Not an illusion. Executives of Isuzu Philippines Corp. (from left) Tadao Takenouchi, vice president for manufacturing; Art Balmadrid, vice president for corporate business division; Yuki Kato, vice president for dealer network division; Kazuhiko Sho, executive vice president; and Keiji Takeda, president; show that the Crosswind still commands plenty of respect and attention.

DEVELOPING a product well beyond its design and styling limits is something that many carmakers dread or feel inferior about.

That doesn’t seem to be the case with Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC), which recently refitted its “tried-and-tested” model, the Crosswind, and released its 2008 incarnation last week at the Sofitel Hotel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City.

Over the years, the Crosswind, which was born during an era when AUVs ruled the Philippine market, has developed a strong following especially among small-scale businessmen and families of overseas contract workers owing to its practical nature, SUV-like styling, robust construction, fuel-efficient diesel engine and value for money.

The 2008 Crosswind does not disappoint in this regard. Isuzu has, in fact, given it new features that will probably endear it more to its intended audience—something that automotive pundits might question or consider “unreal,” that is, if they didn’t know any better.

Keiji Takeda, IPC president, laid the issue to rest when he said during the vehicle’s launch: “Well my dear friends and colleagues, the Isuzu Crosswind is very much real. It is, in fact, one of the most accepted, tried, tested and trusted vehicles in our market today, reinforced further by its 14-percent increase in sales last year. This is because the Isuzu Crosswind has been created with the customer’s needs in our minds and our hearts; we have always made sure that it will be the vehicle that will suit the discriminating taste of the Filipino, adapted to the Filipino lifestyle, tastes and requirements.”

Many will recall that Isuzu has always endowed the Crosswind with class-leading features that were usually only available on higher-priced vehicles.

In 2002 it was the first AUV to sprout a rear door-mounted spare tire, headrest-mounted monitors and a videoke function.  Subsequent versions saw additions such as a front passenger seat back massager, power inverter, LED rear combinations lamps, back-up camera, reverse sensor and power folding side-view mirrors with integrated turn signals.

In keeping with this tradition, the 2008 Crosswind now comes with a chrome finish on the center billet grille, new-design roof rails, a new-design spare tire cover and spear-like rear spoiler with third-brake lamp, and rear combination lamps with chrome garnish.

New body colors are now also available such as mercury silver and light blue metallic for the XT variant; mercury silver and onyx black for the XTi variant; onyx black and light blue metallic for the XUV variant; and onyx black, canyon red and infinite gold for the Sportivo variant.

Aside from the immediately noticeable two-tone black-and-beige motif, as well as combination vinyl and perforated leather upholstery, the vehicle’s interior is fitted with a steering wheel with buttons for the DVD/CD/MP3 audio system that features a 3.5-inch LCD monitor for the back-up camera, new door trims, tweeters and door lamps.

Under the 2008 Crosswind’s hood is Isuzu’s ever reliable 2.5-liter turbo direct-injection 4JA1-L diesel engine.

Takeda put everything in the right perspective when he added, “Indeed, it seems that the Crosswind has everything.  But just when you think that it cannot get any better, the Crosswind 2008 comes, and once again, it amazes. It’s quite unbelievable. Believe it!”

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