After being out of commission for approximately one year, the Japanese carmaker Isuzu is all set to relaunch the D-Max V-Cross pickup in BS6 avatar. While its launch date is yet to be revealed, the model has already started reaching dealerships.
As the above image indicates, the D-Max Hi-lander will come with a few toned-down design elements when compared to the V-Cross variants such as glossy grey finished grille (instead of chrome in top-trim), steel wheels with plastic wheel caps (instead of alloy wheel), blacked out ORVMS and body-colored door handles (instead of chrome finishing).
Inside, the Hi-Lander's cabin will only feature basics such as manual air-conditioning, 4 speakers audio system, a tilt steering system, analog dials with a small MID, etc. On the safety front, it is likely to get dual airbags, ABS with EBD, BA (brake assist), steel underbody skid plate, seatbelt pre-tensioner with load limiter, and many more. This variant misses out on a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, multifunction steering wheels, push-button start, and more.
Under the hood, the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross is likely to feature a BS6-compliant 1.9-liter diesel engine (suggested by the DDi badging on the tailgate), which is good enough in producing 150PS of power and 350Nm of peak torque. The engine is likely to be available with a manual gearbox alongside a 6-speed torque converter automatic unit. However, the D-Max Hi-lander would only be available with a rear-wheel drivetrain (RWD), whereas the top-spec V-Cross will also get an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. The 2.5-litre diesel motor equipped in the BS4 model is unlikely to make its way on the BS6 version.
As for pricing, the BS4 Isuzu D-Max V-Cross was priced between Rs 16.55 lakh and Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom) before its discontinuation. The BS6-iteration of the Isuzu pickup truck is expected to demand a premium of around Rs 1 lakh.
