Recognition at the prestigious 9th BBC TopGear Awards and 17th CNBC TV 18 Overdrive Awards
27 Jan 2017, New Delhi: The ISUZU D-MAX V-Cross was crowned ‘Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year’ 2017 at the 9th BBC TopGear Awards function held at Sofitel, Mumbai. These awards, acknowledged as a coveted recognition for the best automobile brands, saw nomination by a host of vehicle models launched in India in 2016. The ‘Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year’ award was received by Mr. Hitoshi Kono, Deputy Managing Director, Isuzu Motors India Pvt Ltd, and Capt. J Shankar Srinivas – Head of Communications, PR and External Affairs, Isuzu Motors India Pvt Ltd, in the presence of key dignitaries and leaders from the Indian automobile industry.
This is the second such recognition for the ISUZU D-MAX V-Cross. The V-Cross also won the ‘Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year’ 2017 from CNBC TV 18 Overdrive earlier in December’ 2016.
Both, BBC TopGear and CNBC-TV18 OVERDRIVE Awards are highly coveted automotive awards in the country.
The V-Cross was evaluated by juries of independent automobile experts, from amongst various models launched in the UV and SUV space in India. Talking about these awards, Mr. Hitoshi Kono said, “We are delighted to receive the ‘Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year’ award from these prestigious publications. This is a clear testimony of the realization of a new way of lifestyle motoring. The V-Cross has already been changing the way many look at an automobile for the purpose of both adventure and weekday driving. These awards will further inspire us to continue our efforts at promoting adventure lifestyle and experience for our V-Cross customers in India.”
About ISUZU D-MAX V-Cross:
The V-Cross is India’s First Adventure Utility Vehicle – a premium lifestyle pickup with a capable 4WD that makes it a strong combination of an SUV + off-roader. With the premium SUV styling, features and practicality of the utility deck, the V-Cross is the right vehicle for new Indian SUV buyer.
A shift-on-the-fly 4WD backed by ISUZU’s legendary build quality makes it a tough off-roader. The V-Cross also has a dedicated large deck that can carry personal gear, luggage and equipment especially for long road-trips, adventure and off-roading activity.
Along with premium SUV styling and a host of contemporary features including the exterior, it sports an aggressive wedge shaped design with perfect proportions of flowing lines and a unique flat-underbody. The interiors of the V-Cross come with state-of-the-art features with ergonomically designed seats, steering mounted audio controls, and electro-luminescent meters with MID (Multi Information Display).
While the V-Cross is the ideal vehicle for the adventure seekers, it is also a very good match for those personal vehicle buyers who want to showcase their individuality in urban settings and stand out from the current crowd of SUV owners in the market. The V-Cross can be customized and accessorized to the requirement of every individual buyer; a value proposition that is unique to this AUV. The buyer has an opportunity to fully personalize the vehicle to match his or her individual personality; be it the adventurous off-roader or the urban buyer seeking a high style quotient. The V-Cross can be customized with a host of after-market and custom built accessories that make it look truly unique and awe-inspiring.
The V-Cross comes with a powerful engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission with a 4WD (shift-on-the-fly) mode. The chassis frame is based on iGRIP technology (Isuzu Gravity Response Intelligent Platform) that ensures greater stability even at high speeds and sharp curves. The vehicle has been tested for over 4 million kms and is backed by ISUZU’s legendary engineering that offers superior driving experience.
ISUZU has a strong legacy of making tough, durable and tank-like vehicles that can perform in the most demanding terrains. The vehicles have consistently performed in some of the toughest rally raids and off-road challenges across the world, including the DAKAR Rally Raid, the Australasian Safari, Pharaohs Rally, British Cross Country Championship (BCCC) and China Silk Road Rally to name a few.
About Isuzu Motors (India)
Isuzu Motors Limited, Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan is a global manufacturer of light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles, utility vehicles and diesel engines. With operations in 25 countries, selling in more than 100 countries worldwide, the company is a leader in pick-ups and commercial vehicles in many markets. The company manufactures and sells over 6 lakh units annually, across the world.
Isuzu Motors India Private Limited (IMI), a subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan, was established in August 2012. ISUZU inaugurated its state of the art manufacturing plant in Sri City, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh in April 2016. Spread over an area of 107 acres, the plant manufactures the new range of ISUZU D-MAX pickups and the V-Cross Adventure Utility Vehicle with a high level of localization in India. The initial production capacity of the manufacturing plant is 50,000 units per annum, which can be scaled up to 120,000 units in future.
The company has dedicated dealer outlets, strategically located in 27 locations across the country.
