Isuzu is a brand we often forget about, but we probably shouldn’t.
This, for example, is the Isuzu VehiCROSS and it’s one of the most underrated off-roaders ever.
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Isuzu VehiCROSS was unveiled as a concept for the first time in 1993, and the production model followed a few years later, in 1997.
A compact SUV with three doors and some quirky design cues, the VehiCROSS was first and foremost relatively lightweight for an off-roader, and that always makes a difference.
The VehiCROSS tipped the scales at just under 1,800kg.
The Cybertruck, for reference, is nearly twice as heavy, even though it is actually lighter than originally predicted.
In terms of its powertrain, the VehiCROSS was available with two different types of V6, a 3.2-liter and a 3.5-liter, with the latter producing 215 hp.
More importantly, it was already pretty clever and advanced for its time.
Among other things, it was fitted with titanium ‘teeth’ at the front – like Kanye West, apparently – which strengthened the grille to protect the radiator and the chassis.
It also had 12 independent sensors for detecting wheel spin and redirecting power and torque as and when necessary.
In fact, the VehiCROSS is so good that even now, 23 years later, there are race teams that still use it for the world’s famous Dakar Rally.
Unfortunately, it didn’t really do much for Isuzu in terms of sales.
For some reason, Isuzu decided to market the VehiCROSS as a limited-edition vehicle – so to speak – by deliberately keeping production numbers low.
Only 5,900+ units were delivered between 1997 and 2001, and the car was exclusively available in the US, which was its main market with roughly 4,500 units sold, and Japan.
It’s a pity, but that’s the way things are.
