Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [35K Kms Crossed]

[Iron Rock]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [12K Kms Crossed]

Thanks Iron Rock. The JMD Isuzu Sales guy told me few days back about the 6 speed gearbox thing and also the price hike and yes you are right currently they are offering good discount. I am still trying to find if its true about Six speed gearbox. Also I must say now your Vcross is looking much better and meaner.

Thank you sir, if you need any help at JMD let me know. I dont think 6 speed is anywhere near- I would really be surprised.

The protruding iron/steel guard that often is used in SUV(s) & in other cars too.

OK. Wanted to know because even I want to venture into this pick up truck lifestyle since it seems to be very exciting. Haven't owned a pick up truck in my life but down the line I might think of buying one. As the service network for Isuzu is low in Noida so thought of asking about a Xenon from you bro.

Regards

Akash

Service spread is low, but its also going to need a lot less maintenance compared to anything really similar really. So unless the Triton or the Hilux comes, there is no choice except Dmax in my books.
No bullbar sir, the bumper is already offroad ready and heavy

Try something like this and whenever you have luggage just cover it up with something and tie knots to this.

Yeah amit am available in Hyderabad in last week of December, hope you are coming here with the monster

Pic source : google.com

Yes Sir but these roll bars are cosmetic, they cant take the weight of the car in case of a topple - mountings are too weak even if the frame itself is decent quality. Problem is long distance trips tying up stuff that is so easily accessible for anyone to uproot is very worrying. People will atleast think once nicking stuff from the roof carrier, but from the deck behind its super easy. Hence i am planning something that would give me a little more flexibility.

I am not sure if it will be in the monster, depends on what i am lugging along - but will most definitely let you know and will catch up then.

 

[Iron Rock]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [12K Kms Crossed]

Update on two of the most common issues with the Isuzu Dmax - something i have been patient with isuzu for sometime now.

1) Passenger seat vibrations :- Passenger seat was vibrating from Day 1 , an issue for which we put a washer and did some temporary jhugaad - however i was behind isuzu for a permanent fix and now they have come back in replacing the entire backrest skeleton of the seat - a 1 hr job approximately.

Firstly the passenger seat needs to be unbolted and brought outside the car

Then remove the seat cover and remove the horizonal bolting to complete separate out the back rest part.



Isuzu is providing the following skeletal back rest piece (the vertical item in the seat) - this needs to assembled back.



The foam part on the back needs removing and remounted on the new skeleton


​

I did around 200kms+ post the fix and i can report now there is no noise whatsoever. This problem has been there in a particular batch of Isuzus for a long time and since has been fixed on the factory line itself.

2) The Front Hub Shim noise issue :- Most Isuzu Dmax have this noise , a faint hum sound when over 30-35 kmph from the front axle.
Isuzu are replacing the shim and cleaning and greasing the axle ends - i am not quite certain this is going to fix he problem completely but nevertheless giving it a shot. Its just a faint irritating humm.
Here are the process steps, this will take minimum of 3 hrs as it involves lifting the car, removing wheels, dismantling the brake pads, removing disc , removing the knuckle behind, and then removing shim and grinding it by 1.5mm , finally putting it back and cleaning and greasing the axle ends.

The new shim which has to be grinded on the outer side by 1.5mm, i wonder why the shim itself doesnt come in that spec from the provider. In any case i am not fully convinced this is a long term fix.





Opening up the brake pad and disc assembly







Removing the knuckle behind which lies the shim





Grinded shim, outer by 1.5mm



Putting in back again, the shim followed by the knuckle





Axle ends cleaned and greased



Assembling back the rest as usual




​

While the process is time consuming takes about 3 hrs end to end - i am not fully convinced this is a permanent solution - however will keep in observation.

 

[Fauji]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [12K Kms Crossed]

Thanks Iron Rock for sharing details along with the photographs

 

[Iron Rock]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [12K Kms Crossed]

Welcome fauji sahab, no prizes for guessing who you are - a big fan of your infinite mods on the vcross - look forward to some pics too

 

[A.G.]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [12K Kms Crossed]

Really surprising to note a factory spec part being grinded before fitment. Do they have any service / technical bulletin claiming the same procedure?

 

[Iron Rock]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [12K Kms Crossed]

^^ Apparently all dealers have been advised to do above process, its a jhugaad and frankly even then i am not sure if the problem wont actually reoccur. Personally I got it done and this will be under observation.

 

[Iron Rock]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [12K Kms Crossed]

Thanks Iron Rock. The JMD Isuzu Sales guy told me few days back about the 6 speed gearbox thing and also the price hike and yes you are right currently they are offering good discount. I am still trying to find if its true about Six speed gearbox. Also I must say now your Vcross is looking much better and meaner.

I have some confirmed news , the base version of the Isuzu Vcross will be revamped now with company dual din, integrated reverse camera, new design tail gate and side steps as standard. Expect prices to go up correspondingly.

There will also be a higher version with cruise control, electronic driver seats, leather seats, ESC/Traction Control, Chrome Bumper, led drl integrated within bumper and rear led tail lamp cluster. No changes expected in engine/gearbox.

 

[highwayman]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [12K Kms Crossed]

I have some confirmed news , the base version of the Isuzu Vcross will be revamped now with company dual din, integrated reverse camera, new design tail gate and side steps as standard. Expect prices to go up correspondingly.

