A new test mule of the Isuzu V-Cross was spotted in Delhi NCR. It was equipped with a soft canopy at the back which might make it suitable for military operations like troop carrier.
Indian Army’s requirement of non-military vehicles
Apart from the larger fully armoured vehicles, the military has a requirement of light-armoured as well as non-armoured vehicles. These are used for patrolling and as a troop carrier in non war operations.
Such vehicles usually have a 4X4 system to ensure good traction on even tricky surfaces. Many times, they are deployed in places with no proper roads. The low range gearbox will help tackle difficult situations. Other vehicles already in use by the Army include the likes of the Nissan Jonga and 1 Ton, Maruti Gypsy, Mahindra MMs, Scorpios and Thars, Toyota Fortuners, Tata Xenon and others.
A pickup truck will offer much more utility than a regular SUV.
Army-spec Isuzu V-Cross
The test vehicle was painted in a green shade that is not offered to the public. It is a bright green shade, not the usual military green version. The truck measures 5,295 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width and 1,840 mm in height and has a 3,095 mm wheelbase that offers roomy interiors and a large pick-up bed. The pick-up truck can seat 5 people and offers a 2400 kg GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) on the 4×2 and 2510 kg GVW on the 4×4.
The V-Cross gets a 1.9-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine. This motor makes 161 BHP and has a max torque of 360 Nm. Isuzu has offered two gearbox options on this vehicle. These include the 6-speed manual or the 6-speed automatic. The ground clearance is 225 mm.
The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross 4×4 variants come with a terrain command feature and Shift-On-Fly drive mode. This along with a High Ride suspension offers a offers high ground clearance and the ability to traverse over tough terrain with ease. The pick-up also gets a wider track with 18-inch alloy wheels.
Also Read – Isuzu Motors India adds authorized service center in Jammu.
