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Hindustan Times
29-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Living with the Isuzu Hi-Lander pickup: Can it tackle the urban jungle?
Traversing through a sea of hatchbacks, white cabs, and compact/subcompact SUVs in Mumbai, we are driving the Isuzu D-Max Hi-Lander pickup, the oddball amidst everything else around us. The only common factor is the Mumbai monsoon that spares no one, much like its roads. There is a difference, however. I haven't bothered to slow down over the last pothole or the one before that or that occasional puddle of water on one side of the road. Heck, I've not even slowed down when a waterlogged street required me to do so. The Hi-Lander may not be the practical choice for a dense city like Mumbai, but it's surely turning out to be a wise choice on a rain-fested afternoon like this one. No stereo, auto climate control, and electrically adjustable ORVMs may be deal breakers for some, but the Isuzu Hi-Lander does so much else, so much better. We spent some time with it braving the Mumbai monsoons. The Hi-Lander is basic in its looks and equipment but offers a lot more in terms of capabilities Isuzu Hi-Lander: Basic But Capable The Isuzu D-Max Hi-Lander is the base trim in the D-Max pickup range. You've met the more modern and desirable V-Cross trim, but the Hi-Lander is bare bones. Call it basic for what it has to offer. Our test unit is devoid of niceties like electrically adjustable ORVMs, auto climate control, and a stereo system, which would otherwise be deal breakers for some. With the Hi-Lander, the purpose is a lot different. It does so many things differently, so much better. The halogen headlamps and blacked-out grille all scream basic, yet essential. But it's not bare-shell. The blue paint scheme on our test car looks nice and upmarket, while the wheels come with covers that look like alloys from a distance. It's tall, wide, and unapologetic. But the lack of rear parking sensors is concerning, given its mammoth size. Isuzu tells us the latest model on sale is better equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), traction control, Hill Descent Control, auto climate control, rear de-fogger, three-point seatbelts for all seats, along with an occupant detection sensor, and an idle stop system. The Hi-Lander does not offer a stereo system, far from the touchscreen-intensive cabin of today's cars The cabin is equally nice from a basic standpoint. The black and grey fabric upholstered seats offer decent support, while the MID unit stacked between the twin-pod instrument console gives you all the essential information. The plastics feel sturdy, if nothing too fancy, and you know, this won't be rattling too much even after rough use over a few monsoons. Isuzu Hi-Lander: When Work Calls The Hi-Lander is easily not the most friendly in the city. The massive proportions of over 5 metres in length make this quite the poser. The loading area gives it a utilitarian feel. Those looking up to you from their humble cars are equal parts in awe and confusion. Easy to mistake one for the outdoorsy type, I get why. However, driving one in the city gives you the same brownie points as a full-size SUV. The three-wheelers make way for you, and so do the hatches. And like I said earlier, no pothole is too big to slow you down. The 1.9-litre diesel has the old-school grunt. The clatter is distinctive and the motor is audible with a long-travel clutch for company. Not the most ideal in bumper-to-bumper traffic This is one of the few offerings still in the market that offer a rather raw driving experience. The long-travel clutch and the gear shifter are nothing like what you expect from a conventional compact SUV. It's a pain to drive in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Heck, I'm pretty sure my testosterone shot up driving the Hi-Lander, that's how much of manual labour it feels. The door closes with a reassuring thud, and the pickup comes to life with that distinct diesel clatter. The Hi-Lander transports you back to the early 2010s when diesel power wasn't seen with an 'end of the world" gaze. The 1.9-litre diesel engine is as old-school as it comes. Power feels aplenty with 161 bhp and 360 Nm of peak torque, while the 6-speed gearbox channels the power to only the rear wheels. Yes, there is no 4x4 available on this mover. It's enough to get by in the city, especially with torque kicking in from just under 2,000 rpm. There is always a surge waiting for you when you want to overtake or simply coast on the highway in sixth gear at 90 kmph. This feels right at home. The deck has a carrying capacity of 225 kg, enough to move houses and then some Isuzu Hi-Lander: The True Purpose But the biggest selling point remains its massive deck that can help move things. Just when I needed to test its capabilities to the fullest, the perfect opportunity arrived when a friend asked me to help her move houses. It's nice when the stars align and allow you to flex the hardest. The deck has a carrying capacity of 225 kg, more than enough to carry boxes of home decor, furniture, clothes, and even plants. Our test unit was also equipped with the lockable hard lid covering the deck, just what you need during the monsoon season. Outside of the actual labour of getting these in and out of the pickup, this was as direct as it gets. On another occasion, we had to move a family