Saar: Only the standard variant of the rugged pick-up will be available at discounted price for the armed forces.

In a bid to expand the reach to the kind of customers who’d appreciate the package of the D-Max V-Cross, Isuzu has tied-up with CSD (Canteen Stores Department). As of now, the Japanese automaker will sell only the standard variant of the pick-up to armed forces personnel, ex-servicemen and their family members at a discounted price.

Here’s what Ken Takashima, who is the deputy managing director at Isuzu Motors India, said in an official release:

“We are extremely pleased to sell the V-Cross at CSD outlets to meet the expectations and growing need expressed by the armed forces & their families. This tie-up with CSD gives us an opportunity to serve them with their preferred choice of vehicle that complements their lifestyle.”

The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross is available with just one engine-transmission combination. The 2.5-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder diesel engine puts out 134PS of power and 320Nm of torque. It comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and a shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system. Isuzu claims that even though the D-Max V-Cross has a kerb weight of over 1.9 tonnes, ground clearance of 225mm and measures 5mm short of 5.3 metres, it can still reach a top speed of 175kmph.

In terms of features, the standard variant of the pick-up comes with projector headlamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, automatic climate control, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, multi-function steering wheel, dual airbags, ABS with EBD and a rear-view camera. Obviously, compared to the range-topping variant, the standard Isuzu D-Max V-Cross misses out on some stuff. The list includes LED-powered DRLS and taillamps, leather seats, 6-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, traction control system, electronic stability control and chrome garnish on the rear bumper.

For regular folks like us, the standard and high variants of the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross are priced at Rs 14.82 lakh and Rs 16.32 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom Delhi) respectively. In India, it doesn’t really have any direct competition in the personal vehicle space.