There will also be a higher version with cruise control, electronic seats, led drl integrated within bumper. No changes expected in engine/gearbox.

Thanks Iron Rock for the update, I am keeping a watch let's see what comes out. Please do update if you get more details.

 

[Vijee23]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [12K Kms Crossed]

First of all an excellent review on the beast (V Cross). Great work Iron Rock. Wish I came across this forum much earlier. Had decided to buy V Cross and did try to book it last week, due stock unavailability was denied here in Bangalore. I did get the revised pricing. The ex showroom price has been increased by a lakh, bringing the base variant on road price to 17.82L (An Increase of 1.3L). Wonder if Isuzu have fixed the niggling issue seen and heard on many forums. Still in two minds whether to take the plunge. What's your take is the price increase justified???

 

[WeCross]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [14K Kms Crossed]

Update on two of the most common issues with the Isuzu Dmax - something i have been patient with isuzu for sometime now.

1) Passenger seat vibrations :- Passenger seat was vibrating from Day 1

Oh cmon sir you know why they were vibrating. Its the nut behind the wheel...
And for God's sake, take off those seat covers and use them to wipe your tractor. You're spending so much money on mods but I don't understand this man-love for the shitty seat covers.

Thanks Iron Rock for sharing details along with the photographs

Sirji....pranaam! Welcome to the fauj of the automotive India!

 

[Iron Rock]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [14K Kms Crossed]

Thanks Iron Rock for the update, I am keeping a watch let's see what comes out. Please do update if you get more details.

Sure thing sir.

First of all an excellent review on the beast (V Cross). Great work Iron Rock. Wish I came across this forum much earlier. Had decided to buy V Cross and did try to book it last week, due stock unavailability was denied here in Bangalore. I did get the revised pricing. The ex showroom price has been increased by a lakh, bringing the base variant on road price to 17.82L (An Increase of 1.3L). Wonder if Isuzu have fixed the niggling issue seen and heard on many forums. Still in two minds whether to take the plunge. What's your take is the price increase justified???

Welcome to the forum sir, better late than never! well here are the supposed price hikes courtesy the friendly detectives from Isuzu groups! I look at these prices, then i look up Innova Crysta - i get sleep at night!

​

Oh cmon sir you know why they were vibrating. Its the nut behind the wheel...
And for God's sake, take off those seat covers and use them to wipe your tractor. You're spending so much money on mods but I don't understand this man-love for the shitty seat covers.

Saar Saar Saar, point noted for seat covers, been scouting last several months - best custom seat maker is in kerala, too far and too expensive - looking for second or third best option.

 

[Iron Rock]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [15K Kms Crossed]

Someone in Isuzu is actually listening

Below was the good/bad i had posted in my opening thread :-

In my books what works for the Isuzu is :-

1) Build quality and ability to take extreme abuse - build quality on par with a segment above.
2) Phenomenal durability and reliability - very well proven pedigreed.
3) Absolute head turner and unmatched road presence.
4) An ideal expedition/adventure vehicle
5) Refined engine for a truck at cruising speeds!
6) Super light clutch and well balanced steering, though steering personally i would prefer it to be more taut
7) Surprisingly comfortable for a dual cab as a 5 seater.
8) Infinite Mod options and for a relatively new car a great set of accessories available in india already!

What could have been better :-

1) Traction control should have been provided, UK has a twin turbo version on the same engine which could have been provided as a higher model, right now just one model with 4x4 available as default.
2) Cruise control should have been provided or should have been an option atleast
3) Not even a audio head unit in a 15+ lakh vehicle is not good!
4) Rear diff lock should have been optionally available.
5) Service and Spare availability can be a pain - 6 month/5k service interval is a pain - even though its minor and check up only. EDIT :- This has now been changed to 10k service interval (irrespective of time) after the first 5k service i.e 5,10,20,30,40...
6) Rear bounciness as its leaf spring needs to be factored in
7) 55 litre Diesel tank is a joke!
8) Stock low end becomes tricky in steep inclines as there is no anti stall, but solved largely through remaps.

Isuzu has nearly ticked all the items in the high variant - i only wish they upgraded the stock tank to atleast 65 litres! knock - knock are you listening(again)

 

[manojodungat]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [14K Kms Crossed]

Saar Saar Saar, point noted for seat covers, been scouting last several months - best custom seat maker is in kerala, too far and too expensive - looking for second or third best option.

Saar IR,
Couldn’t resist.
Come down and get those the tight fit they deserve.
A picture of my current ride for you to ponder ! The hard ride doesn’t get any better though

 

[Iron Rock]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [15K Kms Crossed]

Saar Saar!
That looks beautiful, is it from Binu too ? How much did it cost ?
Btw for the ride quality i say go for OME upgrade - you wont regret one penny (both coils and struts) - You can ask Guralla sir what he thinks of my Vcross ride quality (which is on OME).

 

[manojodungat]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [15K Kms Crossed]

is it from Binu too ? How much did it cost ?

Nope. Leatherman @Palakkad and 16k.

Btw for the ride quality i say go for OME upgrade - you wont regret one penny (both coils and struts) - You can ask Guralla sir what he thinks of my Vcross ride quality (which is on OME).

Where can I get it installed. Any authorized store in Kerala ? Mine is 2011 Endy AT 4x4 and the ride isn't its strength. I am only looking for on-road ride comfort. I was about to sell it off, but now you have given me some hope Saar