Isuzu V-Cross facelift spotted testing in India for the first time

-    Revealed internationally at the 2017 Thailand International Motor Expo. 

-    It gets cosmetic changes but the mechanical is expected to remain unchanged. 

-    Expected to be revealed early next year. 

Isuzu launched the updated MU-X in India last month after showcasing it in Thailand in February 2017. Now it’s the turn of the carmaker’s lifestyle pickup, the D-Max V-Cross, which will undergo a facelift soon. We spotted a test mule of the V-Cross facelift masked with heavy camouflage for the first time on the streets of Goa. 

First showcased at the Thailand International Motor Expo last year, the V-Cross facelift will receive a major cosmetic update in terms of new fascia apart from a slightly revised cabin. The fascia will get a new grille with a redesigned signature for the headlamps. Basis the international model, the V-Cross facelift’s headlights will get an L-shaped DRL with an imposing centre grille. Revised bumper design will be effected both fore and aft, while the taillight signature will also undergo major rework. Even the tailgate will see subtle changes. The multi-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels on the test mule are the same ones seen on the updated international model. 

Similar to the MU-X, the V-Cross facelift too is expected to get an updated cabin with a host of added features. The feature list could see an addition of quilted leather upholstery, bigger screen, mobile phone connectivity, cruise control, and added airbags as standard. 

Under the hood of the updated pickup will be the same powertrain option available in the current model. Which means the 2.5-litre turbodiesel produces 134bhp at 3,600 rpm and 320Nm at 1,800-2,800 rpm. The transmission is a five-speed manual with a shift-on-the-fly 4WD system with 2WD. 

Isuzu is expected to launch the updated V-Cross in the country in early 2019. But it won’t come as a surprise if we see the facelifted pick-up arrive in India by the end of this year. Further details will be revealed in the weeks to come, so keep watching this space for more.