Q.Isuzu D-MAX V-Cross Launch and Updates

Isuzu Motors India has issued a recall of its latest adventure utility vehicle D-Max V-Cross in India. This recall comes after some customers complained about experiencing a jerk at certain RPMs. The issue, the company has stated, will be fixed by upgrading the ECU software. Isuzu claims this is an easy fix that will only take about 30 minutes and has already started contacting customers of the affected models.

Take a look at [URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/profile/179"]Tushar[/URL]'s [URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/reviews-advice/reviews/isuzu-dmax-vcross-review/26506/"]review of Isuzu's latest offering, the D-Max V-Cross[/URL] in India. "Is it a showpiece or a showstopper?". [ATTACH=CONFIG]n18911[/ATTACH]

Sigh! This Isuzu D-Max V-Cross is taking up too much mind space in my dream garage now. It really has something that appeals to the primate in me. Check out this kitted out D-Max V-Cross! Shows what you can do with it. [IMG]https://media.zigcdn.com/forum/filedata/fetch?filedataid=6844&type=large[/IMG] [IMG]https://media.zigcdn.com/forum/filedata/fetch?filedataid=6845&type=large[/IMG] (Photos Courtesy: Harry Batra)

Overdrive India has done a review of the D-Max V-Cross. Looks like a very well-rounded package. Time to replace the Mahindra[video=youtube;O4M1vLB5OYQ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4M1vLB5OYQ[/video] Thar I guess!

[QUOTE=Roshun;n13704]Isuzu opened its factory to manufacture the D-Max V-Cross in April 2016 at Sri City in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. This facility has an annual production capacity of 50,000 units. This figure includes the regular D-Max utility vehicle as well as the V-Cross pick up. That's a little over 4,100 units a month. Of this, how much do you think would be for the D-Max pick up and how much for the V-Cross? Perhaps the company has not yet managed to scale up to its capacity yet and hence the delay. [/QUOTE] The 50k units/year must be their targetted capacity. I doubt they're selling so much more than that, to create a backlog.

I hope the company can scale up production of the V-Cross soon enough. I can see it becoming a very popular vehicle down south as there a lot more Isuzu dealers and service centres there. I also hope other car manufacturers too bring in their pick-up trucks to India to get a slice of the pie that Isuzu is planning to tap into. It would be nice if Renault could bring their Oroch pick-up truck that is currently on sale in Latin America. The Oroch is nothing but a Duster with a double cab and cargo bay setup.

Isuzu opened its factory to manufacture the D-Max V-Cross in April 2016 at Sri City in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. This facility has an annual production capacity of 50,000 units. This figure includes the regular D-Max utility vehicle as well as the V-Cross pick up. That's a little over 4,100 units a month. Of this, how much do you think would be for the D-Max pick up and how much for the V-Cross? Perhaps the company has not yet managed to scale up to its capacity yet and hence the delay.

I don't think it is a gimmick to keep interest high. A lot of prospective customers will be put off by the 6 month waiting period, so that might prove to be counterproductive. Doubt that there is such a [I]huge[/I] demand for a pickup truck, so I think it might have to do with production constraints.

Recently, one of my friends has gone ahead and booked the D Max V Cross. The waiting time has really shot up on this car due to its amazingly competitive price 4x4 capability. The Isuzu dealer in Gurgaon has given him a 6 month waiting period. And this is after the local production on the V Cross has started. Wonder if the demand is actually that high or is this is a gimmick by the company to keep the interest high?

This vehicle is already a great looking pickup truck. Till now, even though many manufacturers have ventured into the pickup truck segment , none have been very successful. The small service network by Isuzu is another factor which may put off many adventurers who would want to take it to all parts of the country. It is a great vehicle for modifications as it has been quite popular in Thailand and there are loads of modification parts and accessories available for in in Thailand which can be easily imported and used here. With 70% localization, and the great pricing, it is surely got some check boxes ticked. However, it is a life style vehicle with a very small segment interested in this. For those who are, this would be a great option over the Tata Xenon. Most of the sales is going to be in the commercial sector, and the V-Cross may not be the higher seller for Isuzu. Still, its nice to see such cars in the roads.

