Ever since India graduated from BSIV to BS6 (Bharat Stage 6) standards of emission norms last year, Isuzu did not have any products for personal/private use. That has changed today. After what felt like an eternity, Isuzu has launched three models that can be registered with a white number plate. They are – Hi-Lander, V-Cross and mu-X. The former two are part of the D-Max family, whereas the last one is an SUV, and it retains the flagship title. Here’s how they are priced:

Hi-Lander & V-Cross

Now, let’s get one thing straight from the get-go. The D-Max Hi-Lander is essentially a new entry-level trim for the V-Cross family. In other words, the Hi-Lander shrinks the gap between the S-Cab CV (Commercial Vehicle) and the V-Cross range of pickups. The reason why the newly-introduced trim level costs substantially less is due to its crude list of features. Besides that, the entire D-Max family has the same 1.9-litre turbocharged diesel engine, which produces 161bhp/360Nm. That’s 13bhp and 10Nm more than before.

As standard, that powerplant comes coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission and a 4×2 drivetrain. However, depending on the variant, the pickup also comes with a 6-speed automatic gearbox and a 4×4 system. The old 2.5-litre diesel unit is no longer on offer.

The Hi-Lander offers basic features like rear parking sensors, manual AC, ABS, halogen headlamps and dual airbags. The V-Cross introduces additional goodies such as projector headlamps, LED DRLs, 18-inch alloy wheels, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, automatic climate control and multiple USB ports. On the safety front, the V-Cross is available with Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Hill Descent Control, a rear-view camera, ISOFIX anchorages for child seats and a rear defogger.

mu-X

To gain the BS6 badge, mu-X has ditched the 3.0-litre diesel engine and borrowed the same 1.9-litre mill that powers the D-Max Hi-Lander and V-Cross range. That means Isuzu’s flagship model now has 13bhp and 20Nm less on tap than before. The only transmission option available is the 6-speed automatic, with it feeding power to two or all four wheels, depending on the variant.

The seven-seater SUV offers an array of features. The list includes Bi-LED projector headlamps with auto-levelling, LED DRLs and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system mated to an 8-speaker sound system. The mu-X also offers a one-touch fold & tumble function for the second row of seats, automatic climate control, cruise control and a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Falling under the safety space are features like six airbags, Hill Descent Control, Traction Control System, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX anchorages for child seats and a rear-view camera.

In India, the Isuzu mu-X renews its rivalry with the Ford Endeavour and the Toyota Fortuner. Out of the three, which one would you pick?