Isuzu D-Max Hi-Lander is essentially the less-premium version of the V-Cross, but it still has a lot on offer, as we’ve discussed below
Isuzu has finally launched the BS6-compliant MU-X and D-Max in the Indian market, more than a year after their BS4 versions were discontinued. Isuzu D-Max pickup is now available in two variants – the familiar V-Cross and the new Hi-Lander – with the latter being the new base variant.
If you’re curious about the Hi-Lander, then keep on reading ahead. Here, we have highlighted the top five things you should know about the new Isuzu D-Max Hi-Lander.
1. Relatively affordable price tag
Isuzu Hi-Lander has been priced at Rs. 16.98 lakh (ex-showroom, Tamil Nadu), which is significantly more affordable than the V-Cross (priced from Rs. 19.98 lakh to Rs. 24.49 lakh, ex-showroom, Tamil Nadu). The relatively lower price tag would allow Isuzu to appeal to a wider audience.
2. Comfort
Isuzu has also well taken care of comfort in the Hi-Lander, offering bucket seats (front row), manual AC (with pollen filter), all power windows, 6-way adjustable driver seat, and foldable second-row seats (with 40:60 split). It may not be as premium as the V-Cross, but the Hi-Lander isn’t a bare-bones workhorse either.
3. Safety features
Isuzu Hi-Lander offers a few important safety features, like ABS with EBD, traction control, ESC, brake override system, and dual front airbags. It also gets steel underbody protection, which is extremely useful when exploring the wilderness. However, it misses out on a lot of features compared to V-Cross, like LED headlights, alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system, fog lamps, keyless entry, push-button start/stop, etc.
4. Plenty of official accessories available
Isuzu is also offering a plethora of official accessories for the Hi-Lander, including bed liner, cargo rails, hard lid (for the bed), D-Box, sports bar, illuminated scuff plate, seat covers, carpet floor mats, front bumper guard, canopy, door visors, taillamp guard, cargo net, bicycle carrier, and an emergency tool set.
5. Powerful diesel engine
Isuzu is offering a 1.9-litre, turbocharged, inline-4 diesel engine on the Hi-Lander, which is the same one as on the V-Cross. This motor is capable of generating a peak power and torque of 163 PS and 360 Nm, respectively. The Hi-Lander is only available with a 6-speed manual transmission, which sends power to the rear wheels. The four-wheel-drive configuration is only offered on the V-Cross.