While the pickup truck culture never flourished over here, the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross is arguably responsible for giving this segment a much-needed shot in the arm. However, the V-Cross was pulled off the shelves owing to the stricter emission norms that came into effect early last year. That said, Isuzu is now looking to re-launch the lifestyle pickup with a BS6 engine. Earlier last month, the Isuzu D-Max was spotted in its BS6 guise as it was headed to dealership yards, hinting at its imminent launch.
Now, Isuzu have officially teased the 2021
D-Max V-Cross for India. As is evident in the teaser image above and from
previous spy shots, Isuzu will continue selling the second-generation of the
pickup here in India while other global markets have already moved on the
third-generation model. Compared to the current India-spec version, the new
Isuzu D-Max V-Cross looks a lot more premium and even gets a revised ladder
frame chassis for improved driving stability and reduced NVH levels. It's
powered 3.0-litre oil-burner.
On the other hand, the now-defunct
India-spec D-Max V-Cross was on sale with two diesel engine options - 1.9-litre and 2.5-litre. The former produced
150hp-350Nm and was available with a 6-speed auto 'box, while the latter
produced 134hp-320Nm and came mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The 2021
Isuzu D-Max V-Cross is likely to be available with only the 1.9-litre engine
but the carmaker could offer 6-speed manual and automatic transmission options.
Power and torque figures could see a
marginal change. As was revealed by previous spy shots, other than the updated
powertrain, the pickup truck is unlikely to feature any other update. Akin to
the BS4 version, the BS6 model will offer features like a touchscreen
infotainment system, cruise control, steering-mounted audio controls, front and
rear LED lighting, climate control, power windows, keyless entry with
push-button, electrically adjustable driver seat, dual airbags, ABS with EBD,
ESC, TC, and rear parking sensors.
The BS4 Isuzu D-Max V-Cross used to be on
sale in a price range of INR 16.55 lakh to 19.99 lakh (ex-showroom). However,
the updated version could command a premium of up to INR 1 lakh over its
predecessor. Interestingly, last year, Isuzu announced that the BS6 D-Max
V-Cross could cost a whopping INR 4 lakh more than the BS4 version. T
