The long-awaited Isuzu D-Max V-Cross pick-up and MU-X are set to return in BS6-spec on May 10, 2021. The two models will be joined by a new Hi-Lander pick-up, which is essentially a lower derivative of the V-Cross.
- Updated V-Cross to only get 1.9-litre diesel engine option paired with an automatic gearbox
- New Hi-Lander variant to be offered solely with a manual
BS6 Isuzu D-Max V-Cross, Hi-Lander: What to expect
To begin with, while Isuzu revealed an all-new D-Max for international markets back in 2019, the model bound for India is just a BS6-compliant version of the pick-up that was on sale prior to April 2020.
As per reports, the BS6-compliant V-Cross will drop the old 2.5-litre diesel engine, with the 1.9-litre diesel – previously available in the fully-loaded model – now being the sole unit on offer. The unit will develop 163hp and 360Nm – up 13hp and 10Nm over the BS4 model – and be paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox as standard. The updated pick-up will also be available in just two variants – Z and Z Prestige, with the latter getting a 4WD system. Leaked equipment details suggest that the pick-up will get standard kit such as LED projector headlamps, keyless entry and go, auto climate control, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, parking camera, dual airbags and ABS.
The fully-loaded Z Prestige will add four airbags, ESC, traction control, shift-on-the-fly 4WD, a powered driver’s seat and cruise control, to name a few additional features.
Moving to the Hi-Lander, the model will essentially be a specced-down version of the V-Cross. It is also expected to come with the same 1.9-litre diesel engine but only in two-wheel drive form and with a manual gearbox. Expect the Hi-Lander to be positioned below the V-Cross as the entry-point to the pick-up’s range.
BS6 Isuzu MU-X: What to expect
As with the V-Cross, while the MU-X too has undergone a generation change in international markets, the older model will soldier on with an upgrade to meet BS6 norms. Little details are available on the full-size three-row SUV, though the model is likely to soldier on with an updated version of the previously available 3.0-litre diesel engine. Expect higher variants to be offered with 4WD.
BS6 Isuzu D-Max V-Cross, MU-X: Price and rivals
While the V-Cross as such will not have any direct rivals, the MU-X will go up against other full-size three-row ladder frame SUVs like the Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner and MG Gloster. Coming to the price, back in late 2019, the carmaker had revealed that the move to BS6 would see prices of its range go up by Rs 3-4 lakh over their BS4 counterparts though it remains to be seen if this will hold true over a year later.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Saptarshi Mondal
