The Indian Army makes use of non-armoured military vehicles for patrolling and carrying personnel in unusual and difficult-to-reach places. Due to the tough terrain, 4X4s are the ideal vehicles. 4X4s are frequently fitted with soft canopies for patrolling, giving them the most visibility available.
Periodically, the Indian Army retires outdated and inadequate vehicles, replacing them with newer vehicles. Recently, we had witnessed the Scorpio Classic getting recruited into the Indian Army as a patrol vehicle. It is said that the Army is also considering the new Maruti Suzuki Jimny as a potential candidate for their patrol vehicles.
About The V-Cross Test Mule
Several of these patrolling vehicles are also equipped with fixed artillery and a soft top. Hence, pick-up trucks seem to be the best option for these uses due to their loading bed. News is that Japanese automaker Isuzu may be testing such a troop carrier for the Indian military, as suggested by the recent sighting of an Isuzu V-Cross test mule in the Delhi-NCR area. The V-Cross is perfect for hauling troops since it can equip bigger weapons and be utilized as a patrol vehicle in open areas.
Typically, we associate a dark green colour with military vehicles. But the test mule had a bright green colour shade and was seen with a soft canopy. Isuzu does not provide such a paint shade as standard on the V-Cross in India.
About The Isuzu V-Cross
- Dimensions – The V-Cross measures 5,295 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width. And 1,840 mm in height, and has a 3,095 mm wheelbase. It has 18-inch wheels & 255/60 section tyres.
- Powertrain & Off-Road Tech – It has a 1.9-litre turbocharged engine good for churning out 161 bhp of max power and 360 Nm of peak torque. This engine is available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The Isuzu V-Cross comes standard with two-wheel drive. And an optional shift-on-the-fly 4WD system with 2H, 4H, and 4L gears.
- Features – The V-Cross’ features list includes a seven-inch touchscreen, push-button start/stop, a six-way electrically adjustable driver seat, cruise control, and automatic air conditioning. The pick-up truck comes standard with ABS, emergency brake assist, dual front airbags, a brake override system, and a rear-view camera, while higher trims add traction control, hill descent control, and electronic stability control, as well as six airbags.