of four after dinner at a restaurant since there was no local transport available. We were the only ones left and decided to lend a helping hand in the Hi-Lander. Good thing the rear seats were big enough to accommodate the unexpected extra load. In a way, the pickup has done it all - move things and people - its primary purpose after all. What's even better is how the suspension settles at cruising speeds. The clunks from the suspension are audible at low speeds, and there is a lot of rebound once you go over broken roads. But load the deck up and show the Hi-Lander flat tarmac, and the pickup settles down very well. The extra payload helps with the damping at the rear, and you will enjoy a rather nice experience. Yes, it's not as refined as an SUV, but it's not as basic as a goods mover either. The Hi-Lander is available at the same price point as several compact SUVs but is a different flavour altogether Isuzu Hi-Lander: Should You Buy One? With a starting price of ₹21.80 lakh (ex-showroom), the Isuzu D-Max Hi-Lander is competing directly against compact and midsize SUVs. And honestly, if comfort and practicality are what you are looking for, everything else at this price point will be a better buy. The fact that this is a dated model globally, with a new generation already on sale in international markets, works against it. But the Hi-Lander offers something more; it could just be your ticket to freedom from the mundane life. I had myself dreaming of overlanding adventures in the Hi-Lander outside of the city grind. That's what it does to you. Everything will seem possible. From scouting for tents to building your rig or simply diving into the massive list of accessories available, this is a rabbit hole of possibilities. Do you want to dig deeper? That's for you to decide. First Published Date:
New Straits Times
29-07-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Transport Ministry drafting plan based on Gerik, Teluk Intan crash task force recommendations
KUALA LUMPUR: The Transport Ministry is drafting an implementation plan based on recommendations by the special task forces that investigated the fatal accidents in Gerik and Teluk Intan earlier this year. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the ministry takes the recommendations seriously. "We appreciate what has been carried out by the special task forces in Gerik and Teluk Intan. The ministry takes their suggestions seriously. "However, for any new system to be implemented, the ministry must conduct engagement sessions with relevant stakeholders to ensure the rollout is carried out properly and in an orderly manner. "All the suggestions made will be given due consideration, and we are in the process of drafting an implementation plan," he said during the Minister's Question Time today. Loke was responding to a supplementary question from Fathul Huzir Ayob (PN-Gerik), who asked whether the ministry plans to mandate the use of safety systems such as Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and real-time monitoring systems, as recommended by the preliminary reports on the Gerik and Teluk Intan crash. He also asked whether the ministry plans to introduce a suitable black box system for all public and heavy vehicles to aid post-accident audits. Meanwhile, Loke said the ministry would proceed with the phased enforcement of the Speed Limitation Device (SLD). The SLD is an automatic speed control system that electronically limits a vehicle's speed through the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), in line to control speed without shutting off the engine (cut-off), thus ensuring that operational safety is not compromised. The implementation of the SLD will apply to all commercial vehicles — specifically goods vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (BDM) exceeding 3,500kg and passenger vehicles with a BDM exceeding 5,000kg and carrying more than eight passengers. In addition to the SLD, Loke said the ministry is also implementing several other road safety initiatives. These include enforcement of seatbelt usage on express and tour buses; immediate suspension of vocational driving licences for drivers involved in fatal or serious injury accidents, pending investigation by the authorities; development of a Heavy Vehicle Driver Database System; and a revamp of the Kejara system to allow drivers to check their demerit points via an enhanced MyJPJ app. Other measures include improvements to Puspakom vehicle inspections through revised criteria for brake efficiency testing, tyre inspections, visual checks, and load classifications for dumper/tipper trucks; implementation of special operations for Vehicle Inspection and Safety Audits on commercial vehicles; and the introduction of a rehabilitation course for drivers whose licences have been suspended. "The ministry, in collaboration with the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) and the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), will also work on improving lighting at highway accident hotspots. "Starting July 1, a ban has been enforced on overloaded container vehicles at port entry points across Peninsular Malaysia. "This also includes the implementation of the High Speed Weigh-In-Motion (HS-WIM) system, as well as the use of body-worn cameras by Road Transport Department officers in the field to enhance transparency and enforcement effectiveness," he said.
