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Initially, the 2.5-liter turbo diesel engine accelerates fairly quickly leaving the smaller sedans behind. However, don’t expect to win the battle to 100 km/h even with a Kia Pride, as the engine loses steam when it reaches 80 km/h. In fact, the performance of the Crosswind seems to plateau quite quickly. This is even more irritating when you add this to the fact that the automatic transmission isn’t geared for top speed, but rather, acceleration. In terms of ownership experience, the Crosswind we’ve tested has done 3,425 kilometers on the odometer and quite frankly, the build quality isn’t impressive. In fact, some of the interior trim such as the door panels already rattle. Nonetheless, some pluses for the Crosswind include the standard dual air con system (easily takes care of Manila noontime heat) and the keyless entry system. Overall, the Crosswind fits in nicely into the AUV crowd without going head-to-head with the likes of the Revo and the Adventure. The Crosswind comes in using its diesel engine as its desirable advantage, especially taking into account that it produces more torque than any of its rivals. Unfortunately, at the same time, the engine is also the biggest letdown of the Crosswind, since it feels very unrefined compared to the 2.0-liter gasoline engines of the competition. The automatic seems to dissipate a lot of the otherwise robust torque too. Nonetheless, the Isuzu Crosswind is a good alternative for those people who don’t want simulated luxury in their AUVs—those who feel that AUVs are nothing more than troop carriers, and who don’t really care about the presence of faux wood trim or leather seats. Funny thing is that in the end, the Highlander shouts sportiness from its exterior looks, but mumbles utilitarianism from the inside as well as in the area of performance. Isuzu may be holding all the right cards, but it hasn’t played them right just yet. The search for the perfect AUV continues… |
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