March 16: Japanese automobile company Isuzu has launched two variants of D-Max pickup in the Nepali market. The company today amid a function held at the capital introduced the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross and S-Cab. Dubbed as the 'Adventure Utility Vehicle', the two new four-wheelers were launched under the sole distributorship of Continental Trading Enterprise, a subsidiary of Continental Group. Issuing a press statement, the company said that that the new range of Isuzu pickups are based on the latest generation D-MAX platform and manufactured at state of the art plant at Sri City, Andhra Pradesh in India.  “The vehicles are built with the same tough, durable, reliable and life-lasting quality that ISUZU is globally known for and are powered by the legendry Isuzu diesel engines renowned for fuel efficiency, reliability and performance,” reads the statement.

Meanwhile, a new Isuzu showroom at Gairidhra, Kathmandu was also inaugurated on the occasion. The outlet was jointly inaugurated by Shinya Machida, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan, Toru Kishimoto, Executive Vice President, Isuzu Motors International Operations (Thailand) and Suhrid Ghimire, President, Pvt Ltd. “Nepal is gaining huge significance in the Pickup Segment, thanks to the increased infrastructure works and growing popularity of pickup as a lifestyle vehicle”. Isuzu with its brand promise of ‘Never Stop’ will bring out products that will support the growing aspirations of our Nepalese Customer”, Kishimoto said.

Speaking at the occasion, Continental Trading Enterprises President Ghimire said, “We are extremely pleased to unveil the new range of Isuzu D-MAX for Nepal. The pickup market in Nepal is expected to grow manifold and Isuzu has laid strong emphasis on offering a range of its latest D-Max products. We have sensed an intense anticipation for a thorough-bred Adventure Utility Vehicle among Nepalis. The new Isuzu D-Max V-Cross will excite the pulse of every adventurous Nepalese as it has done in other parts of the world.” “The new range of commercial purpose Isuzu D-Max pick-ups will continue to be a preferred pick-up for many business enterprises, thanks to the versatility and functionality it offers,” he added.

D-Max V-Cross

As per the statement, the D-Max V-Cross is the second generation pick-up from Isuzu. Powered by a 134 hp, BSIV compliant, high pressure Common Rail Fuel Injection Diesel Engine, the power train is mated to a robust five speed manual transmission that delivers a maximum torque level of 320 Nm at 1800-2800 rpm. The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross is equipped with off-road features like 4WD (shift-on-fly) drive mode, High Ride suspension that offers higher ground clearance, wider track with longer wheel base. Similarly, the chassis frame is designed with a new iGRIP feature that ensures greater stability even at high speeds and sharp curves. The four-wheeler comes with projector headlamps, 16 inch alloy wheels, sporty roof rails, ORVM with turn side indicator and chrome finish for front grille, ORVM, ergonomically designed driver seats, steering mounted audio controls, and electro-luminescent meters with MID (Multi Information Display) and a seven inch touchscreen audio system with USB input, DVD, AUX, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity.

Likewise, its heavy duty chassis and a large cargo bed to makes it ideal for both commercial and personal use in industries like agriculture, retail, dairy, engineering, manufacturing, construction, mining and small business,” according to the company. D-Max V-Cross is available in two variants of 2.5L and 3.0L. Priced at Rs 60, 90,000, the 2.5L variant is made in India whereas, the Thailand-made 3.0L variant is available at Rs 72,90,000 in the local market.

D-MAX S CAB

The D-Max S-Cab is based on the new generation platform and is powered by the Isuzu diesel engine. A per the company, the D-Max S-Cab, a five-seater pickup, caters to the modern businessmen and professionals. “The S-Cab is also ergonomically designed with a host of superior features for safety, comfort and convenience for the modern pickup driver,” mentions the company. The pickup is priced at Rs 39, 90,000.