Isuzu’s Pickups: They Get the Job Done

Continental Trading Enterprise, a subsidiary of Continental Group and the sole authorized distributor of Isuzu vehicle for Nepal launched two new models of Isuzu—Isuzu D-Max V-Cross and S Cab—in March, reviving the Japanese brand in Nepal. The company has introduced the vehicles as Adventure Utility Vehicle. Both models are manufactured in Isuzu’s India plant and are claimed to be built with the ruggedness, durability and reliability synonymous to the brand Isuzu. Isuzu D-Max V-Cross is the 2nd generation pick-up from Isuzu. The pickup is tough, durable and comes with aggressive styling and a host of safety features. It is powered by a 4-cylinder common rail turbo-intercooled 2,499 cc diesel engine. The engine delivers a maximum power of 134 hp at 3,600 rpm, and a peak torque of 320 Nm at 1,800-2,800 rpm. The powertrain is coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission equipped with off-roading features like 4WD (shift-on-fly) drive mode, high ride suspension that offers higher ground clearance and wider track with longer wheel base. The chassis frame is designed with a new iGRIP feature (Isuzu Gravity Response Intelligent Platform) that ensures greater stability even at high speeds and sharp curves. The pickup has a host of contemporary features apart from its proven off-road features that offer an urban driving experience. The exterior of the vehicle sports an aggressive and muscular design with perfect proportions of flowing lines. Aerodynamic design and muscular fenders makes it look robust with a dominating road presence. It comes with features like projector headlamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, sporty roof rails, ORVM with turn side indicator and chrome finish for front grille, ORVM and door handles. The interiors of the V-Cross come with state-of-the-art features of comfort and convenience with ergonomically designed driver seats, steering mounted audio controls, and electro-luminescent meters with MID (Multi Information Display) and 7-inch touchscreen audio system with USB input, DVD, AUX, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity. According to the company, Isuzu D-Max V-Cross has many advantages over a Sports Utility Vehicle with features like large open deck that can carry luggage to suit the needs of long road trips, adventure trips, vacationing etc. The pickup boasts of a heavy duty chassis, a large cargo bed to accommodate the bulkiest of loads, making it ideal for both personal and commercial use (in industries like agriculture, retail, dairy and engineering among others). Isuzu D-Max V-Cross is priced at Rs 6,490,000, and comes with a warranty of 3 years or 100,000 kms, whichever is earlier. The company has sold 45 units of V-cross in just four months of its launch. Likewise, the D-Max S-Cab runs on a 4-cylinder common rail turbo intercooled 2,499cc diesel engine that churns out a maximum output of 78 hp at 3,800 rpm and a peak torque of 176 Nm at 1,800-2,400 rpm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. According to the company, the S-Cab is a 5-seater pickup based on the new generation platform and caters to modern businessmen and professionals. The S-CAB is also ergonomically designed with a host of superior features for safety, comfort and convenience for the modern pickup driver. It comes with features like 24 square feet deck with low loading height, dual position tailgate with centre-lift type handle, and flexible rear seats which is foldable with 60:40 tip-up. The pickup is ideal for wide range of applications in commercial transportation, and can also be customized for special purpose applications in the logistics and allied business requirements. The D-Max S-Cab is available at Rs 3,990,000 and it also comes with a warranty of 3 years or 100,000 kms, whichever precedes.