Crosswind: Enduring AUV with enduring value

THE UPDATED Crosswind dons a ‘Sporty Black’ themed two-tone spare tire cover. PHOTO BY CHARLES E. BUBAN

We live in a world where everything gets thrown away eventually. From a new piece of technology that can become obsolete almost overnight to a current vehicle model that all of a sudden looked outdated by the one that just arrived in the showroom.

Consumer behavior isn’t helping: If one doesn’t have the newest, most stylish, most feature-packed model, others would say that that person is hopelessly out of style. Besides, manufacturing products that are meant to be replaced after a short while is a viable business strategy.

Somehow this “out with the old, in with the new” maxim does not apply to Isuzu Philippines’ Crosswind, an Asian utility vehicle that has been in the Philippine market since 2001.

But who could blame IPC? For over 10 years, the Crosswind has remained the company’s best-selling model—in fact, 50 percent of IPC’s current monthly sales still come from the diesel-powered AUV.

Enduring landmark

For the company, the Crosswind is like one of the country’s greatest and most enduring tourist attractions. “Even before it was declared as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, the Puerto Princesa Underground River has never failed to draw legions of visitors to gaze its awesome caverns and breathtaking formations. Just like the PPUR, our Crosswind has endured the test of time and people preference,” explained Art Balmadrid, IPC SVP for Business Development.

IPC recently brought a group from the motoring media to the City of Puerto Princesa in Palawan to introduce the company’s freshened-up Crosswind models.

The “It’s More Fun with the Isuzu Crosswind in Palawan” is sponsored by 2GO Freight (official event shipping line that transported the four new Crosswind variants), Caltex Diesel with Techron D (official fuel partner) and Reebok Philippines.

YAMAZAKI (right) is joined by Balmadrid in presenting a freshened up Crosswind at the Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. PHOTO BY CHARLES E. BUBAN

The latest edition Crosswind may feature a new “Sporty Black” overall design and color theme, a new two-tone spare tire cover, an aggressive-looking six-spoke alloy wheel design (two variants offered), a low profile and aerodynamic “shark fin” antenna, a redesigned rear-spoiler and a new roof rail; however, what probably will attract buyers are its timeless attributes: its fuel-efficient (20 plus kilometers per liter), Euro 2 compliant 4JA1-L turbo direct injection diesel engine and pliable Flex Ride move suspension setup.

Legendary

“The Crosswind’s legendary fuel efficiency has made it so appealing to buyers even after so many years. In today’s situation where the average price of diesel at the pump has just gone to a new high, Crosswind’s P2.2 per kilometer traveled is definitely enticing for cost-conscious buyers,” explained IPC president Ryoji Yamazaki, who shared that in the 2010 Isuzu Challenge event the Crosswind came out with a fuel efficiency rating of up to 21.54 kilometers per liter.

Yamazaki added that these are just some of the traits that have cemented the Crosswind’s reputation as well as its excellent resale value.

“The Crosswind has one of the lowest maintenance and repair costs: While comparable vehicles from other brands need around P15,000 worth of maintenance for every 20,000 kilometers that their vehicles have traveled, in the case of Crosswind, the cost is only P10,000. No wonder the model possesses an excellent resale value,” said Yamazaki.

Successful

Balmadrid added that the Crosswind’s unmatched resale value, low maintenance cost and excellent fuel economy have all combined to make the model one of the most successful in the country.

“Around 60,000 Crosswinds were sold since 2001 and we expect some more in the coming months and years. This is why apart from updating its external features and improving passenger accommodation, we also develop new variants like the Crosswind XS,” said Joseph Bautista, IPC sales division chief.

The XS variant may be regarded as a junior-size hauler. Unlike its more expensive siblings, the P750,000 XS doesn’t have a third-row seat and has dedicated the freed-up space for loading cargo.

The result is a rear cavity that could carry more than 1.8-cubic meters of cargo—equivalent to almost two balikbayan boxes.

Prices for the rest of Crosswind variants are P1.225 million for the automatic Sportivo; P1.16 million for the manual Sportivo MT; P1.102 million for the automatic XUV; P1.042 million for the manual XUV; P883,000 for the XT; and P794,000 for the XL.