THROUGH the years, sport-utes and AUVs have developed into highly sophisticated motor vehicles that have become the cars of choice of modern, mobile Filipinos.

But through all these years of fast-paced movement in this automobile sector, one brand has continuously remained steady and unmoving in its standard and performance.

I am, of course, talking about the ever-reliable Isuzu Crosswind XTi. Having been given the privilege to use it for almost the whole duration of the recent holidays, my eyes were opened to the fact that even while it has been in the market for the past decade, the Crosswind has never faltered in its level of standard or performance.

The body is still built ruggedly enough to carry whole families and their baggage, just like we did on our trip to the Cordilleras. With room enough for eight to sit comfortably throughout an eight-hour ride, which we took to the mountains easily enough.

Consistent performer. The Isuzu Crosswind continues to bring a wonderful AUV to families without the high cost.

Cabin space is truly one of the best features of the Crosswind. The legroom of each seat being enough for a spacious long ride, eliminating the frequent leg-stretch stops typical of such travels. The entertainment system of course is quite excellent, making listening to music a pleasure, not noise. What with its Sony DVD1000 single-disc in-dash DVD/CD/MP3 player and two seven-inch headrest mounted LCD Monitors.

The Crosswind is powered by a 2.4-liter 4JA1 direct-injection turbo-diesel engine that is now Euro 2-compliant, making the trip highly fuel-efficient and easy on your pocket. Of course, we cannot expect the accelerating power we see in today’s newer diesel engines, but hey, climbing mountain trails do not need speed, it needs torque. And the Crosswind has more than enough. With an output of 85 ps at 3,900 rpm, it nevertheless packs a torque of 18.9 kgm at 2,000 rpm.

The body still maintained the standard Crosswind we have always known, with some little modifications to bring it to the look of the times. And the inside still has the three-layer console and comfortable black sport jersey and vinyl seat material.

But the real clincher is that the Crosswind continues to bring a wonderful AUV to a family without the cost of all the other brands out in the market. I mean, if I needed only two full tanks of diesel to take a vacation in the Valleys of Cagayan for one whole week, I will bring the Crosswind with me anytime.

As my mom said, who cares about modern looks, it’s the family vacation guys! And we did enjoy our family vacation indeed with the ever-reliable Isuzu Crosswind.

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