Blown away by the Crosswind

Isuzu Crosswind’s extensive list of features and qualities that cater to the needs and wants of Filipino families has always been one of the model’s key strengths, and this has been proven once again as the Crosswind landed among the top 10 bestselling vehicles in the country in 2012.

It’s this family-oriented trait of the vehicle that Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) highlighted in a three-leg series of road trips where the Crosswind plays a significant role in allowing couples or other family members to spend time together. Called “A Date with the Isuzu Crosswind,” the road trips, which started in February, are appropriately timed to coincide with the Valentine season—one of the most celebrated seasons in Filipino culture—as well as the summer season.

“Without doubt, the Isuzu Crosswind’s durability and reliability, as well as its numerous family-friendly features, perfectly match the Filipinos’ family-oriented lifestyles,” said IPC president Ryoji Yamazaki. “It is fitting then that we show the Crosswind’s strengths in the best way possible-by letting participants enjoy the vehicle with their loved ones.”

Series of road trips

In the series of road trips, participants take in the sights of the nearby picturesque provinces of Batangas, Bataan and Pampanga aboard the 2013 Crosswind Sportivo X. In the first leg, couples enjoyed the historical houses in Batangas, and savored the delights of a slow food café before spending a night at a beach resort in Laiya.

The second leg soaked in the attractions of Bataan, especially the unique wonders of century-old abodes transplanted to the place, which were then recreated into luxurious villas. A daytrip to Corregidor Island capped the historical trip.

The third leg was a test of one’s gastronomic powers. Aboard the 2013 Isuzu Crosswind Sportivo X, participants savored the delectable Kapampangan cuisine which prompted organizers to callthe leg the Culinary Edition.

Along with the first two legs, this third trip highlighted the known strengths, as well as the latest features, of the Crosswind.

Ensuring smooth performance for the Crosswind is Caltex Diesel with Techron D, which fuels the vehicles from Manila to their destinations, and then back again to Manila. An added treat for the participants is the Caltex Experience, which calls for them to avail of the customer-friendly services offered at Caltex stations like restrooms and convenience stores while they fuel up.

Meanwhile, providing comfortable apparel for all of the event’s participants is Reebok Philippines, which further made the road trips more pleasurable.

Wider choices for Pinoy families

The latest evolution of the model boasts of attributes that give Filipino families “14 Reasons to Fall in Love with the Isuzu Crosswind.” This starts with wider choices of trim levels for the Crosswind’s XS, XL, XT and Sportivo variants, and moves on to attractive prices for each variant; the powerful yet fuel-efficient and Euro2-compliant 4JA1-L turbo direct injection diesel engine; various premium external equipment like projector-type headlamps, shark fin antenna,  a wide range of body colors, and safety devices such as front and rear seatbelts, childproof door locks and door side-impact beams.  Available for the Sportivo and XT variants are the aerodynamic roof rails. More class-leading features found on the Sportivo are all-weather foglamps; side-view mirror with clear-lens turn signals; 15-inch alloy performance wheels with all-terrain tires; stylish rear spoiler, and sporty spare tire cover; upscale interior appointments that include state-of-the-art full entertainment system, elegant leather-vinyl seat material and convenient trays and cup holders.

“The 2013 Isuzu Crosswind’s features have both Isuzu’s loyal and new customers in mind, and enhance what already was an extensive list of qualities. With the much-appreciated support that it enjoys among Filipino families, the Crosswind should continue to be one of the country’s most popular vehicles and Isuzu’s bestselling model this year,” Yamazaki said.

In 2012, the Crosswind’s annual sales total of 6,244 units powered IPC’s 20-percent growth over the company’s 2011 total, as well as accounted for half of IPC’s tally last year. The Crosswind’s 2012 result also propelled IPC to become the Philippines’ third-biggest manufacturer of commercial vehicles and the country’s fourth-ranked automotive company. The model, which last year registered its best-ever growth of 24 percent since 2004, snagged the second spot in the domestic auto industry’s AUV segment in November and December 2012.

The 2013 Crosswind comes in Ebony Black, Glacial White, Midnight Blue, Rich Red, Satin Silver and Titanium Silver. It is priced at P750,000 for the XS; P794,000 for the XL; P883,000 for the XT; P1.14 million for the Sportivo MT; and P1.205 million for the Sportivo AT.

For more information, visit any authorized Isuzu dealership across the country. In Metro Manila, Isuzu dealerships can be found in EDSA Balintawak, Quezon Avenue, Commonwealth, Pasig, Manila, Makati and Alabang. In the provinces, Isuzu dealerships are located in Isabela, Pangasinan, Cabanatuan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, San Pablo, Bacolod, Iloilo, Mandaue, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, and General Santos. You may also check out www.isuzuphil.com.