Still got game: No slowing down for Isuzu’s Crosswind Sportivo

Despite the presence of newer SUVs and MPVs, the Crosswind Sportivo has remained among the top selling vehicles in the local market. In the photo is the latest edition of the workhorse, the Sportivo X. (CDN PHOTO/BRIAN J. OCHOA)

If there’s one vehicle that has defied the odds throughout the years, it’s got to be the Isuzu Crosswind Sportivo.
The latest edition of the Asian utility vehicle (AUV), the Sportivo X, is currently one of the hot-selling vehicles of Isuzu in Cebu.
Even with the presence of newer and bigger sports utility vehicles (SUV) and good-looking multipurpose vehicles (MPV), this AUV has managed to stay in contention in the local market.
According to Isuzu Cebu sales supervisor Lawrence Sabellano, the Sportivo has been in the market since 2005, but this current frame and body of the Sportivo has been here even longer.
It actually started in 2001 with the Crosswind before it was upgraded in 2005 and renamed Crosswind Sportivo.
So this current body of the Sportivo has actually been selling for 13 years now. That’s way past the normal life span of a certain vehicle model.

THE ISUZU Crosswind Sportivo X. (CDN PHOTO/BRIAN J. OCHOA)

Most vehicle models will last for six to ten years before an all-new version, which undergoes a complete makeover, replaces it. In between those years, upgrades will usually be made to make the vehicle salable.
In the case of the Crosswind Sportivo, the same strategy was used but for a longer period of time.
From the time of its birth, Isuzu managed to market the AUV well because of minor upgrades made throughout the years. These upgrades included changing its headlights and front bumpers from time to time, packing it with new wheels, improving its suspension system and installing it with high-tech gadgets such as a navigation system in the X-Max edition in 2010.
But the engine, body frame and chassis have virtually remained the same.
So what makes this AUV one of the most loved by Filipinos?
DURABLE ENGINE
Cebu Daily News recently borrowed a unit for a weekend from Isuzu Cebu to try to answer that question. The unit lent to us was an ash-beige, manual variant of the latest Crosswind Sportivo X. And it was spanking brand new.

Who doesn’t love a durable engine? The tried-and-tested 4JA-1L turbo direct injection diesel engine is among the best ever. (CDN PHOTO/BRIAN J. OCHOA)

The engine is usually one of the most important aspects of a vehicle. Buyers always consider how strong, fuel efficient and durable an engine of a vehicle is.
The Sportivo has one of the toughest engines made, Isuzu’s tried-and-tested 4JA-1L powerplant.
This engine produces 85 horsepower and 18.9 kg-m of torque, not impressive numbers considering that new common rail direct injection diesel engines nowadays can produce as much as 200 hp.
But this engine performs well, and more importantly is tough. Proof of that is that Isuzu has stuck with this engine for the Sportivo throughout the years.
And it isn’t slow or weak. In fact, in our test, the Sportivo delivered enough power when needed. Torque is also decent, even when fully loaded with seven adults, which is the AUV’s normal seating capacity.
The spacious interior is also one of the features that is a huge selling factor. When loaded with seven persons, there’s still enough room for comfort.
Leg room and head room is great and the comfort level improves more with its updated suspension system dubbed the Flex Ride Move suspension.

Isuzu has always equipped the Sportivo with techy gadgets such as this nifty audio head unit that also doubles as a display for the rear camera. Great for the younger generation. (CDN PHOTO/BRIAN J. OCHOA)

This new suspension system is a huge boost for Isuzu, especially since its vehicles were known to have very stiff suspensions before. The new ride offers just enough bounce that won’t make you’re head ache.
Looks are also a plus with the Sportivo. Even with an old frame, Isuzu has done a good job making it look good by adding new headlights, bumpers and set of wheels.
The current Sportivo has even become up-to-date with other competitors with the addition of little things like the daytime running lights on its projector headlight assembly.
With a durable engine, spacious interior, decent ride and looks that are updated every now and then, we now know why the Sportivo has competed well in the market for this long. And it can go for more if Isuzu continues to package the Sportivo the way it has done throughout the years.