It’s not every day that test drive events start with a question from the hosts, but that’s exactly what happened here when Isuzu made everyone ponder their most memorable trip with the Crosswind. As one of the country’s longest-running nameplates, the Crosswind has gained a huge and loyal following since its introduction in 2001. Known for its versatility, durability, and reliability, the Crosswind is adaptable vehicle fit for almost every Juan, whether it’s for family, friends, or business associates.

Even before arriving at the northern tip of Luzon, Isuzu brought everyone to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport using well-worn Crosswind units. As a passenger, it’s surprising how durable it felt. It’s solid and squeak free despite clocking over 80,000 kilometers. It also had the most frigid air conditioning known to man.



Throughout its 16-year lifespan, the Crosswind has gone almost everywhere in the Philippines, so it’s a pleasant surprise that this is the first time it’s traveling the coastline of Cagayan from Tuguegarao to Sta. Ana. Arriving at the Tuguegarao Airport, five units awaited, representing each of the 2017 Crosswind variants.

Hopping on board, it comes as no surprise that the Crosswind remains a family favorite because of its spaciousness. Whether as a front or rear passenger, it has generous amounts of head, shoulder, and leg room all around.



It always feels like the perfect road trip vehicle for the whole family and their stuff. In fact, on this drive, the Sportivo-X A/T was loaded to the brim with 6 people and luggage. And more than just space for people, there’s also an assortment of cubby holes for all sorts of knick-knacks including cup holders on the first and second rows. Apart from the space and versatility, the Crosswind also lived up to its frugal reputation, barely sipping diesel throughout the drive. Though not exactly the fastest vehicle on the road today, the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder meant the Crosswind’s fuel needle barely budged.

It’s no sedan or SUV, so it cannot be expected to carve through corners. It needs a re-think to get the Crosswind to handle right. Saw the steering wheel like a sports car, and it’s a mess of understeer and body roll. Remain gentle with the steering inputs and it rewards the driver with a ride that’s massively comfortable. It’s so comfortable that at one point, everyone but the driver was cradled to sleep. Equally useful during these conditions is the durable and no nonsense platform. Since provincial roads are typically unforgiving to passenger cars, the tough chassis is perfect for this sort of terrain. Fitted with a long-travel Double Wishbone and Leaf Spring suspension, it rides through any obstacle with aplomb.



And with Filipino car buyers usually attracted first to a car for its looks, all of the Crosswind’s practicality and durability is wrapped around a robust and sturdy body that has withstood the test of time. Suffice to say, this last iteration is the cleanest one yet. These changes, first introduced in 2015 include: headlights with sweeping graphics at the bottom, a silver six-hole grille, a one-piece body-colored front bumper (with built-in over rider), a shark fin style radio antenna, a matte black spare tire cover, black aluminum side step boards, and revised designs for the 15-inch alloy wheels. Interestingly, these changes are proudly designed and engineered in the Philippines. In short, this is a Crosswind strictly designed for Filipino tastes.

Along for the drive was Isuzu Philippines Corporation President, Mr. Hajime Koso who said that Isuzu continues to take pride in their longest running vehicle nameplate in the country, as he vows to provide class-leading features for the followers of the Crosswind:

“The Isuzu Crosswind perfectly characterizes the commitment that Isuzu has and would be delivering to the Filipino market. We will continue to find more ways to make this vehicle more Filipino-centric,” he said.



Going back to the question first posted by Isuzu representatives, the most memorable Crosswind drive was in 2004 during the Cloverleaf Challenge. At that time, Isuzu brought out all their vehicle offerings in an attempt to circle around Luzon province simultaneously. As fate would have it, the Crosswind group had to travel the longest distance: 1,300 kilometers from Manila to Sorsogon and back. Apart from the distance, the unpredictable weather meant it had to travel through changeable weather conditions as well as through the infamous Bitukang Manok. Suffice to say, the Crosswind performed beautifully then as it did once more in Cagayan.

As the full implementation of Euro 4 emissions compliance comes in by January 1, 2018, Isuzu is set to close the Crosswind’s chapter after 16 years on the market. With more than one hundred thousand owners though, they will remain committed in supporting their venerable AUV for at least a decade with a full supply of spare parts even after production stops around September. Whatever the next chapter brings, the Isuzu Crosswind will always be remembered as the one vehicle that has managed to keep itself in stride with the ever-changing taste of the times.