In 2020, when manufacturers were updating their cars to meet BS6 norms, Isuzu took a pause, and finally unveiled its BS6-compliant range. Isuzu not only launched the BS6 compliant range today but has also unveiled two new variants of the V-Cross — the new entry-level Hi-Lander and the Z AT.
Under the hood, the Isuzus carry over the same 1.9-litre diesel engine, but with adjustments to help it meet BS6 norms. It makes 161bhp and 360Nm, which is more than before, and is paired either to a six-speed manual or an automatic ’box. Also, you now have an option to have a four-wheel-drive with an automatic transmission in the V-Cross Z Prestige variant and the MU-X’s automatic variant, while with V-Cross Z can be had either with four-wheel-drive in manual guise or a two-wheel-drive with an automatic gearbox. The entry-level Hi-Lander comes only with two-wheel-drive with a six-speed manual transmission.
On the outside, the entry-level Hi-Lander variant gets grey grille, halogen headlamps, grey ORVMs, body-coloured door handles and runs on 16-inch steel wheels. On the other hand, the V-Cross Z Prestige and V-Cross Z variant get Bi-LED auto-leveling projector headlamps and 18-inch alloys, along with a side step and shark fin antenna in gun-metal finish. On the inside the Hi-Lander and V-Cross variants get a black and grey interior layout with a 3D instrument cluster, a charging port for second-row and an additional AC vent. The V-Cross’ Z variant gets a similar layout in brown and grey leather, with piano black finish for the dash. In addition to these, they also get steering mounted audio controls, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with DVD, AUX, iPod, Bluetooth and USB connectivity – no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. While, the MU-X on the inside gets a seven-seat layout with leather seats, adjustable headrests and the seats also get a standard one touch split/fold option creating enough room for luggage on long trips.
Prioritizing safety in all the Isuzus, the vehicles come with Isuzu Gravity Response Intelligent Platform (iGRIP platform) and get safety features like Brake Override System (BOS) which cuts the power to the engine in case of panic braking, when both accelerators and brakes are pressed at the same time. Also, they come equipped with height adjustable seat-belts, speed sensitive auto door lock, airbags, collapsible steering column, and underbody steel protection for the engine. The V-Cross Z Prestige variant has ESC (Electronic Stability Control) with TCS (Traction Control System) and HDC (Hill Descent Control) as standard in addition to these features.
Tsuguo Fukumura, MD, Isuzu Motors India, said, “Isuzu’s passenger vehicles range of pick-ups and SUVs have been consistently well-received since launch. Being a Game Changer, they have been able to create a positive impression and satiate the aspirational vehicle needs for discerning customers. We are delighted to expand our offering in this segment with the addition of the Hi-Lander and V-Cross Z 4x2 AT variant to cater to a larger audience. The new Isuzu passenger vehicles are developed to truly enhance the value proposition with best-in-class design, performance, comfort, safety, and driving pleasure for our valued customers.”
He also added, “India is a key market for us, and we will continue to bring in the best technology and engineering that Isuzu has to offer globally. Isuzu is globally renowned for making tough, reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles and our new BSVI range embodies these characteristics.”
The Isuzu range with the updated BS6-compliant engine will now be offered at an introductory price of Rs 16.98 lakh for the entry-level Hi-Lander variant while the V-Cross Z AT will come at an introductory price of Rs 19.98 lakh. Progressing up in the portfolio the prices will be, Rs 20.98 lakh for the manual four-wheel-drive V-Cross Z, Rs 24.49 lakh for the AT four-wheel-drive V-Cross Z Prestige. The MU-X starts at Rs 33.23 lakh for the two-wheel-drive variant while the four-wheel-drive variant is priced at Rs 35.19 lakh.