Isuzu D-Max To Get A New Two-Wheel-Drive Base Variant

• Isuzu to launch BS6-compliant D-Max soon.
• Base variant to be called D-Max Hi-lander while top models will retain the V-Cross name. 
• Features essentials such as manual air-con, dual airbags, and rear parking sensors. 
• It will be powered by the 150PS 1.9-litre diesel engine in BS6 avatar. 
• The Hi-Lander will drive only the rear wheels.
• It’s aimed at buyers who use the truck as a workhorse mostly on the road.

Isuzu is all set to launch the BS6 iteration of the D-Max pick-up truck in the country. While we’ve already had a glimpse of the V-Cross, images of the new base-spec ‘D-Max Hi-lander’ have now surfaced online. The base models will be called the Hi-Lander while the top models will retain the V-Cross nameplate. The new base variant drives the rear wheels and lacks the off-road prowess of the four-wheel-drive model.

Considering the Hi-Lander is the base variant, it gets a few toned-down design elements. For instance, the grille (which is in chrome in the top model) is finished in shiny grey while the alloy wheels have been replaced by steel wheels with plastic wheel caps. Also, the chrome on the door handles and ORVMs has been done away with for good. 

The first word that comes to mind on seeing the D-Max Hi-Lander’s cabin is spartan. All the niceties, including the touchscreen infotainment system, climate control, keyless entry with push-button start, and steering-mounted audio controls have been skipped. The only features we noticed are the manual air-con, dual airbags, and rear parking sensors. 

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The Ddi badging confirms it will be powered by an updated BS6-compliant 150PS 1.9-litre diesel engine. These spy shots also confirm this engine will now be offered with a manual gearbox that will be sold alongside the optional 6-speed automatic transmission. However, unlike the top model, which gets a four-wheel-drive system, the Hi-Lander drives only the rear wheels. So those looking to go off-roading have no other choice but to pick the V-Cross variants. 

Since this is a new base variant with only two-wheel drive, it should be priced similarly or lower than the BS4 V-Cross which retails from Rs 16.55 lakh. This variant may lack the off-road prowess of the four-wheel-drive variant, but it is aimed at those who use it as a workhorse, rather than lifestyle purposes. 

Also, one could save some cash by opting for the base variant and put it towards customising the truck. After all, who wouldn’t like a bad-ass looking truck!

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