Isuzu D-MAX V-Cross Facelift Launched At Rs 15.51 Lakh

• The front end gets an aggressive-looking grille and sleek headlamps.
• Major changes at the side and back include new alloy wheels and LED tail lamps.
• Inside, the D-MAX V-Cross gets an all-black dashboard, door pads and seats.
• It also gets new safety features to make it compliant with the AIS 145 safety norms.
• Continues to be powered by the same 2.5-litre BSIV-compliant diesel engine.

Isuzu has launched the facelifted version of its butch pick-up truck, the D-MAX V-Cross. Priced from Rs 15.51 lakh for the standard variant and Rs 17.03 lakh for the top-spec ‘Z’ variant (ex-showroom, Mumbai), the facelifted pickup costs around Rs 24,000 more than the pre-facelifted model. With such a marginal price hike for the facelifted model, let’s see what it brings to the table.

The Isuzu D-MAX V-Cross facelift gets a more aggressive face than before. A brand new chrome grille dominates the front which is flanked by sleeker headlamps that now house a funky looking ‘L’ shaped DRL. Lower down, there are new fog lamp housings which has grown in size and have a chrome finish. At the side, there are new 12-spoke alloy wheels that have now grown up in size to give it a more macho look and if you look close, there is a newly designed side step as well. Changes at the rear include a new set of LED taillamps and a new chrome bumper.

Isuzu has also given the pickup two new exterior shades -- ‘Sapphire Blue’ and ‘Silky Pearl White’.

On the inside, the dashboard, door pads and seats are now finished in black compared to the previous black-beige combo. There is a new instrument cluster with a gear-shift indicator and on closer inspection, the silver inserts on the dashboard and door pads have been replaced by piano-black inserts. Apart from that, the layout of the dash remains identical to the pre facelift truck.

The D-MAX V-Cross adds some new features to its kitty. This includes keyless entry with push button start, cruise control, leatherette upholstery and a USB charger for the second row. Talking about standard features, the D-MAX V-Cross gets a touchscreen infotainment system, steering-mounted audio controls, climate control, power windows and electrically adjustable driver seat.

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The facelifted model also adds safety features to its kitty. While dual airbags and ABS were offered as standard previously, the pickup now gets speed-sensitive auto door locks, driver and co-driver seatbelt warning and high speed alert as standard to make it compliant with the upcoming AIS 145 safety norms. Top-spec models also come with ESP, traction control, hill-start assist and hill descent control.

Powering the facelifted D-MAX V-Cross is the 2.5-litre BSIV-compliant diesel engine that’s found in the pre-facelift model. t produces 134PS of power and 320Nm of peak torque. Mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, the DMAX V-Cross comes with a shift on the fly four-wheel drive system. We had expected Isuzu to bring in the BS6 ready 1.9-litre diesel engine with the automatic transmission as it has been spied on test previously.

The pre facelift Isuzu D-MAX V-Cross always scored high on desirability thanks to its butch looks, practicalilty and go-anywhere capability. And with the facelifted model, Isuzu wants to take it a step further. With competitive pricing and no direct rivals, it is the sole choice for enthusiasts looking for a feature-loaded pick-up truck in India.