D R I V E N

Evolutionary

Even as Isuzu struck success with its first Isuzu AUV, the Hi-lander, it was already developing its second iteration, the sportier, sleeker Crosswind.  Soon after, Isuzu brought the Crosswind to the next logical step in its evolution, the XUV.

Higher and higher

Isuzu wanted the XUV to be head and shoulders above its competitors--literally.  Changes to the suspension, wheels and tires raised the Crosswind body to heights previously reserved for full-size SUVs. AT 1891 mm overall height, the XUV's roof is now level with that of Isuzu's own Trooper. 

As Yao Ming probably knows, towering height will be more intimidating if it's backed up by muscle.  Even the illusion of bulk and brawn may be enough.  The XUV plays this game with gusto, providing a front bumper cap, body cladding with flared fenders, functional roof rails, gold badges, rear mounted spare tire, and the biggest tires in the segment, 235/70 R 15 Michelins. Well-integrated aluminum stepboards are also standard, and necessary because of the taller step-in height.  The clear headlamps are now matched by 3D effect, clear-and-red taillights.  A body-colored grille and foglamps complete the sporty appearance.  This is undoubtedly the looker of the AUV lot.

Hide Everything

For some buyers, luxury necessitates leather, so of course the XUV obliges—with lots of it.  Seats, door panels, steering wheel, shift knob and even the handbrake are covered in perforated cowhide.  The XUV even goes a step further, with stitching that matches the body color.

Thankfully, there's no fake wood on the instrument panel—just straightforward plastic materials.  Most controls are within easy reach of the driver.  The stereo is mounted high on the dashboard. The Pioneer goes through a distracting display sequence, showing an digitized, dot-matrix F1 car going through its paces. If only it could display text messages as well.  Aircon controls are still ancient-type slide switches, and the pull-and-twist type handbrake lever is also straight from a van.  Instruments are plain and simple, presenting just the necessary information with no attempt at dazzling the driver.

Interior accommodations are spacious for the first row of seats, but tight for the second row passengers.  Those using the side-facing benches may also find their heads scraping the ceiling unless they slouch a bit.

Normal or Turbo

You can have any engine you want with your XUV, as long as it’s a diesel.  Actually, there are two powerplants available, one for the manuals and another for the automatics.  Both are 2.5-liter, direct-injection, overhead valve diesels.  The normally aspirated engine mates with the manual gearbox, and it's good for 80 hp and 167 Nm of torque.  Automatic models are equipped with the turbocharged engine, which generates 83 hp and 185 Nm. 

The engine's origins as a truck powerplants are quite evident. It shakes and rattles on start up, and its grumbling engine note, though not excessively loud, is always audible.  Given its ample torque, the engine delivers disappointingly meager acceleration.  Unless you thrash the engine to its redline, you won't get anywhere in a hurry. The rubbery and vibrating shifter doesn't help much either, although clutch effort is light. 

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