One thing that interested us the most at the [URL="http://www.zigwheels.com/forum/posts/4035-auto-expo-2016-isuzu-unveils-d-max-v-cross"]Auto Expo 2016 was this “pick-up truck” from Isuzu[/URL]. Called the D-MAX V-Cross, an adventure utility vehicle. Isuzu has now commenced booking for the same at an introductory price of Rs 12.49 lakhs (ex-showroom, Chennai). Deliveries for the same will start in the month of July and are being manufactured in Isuzu’s new Sri City plant in Andhra Pradesh. There will be only one variant for now. Isuzu have managed to achieve 70% localization with the V-Cross, hence helping them keep the price competitive. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n9843[/ATTACH] [B]What you will like:-[/B] [LIST] [*]Butch, purposeful looks coupled with immense road presence [*]Dual cab setup, can seat 5 in relative comfort [*]Large flat boot with a lockable lid (accessory) [*]Shift-On-Fly four wheel drive with a low ratio gearbox [*]Good ground clearance, approach and departure angle [*]Fairly well equipped, for a vehicle in this segment [*]Price, considering the equipment on offer [*]Accessories on offer is impressive [*]You don’t need a commercial vehicle license to drive it. [/LIST] [B]What you will not like:-[/B] [LIST] [*]Large dimensions, pain to manoeuvre and park in the city [*]Interior design, utilitarian than being stylish [*]Isuzu service network and resale value [*]Cost of ownership, being an bulky SUV [*]Open boot attracts dust and your luggage will also be prone to theft [/LIST] [B]Standout features:-[/B] [LIST] [*]Level of standard equipment is impressive [*]High ride suspension and ground clearance [/LIST] [B]Who should buy this:-[/B] [LIST] [*]Someone looking at an adventure/lifestyle vehicle which can seat 5 in comfort [*]Someone who needs a flatbed combined with off-road abilities [*]People wanting an SUV that stands out. [/LIST] D-MAX V-Cross is entering one of the few segment that hasn’t seen much activity in India. Mahindra Scorpio Getaway and Tata Xenon tried their luck, and was met with limited success. V-Cross combines off-road abilities with relative passenger comfort in an affordable package. This segment has seen immense popularity in the international markets, especially USA as a utilitarian vehicle which can also be used for daily commuting purposes. V-Cross looks imposing from the front with that thick chrome grille and upward swept projector headlamps. High set bumper and high ground clearance add to its character. V-Cross also gets skid plates with engine bottom guard in the front. [IMG]http://www.zigcdn.com/forum/filedata/fetch?id=4092&d=1454482213&type=full[/IMG] From the profile, you get an idea of V-Cross’s dimensions and the dual cab setup with four regular doors. The flat bed is neatly done with the roof line slopping into the open trunk. V-Cross also gets roof rails, but there is no cladding. I guess V-Cross won’t be needing one. :) Tyres on duty are 235/70 section rubber wrapped around those 16 inch alloys, looks nice? [ATTACH=CONFIG]n9853[/ATTACH] The rear is plain with just a small boot lid which opens into a high set flat bed. You would really need to lift up your luggage to load it into the trunk. The large deck is ideal to carry personal gear, luggage, and equipment for your outdoor activities. The rear is also flanked by a set of simple looking tail lamps with some weird chrome outline. Why Isuzu? [ATTACH=CONFIG]n9854[/ATTACH] The chassis frame is based on [B]iGRIP technology (Isuzu Gravity Response Intelligent Platform)[/B] that ensures greater stability even at high speeds and sharp curves. Strong and collapsible front and rear chassis with crumple zone and impact absorbing bonnet design are other few features worth mentioning. The interior design is very utilitarian, but comes with all an impressive list of equipment (will get to that later). It is built to last the constant abuse it will subjected to. The rear seats are spacious, can seat three in comfort. The rear legroom will be just about adequate for a six-footer. There is abundant storage places inside. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n9855[/ATTACH] Now to the power plant. Powering the V-Cross is a 2.5 litre diesel motor producing a peak power 134 bhp @ 3600 rpm and 320 Nm @ 1800-2800 rpm of maximum torque. This is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. V-Cross also gets Shift-On-Fly 4WD system, which is operated through a rotary knob near the gearbox. V-Cross gets double wishbone suspension at front and long span leaf springs at the rear. Braking is done using ventilated discs with twin pot calliper with 10.5 inch brake booster at the front and drums at the rear. The steering is a hydraulic power assisted unit. [B]Now to the equipment list:-[/B] [LIST] [*]Auto ac with pollen filter [*]6-way adjustable driver’s seat [*]7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with USB, AUX and Bluetooth connectivity [*]Electrically foldable ORVMs [*]Electro-luminescent MID [*]Steering mounted audio controls [*]Dual airbags, ABS, EBD and Brake Assist [*]ISOFIX (child seat) anchorage at the rear seats [*]60:40 split rear seat [*]Projector headlamps with Fresnel Blister [/LIST] [IMG]http://www.zigcdn.com/forum/filedata/fetch?id=4093&d=1454482343&type=full[/IMG] Does it make sense buying a V-Cross? Definitely great value for money. But, the problem with a vehicle like this is what purpose you are buying it for? For an all-out adventure vehicle, spacious cabin with a large load bay or a lifestyle vehicle that you take out during the weekend, then Isuzu D-MAX V-Cross should be on your list. Check out this showcase video done by Cardekho [video=youtube;6a36EqGCQF8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a36EqGCQF8[/video] [I]Image courtesy:- Motoroids[/I]