The Isuzu Crosswind XT traveled 958 kilometers on a single full tank of fuel, registering an average consumption of 17.42 kilometers per liter (km/l). The figure was set during the 2nd leg of the 2013 Isuzu Challenge held from August 1 to 3 where the bestselling AUV tackled real-world driving conditions over a route marked by numerous uphill portions and roads undergoing repairs.

In the first leg of the 2013 Isuzu Challenge held in April, an Isuzu D-MAX LS 4x2 M/T recorded 1,467 kilometers on a single full tank of 76 liters, or an average of 19.3 km/l.

During a similar event in 2010, the Crosswind XL averaged 21.64 km/l by traveling 1,190 kilometers on a full tank, with the vehicle traversing a more straightforward route across the provinces of Northern Luzon before heading back to Manila and on to Quezon. In the latest leg of the Isuzu Challenge, a SMART version of the Crosswind proceeded to Southern Luzon from its takeoff point at Isuzu Alabang, navigated the Bicol region until Matnog in Sorsogon, then looped back up before finally finishing out its fuel load in Calauag, Quezon. The vehicle was driven at speeds of 60 kph to 80 kph whenever the conditions allowed. The Southern Luzon route let the Crosswind to demonstrate its competence on difficult road and traffic conditions in which customers are known to use the vehicle.

Driving the Crosswind were Napoleon Moreno and Domingo Escarieses of Automobile Association Philippines while verifying the distance traveled and fuel consumed was Francisco “Bebot” Reyes, Jr. of Roadwise Motoring Foundation.

“There are numerous traits that make the Isuzu Crosswind one of the most popular and successful vehicle models in the country,” said Isuzu Philippines Corporation President Nobuo Izumina. “While the Crosswind’s reliability, sturdy construction, competence at delivering to the needs of Filipino consumers and the capacity to retain excellent monetary value through the years are among them, there can be no doubt that the vehicle’s fuel efficiency in real-world driving conditions is a key factor too.”

Proving to be at home on Bicol highways where multipurpose vehicles fully laden with cargo or those used for personal requirements are common, the Crosswind XT SMART version’s 10-seater capacity and various other features came in as useful during the fuel economy drive. The new SMART version stands for the Crosswind’s known traits, which are: Superior, Multipurpose, Affordable, Reliable and Trusted.  It is available on the Crosswind’s XT, XL and XS variants, which are positioned as best for taxi, UV Express or vehicle fleet use; as an alternative to conventional passenger cars; or as a family vehicle.

The Crosswind XT is equipped with powerful halogen projector headlamps, a shark fin antenna, body-color radiator grille, roof rails, third brake lamp and 15-inch alloy wheels. Inside, it has a dual air-conditioning system, beige jersey-vinyl bucket seats in front and a single in-dash CD/WMA/MP3 Tuner with Front Aux-in and four speakers. The Crosswind is also fitted with Isuzu’s Flex Ride MOVE suspension in the rear that provides a more comfortable ride and 14-inch ventilated disc brakes in front. Powering it is the proven 4JA1-L 2.5-liter turbo direct injection Euro 2 Diesel engine that makes 85ps and 18.9kg-m of torque, which is combined to a five-speed manual transmission.

The third and final leg of the 2013 Isuzu Challenge will be held in September of this year and will feature Isuzu’s bestselling NHR light-duty truck. The event is expected to traverse Pangasinan on the way to Ilocos Norte then back to Metro Manila.