India Today
24-07-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
Nissan Magnite achieves 5-star Global NCAP safety rating
Nissan Magnite crash test The India-made Nissan Magnite has secured a five-star safety rating for adult occupants and three stars for child occupants in the latest round of Global NCAP crash. This achievement makes the Magnite the first vehicle in South Africa to attain a five-star rating under the current Global NCAP testing protocols. Initially, the Magnite was equipped with just two airbags had received a modest two-star rating for both adult and child occupant protection. However, Nissan voluntarily re-submitted the model for testing after implementing a comprehensive suite of safety enhancements. These included: Six airbags Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Enhanced pedestrian protection Improved seatbelt restraint systems 3-point seatbelts for all seats The initial round of improvements helped the Magnite secure a four-star rating, but Nissan went further, introducing additional upgrades that resulted in the car achieving a full five-star rating for adult occupant protection in a second voluntary crash test. Test results breakdown Adult Occupant Protection: 32.31/34.00 – 5-star Child Occupant Protection: 33.64/49.00 – 3-star Bodyshell Integrity (Frontal Test): Stable Frontal Offset Deformable Barrier: 15.307 points Side Movable Deformable Barrier: 16.000 points These results reflect robust performance in both frontal and side impact tests, supported by standard ESC and improved structural integrity. The Nissan Magnite facelift is offered with two engine options: a 1.0-litre B4D naturally aspirated petrol engine that delivers 72bhp and 96Nm of torque, and a more powerful 1.0-litre HRA0 turbo-petrol engine producing 99bhp and 160Nm. The naturally aspirated variant is available with a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT, while the turbocharged version comes with a choice of a 5-speed manual or a CVT gearbox. Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine The India-made Nissan Magnite has secured a five-star safety rating for adult occupants and three stars for child occupants in the latest round of Global NCAP crash. This achievement makes the Magnite the first vehicle in South Africa to attain a five-star rating under the current Global NCAP testing protocols. Initially, the Magnite was equipped with just two airbags had received a modest two-star rating for both adult and child occupant protection. However, Nissan voluntarily re-submitted the model for testing after implementing a comprehensive suite of safety enhancements. These included: Six airbags Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Enhanced pedestrian protection Improved seatbelt restraint systems 3-point seatbelts for all seats The initial round of improvements helped the Magnite secure a four-star rating, but Nissan went further, introducing additional upgrades that resulted in the car achieving a full five-star rating for adult occupant protection in a second voluntary crash test. Test results breakdown Adult Occupant Protection: 32.31/34.00 – 5-star Child Occupant Protection: 33.64/49.00 – 3-star Bodyshell Integrity (Frontal Test): Stable Frontal Offset Deformable Barrier: 15.307 points Side Movable Deformable Barrier: 16.000 points These results reflect robust performance in both frontal and side impact tests, supported by standard ESC and improved structural integrity. The Nissan Magnite facelift is offered with two engine options: a 1.0-litre B4D naturally aspirated petrol engine that delivers 72bhp and 96Nm of torque, and a more powerful 1.0-litre HRA0 turbo-petrol engine producing 99bhp and 160Nm. The naturally aspirated variant is available with a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT, while the turbocharged version comes with a choice of a 5-speed manual or a CVT gearbox. Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine Join our WhatsApp Channel
India.com
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- India.com
New Mahindra XUV 3XO RevX Explained In 8 Pics - Check Whats New In Interior
