . Toyota guys should visit this stall and see how they have wasted money earned from Indian customers.

The only negative point about this new pickup truck can be leaf springs on rear , would have preferred coil spring setup given the targeted customers. Looks great in darker colours.

If these models have been built in India then we are probably looking at April deliveries. They should now try to launch newer MU-X and increase number of dealerships

Small Comparison of Engines of present lineup - 4JA1-L with the newer truck 4JK1-TCXand this one appears to be Import from Thailand at the moment , they are able to bump HP by 40 % due to intercooler & variable-geometry turbo


Have a look at Malaysian prices , Pickup variants are priced at about 35- 40 % less , so 14-16 Lac is fair if we consider 24-25 Lac for Fortuner however they have used 2,5 Ltr engine instead of 3 Ltr which they are using in same namesake in Malaysia so essentially we will be getting current generation D-Max 2,5

http://isuzu.net.my/home/suv/mux

They have reduced the power on the double cab 4x2 commercial vehicle(78 bhp). So that it wont compete with the d-max 4x4.

I even asked the guy who was from isuzu. First he himself was shocked (as the single cab in white produces 134 bhp)

But then added that it has been done to increase fuel efficiency.


I was also told that after the launch of d-max 4x4, they are looking to launxh MU-X by October.

Really love the 4x4 double cab version. I'm sure the engine will be torquey and based on the official review of the pick up, this should be good enough for the highway and off road trails. I'm sure this vehicle can withstand a lot of abuse.

What's the load rating of the bay on the 4x4?

Having a load bearing bay at the back, it makes sense to have a leaf spring set up than coil spring. As you may already know, the load bearing capability of a leaf spring suspension cannot be mimicked by a coil spring. The ride may be great on the coil spring but it won't be robust enough. Passengers aren't expected on the loading bay and I reckon that's why leaf springs are the way to go.

I think the D-Max V-Cross is aimed at the TATA Xenon, Scorpio Getaway range of lifestyle vehicles. ISUZU is known for solidly made products,specially engines and also carries the tag of Japanese reliability. I expect the V Cross to be successful in the range it is designated to be launched. A 4x4 will only make things even better for the outdoor/offroad enthusiasts.

This is one stall which came as a surprise after a bunch of really sub standard & dull displays, some by good & established manufacturers. For the very sheer reason of displaying so many variants if not all, Isuzu deserves respect. I think this could be a good alternative for Storme if they manage to price a little lower. I was wondering what isuzu was upto, when they had the launch plans. I am not surprised anymore, looks like they have done their homework well.

I personally found the grill design of the commercial version better than the V-Cross; lesser chrome gives a better look.

First. Thank you Team BHP for the comprehensive information about the launch along with the pictures. I've been looking for a capable overland vehicle and to be honest there are hardly any choices available. I was looking at Thar, xenon and getaway earlier but as soon as i heard the news all my doubts were cleared that this is the vehicle i'm looking for. The Dmax brand is quite capable and isuzu prides on the ruggedness and durability of their products. However 15L for top spec model is quite high, especially given the fact that this segment isn't popular at all. I'd expect a lower price to attract enthusiasts.

I notice that too.

Not being from an Automotive manufacturing/supply chain background, my only thought is that does it really cost manufacturers 45% or 50% more to put a roof over the bed, provide a 3rd row of seats and replace the leaf suspension with something more modern.

Otherwise, the pick up version is looking properly specced going by the AutoExpo report including 4WD, Bluetooth, touch screen, steering controls, projector lamps etc.

From this uninformed eye, it looks like Isuzu can bring the MU-X 4WD for 17-18 lakhs if they want to. Ofcourse margins vs volumes is the first rule while pricing/budgeting so it might be priced same as the Fortuner and end up selling just like their offering today - dozens every month.

Another point i'd like to make is about the specification. At 15L i would expect 3.0 l engine with 380nm torque which Isuzu sells overseas. Also 16''!!. Cmon top spec deserves 17'' alloys. I sincerely hope that this segment opens up and we see the likes of hiluxes and rangers in the coming years. Adventure touring is opening up in a big way and I wish i can open a self drive rental someday dedicated to 4x4 overland segment. Someday. Someday. Also the modification industry should gear up, because is see a lot of Dmaxes heading to workshops for customization.

I wish they would have gotten the 1.9L engine. Same power, but newer. Would also have helped skirt 2L regulations.

Price at 15L ex showroom is risky. About 12-13 would have been more realistic, even if it meant forgoing some bells and whistles.

India is not a mature pickup market. At 12L they would have kickstarted a new segment. At 15+, somebody else may take their candy