2016 Isuzu D-Max V-Cross review, test drive

What’s it like on the inside?

First things first, if you’ve ever been inside a Trailblazer, you’ll recognise this dashboard immediately, especially the big round control set for the automatic AC. In fact, the whole interior looks like a slightly de-specced version of the big Chevy’s. The fit and finish is really impressive by the class standard, and easily on par with the Rs 20 lakh-plus SUVs; though the plastics aren’t the plushest, they do feel durable and tightly screwed together. There’s brushed silver trim instead of the glossy black plastic, the dials are simpler and the steering wheel has fewer controls on it. The digital info display between the dials gives you a handy fuel/trip computer, and also tells you which setting the 4x4 system is in. While you do get an impressively slick seven-inch touchscreen with USB, aux and Bluetooth, it misses out on satellite navigation, but that’s completely forgivable in a pick-up truck like this. What we sorely, sorely miss on the equipment list, however, are rear parking sensors and a camera, because the V-Cross is a huge vehicle; at least the mirrors are big, and electrically foldable and adjustable. And, rounding off the equipment, it’s nice to see Isuzu has specced the V-Cross with ABS and dual airbags.

The front seats are impressively large, comfortable and supportive. No, there’s no leather upholstery or electric adjustment, but you do get height manual adjustment for the driver’s seat. The driving position is very welcoming for any body size and it’s easy to get used to this truck’s massive dimensions quickly enough. What’s a bigger surprise is the back seat. The bench is generously cushioned, supportive and comfortable, with more than enough legroom, headroom and width. There’s even a fold-down centre armrest. The only things that give it away as being a UV’s rear seat are the rather upright seat back and the slightly knees-up seating position owing to a relatively low-set bench, but it’s still nothing to complain too much about.