photoDetails english 2929251 Updated:Jul 09, 2025, 05:06 PM IST Mahindra XUV 3XO: Sporty Exterior Upgrades 1 / 8 The XUV 3XO REVX stands out with dual-tone paint as standard, REVX-specific badging, a sleek dual-tone roof, body-colored or gunmetal grille, and stylish 16-inch black wheel covers that give it a bolder road presence. Mahindra XUV 3XO: Premium Dual-Tone Cabin 2 / 8 Inside, all REVX variants come with black leatherette upholstery, offering a premium feel. The cabin retains the original layout but gets a stylish dual-tone appearance, enhancing the overall in-cabin appeal and comfort. Mahindra XUV 3XO: Turbocharged Engine Options 3 / 8 Buyers can choose between two petrol engines: a 1.2L TCMPFi engine delivering 110 hp and 200 Nm, or a more powerful 1.2L TGDi engine producing 131 hp and 230 Nm of torque for spirited performance. Mahindra XUV 3XO: Feature-Rich Infotainment 4 / 8 The SUV comes equipped with a 10.24-inch touchscreen infotainment system, steering-mounted audio controls, and height-adjustable driver seat, ensuring a tech-rich and convenient driving experience across all REVX trims. Mahindra XUV 3XO: Immersive Audio Setup 5 / 8 It features a 4-speaker audio system that ensures an immersive in-cabin sound experience, adding to passenger comfort on long drives and enhancing the overall entertainment value of the vehicle. Mahindra XUV 3XO: Enhanced Safety Package 6 / 8 Safety is a priority with 35 standard features, including six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Hold Control (HHC), and all-wheel disc brakes—ensuring both driver and passenger peace of mind. Mahindra XUV 3XO Premium Features 7 / 8 Key tech features include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Adrenox connected car tech with Alexa integration, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof—offering a premium, connected driving experience. Mahindra REVX A Variant Highlights 8 / 8 The REVX A variant is based on the AX5 trim and comes with a 1.2L direct injection turbo-petrol engine (129 BHP/230 Nm), mated to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Hans India
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hans India
Tata Motors bolsters presence in Qatar with launch of LPO 1622 bus
Doha: Tata Motors launched its all-new LPO 1622 bus in Qatar on Wednesday to strengthen its presence in the Middle East market. Developed specifically for staff transportation, the company's first Euro VI-compliant bus in the Middle East offers superior performance, enhanced passenger comfort, and low total cost of ownership, according to a company statement. The Tata LPO 1622 bus is powered by a reliable Cummins ISBe 5.6L Euro VI-compliant engine, delivering 220hp of power and 925Nm of torque. The bus is available in two seating configurations -- 65-seater and 61-seater -- offering flexibility for varied staff transport requirements. It features a full air dual-circuit braking system with ABS, tubeless radial tyres, and a heavy-duty suspension system to ensure safety, comfort, and road stability. The bus also comes equipped with a range of advanced features, including Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Cruise Control, and a Multimode Switch to optimise performance across varied operating conditions. Asif Shamim, head of Tata Motors international business, said, 'The Middle East continues to be a strategic focus for Tata Motors, where our products have consistently delivered value across a range of applications. With Qatar being a key market, we are pleased to further strengthen our presence with the launch of the all-new LPO 1622 bus, designed to offer higher profitability to customers and superior comfort to passengers' Tata Motors also unveiled an enhanced range of world-smart, Euro-V compliant Prima range of heavy trucks designed and engineered to suit the country's growing infrastructure and construction requirements. The range includes the advanced Prima 4040.K, Prima 4440.S, Prima 4040.T and the Prima 6040.S. Tata Motors offers a wide commercial vehicle portfolio in over 40 countries, spanning sub-1-tonne to 60-tonne cargo vehicles and 9-seater to 71-seater mass mobility solutions. Backed by Tata Motors' advanced R&D capabilities, these vehicles are robustly engineered and rigorously tested to suit local market requirements, the statement added.
