• Isuzu VehiCROSS

The VehiCROSS (pronounced "Vicross") is a compact SUV produced from 1997 to 2001 by the Japanese manufacturer Isuzu. It has only been marketed in the Japanese market (1997-1999), Chinese (1997-1999) and American (1999-2001). A Japanese version was also imported vehicle registered in England and by the importer International Motors (IM) and 2 versions USA by the French importer Isuzu Vehicle Distribution France (IVDF) time. The Vehicross was introduced in France in the Isuzu 4×4 stand at room Val d’Isère in 2000 and the central square with the vehicle of a customer who had come from St Martin by plane for the occasion! The importer has never been approved in the France he was not marketed and 2 vehicles were sold in the state to individuals in 2002.

It is a small crossover to the sporty look. The VehiCROSS arrived in the United States equipped with wheels 16 "polished wheels in 1999 and 18" chrome for the rest of the production. The Japanese version is equipped with 16 "wheels with covers, chrome hubs.

Built based on the pick-up ISUZU (OPEL Campo in France at that time and Isuzu Hombre in the USA), it shares many components with the Isuzu Trooper, including 3.2-liter V6 engine and 3.5 liters Blossoming 215hp (160 kW). The vehicle is also available with 4-wheel drive system Torque on Demand (TOD) developed by BorgWarner.

Production was intentionally limited, with 5,958 vehicles sold between 1997 and 2001; 1805 4153 in Japan and the United States.

The vehicle was also sold in China under the name Isuzu Tiejingang.

The VehiCROSS made its first appearance in 1993 as a concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show show.

Conducted by Satomi Murayama, chief designer at European office in Brussels Isuzu, the design team was composed of an international group: Simon Cox (assistant chief designer known for designing the interior of the Lotus Elan), Joji Yanaka, Andrew Hill and Nick Robinson. The aim was to produce an SUV "light but durable, fun but respectful of the environment".

The American magazine Motor Trend displays a VehiCROSS cover of its May 1999 edition and includes in its "Top 10 SUV" for his unique style.

Two concept cars, a 4-door version batisée VX-4, and a convertible named VX-O2 version were presented at the Motor Show in Los Angeles in 2000 but have not been further production.

A VehiCROSS was launched at the Paris-Dakar 1998 and won its class.

A VehiCROSS won his category at the Australian Safari 1999.

Isuzu VehiCROSS front view

Isuzu VehiCROSS rear view

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