Even though first introduced ten years ago back in 1997, the Isuzu VehiCROSS still looks space today. The Isuzu VehiCROSS was never intended to be a mass production model, produced only as a halo car. In concept form, it was showcased with both 4-door and a roadster body, but only the 2-door version made it’s way into production. Underneath it lay mostly mechanicals from the Isuzu Trooper, and engine options were also the same 3.2 litre and 3.5 litre V6 petrol engines that make over 200 horsepower.
Despite it’s looks, it had real offroad capabilities, including a low ratio transfer case. It’s 4-wheel-drive system was also advanced for it’s time, using a Torque On Demand system from BorgWarner, using 12 independent sensors to detect wheel spin and redirecting power to the wheels with the most traction.
Now, why am I blogging about this? Well, there’s a 1999 model Isuzu VehiCROSS on sale on Ebay Malaysia, and the bid is standing at about MYR 108,000.00 right now. There are only 4309 units in the whole world.
After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history. An avid electronic gadget aficionado as well as big-time coffee lover, he's also the executive producer of the Driven motoring TV programme.
This was designed 10 years back? It looks even more space age then Triton!
it was the first car/vehicle I've ever seen with a reverse camera. unfortunately, it doesn't have a nice drive. But I really liked the look of it.
I've seen 2-3 in the "metal". If you want a futuristic car, this is the closest ever to a production run. I remember watching a sci-fi movie where they used the VehiCross too! But they chopped off the roof and turned them into a SUV roadster. Sure looks cool.
That person who put this on bid must be a sales person from Naza.. All AP "Mostly" come from Naza… Anywayz i think this car is already extinct in Japan coz after 5 years they gonna be scrap…
this look like a cobra, isn it?
this one is limited ??! wow … what is the 4 door looks ?? …small body with 3.2 I4 & 3.5V6 ??? can imaging the power of the car …. i drive bighorn with this engine b4 … quite powerful the pickup … can fight the prado TZ turbo
Three years ago, I saw one at one of the second hand car lots in Taman Megah. Didn't think of asking about the price then because I wasn't interested in buying it. Thing is RM100k+ for the VehiCROSS on eBay is expensive because when it first went on the market it was less than RM200k and that was ten years ago. Nice car but no matter what the mileage, definitely not worth RM100k+ now. Spare parts will become a problem too.
collectors's item should be and must be expansive.
Paul Tan, not buying it for yourself?
saw one and only unit at kuching also…with twin sport exhaust muffler!!!
quite expensive. if u stay close with motor trader malaysia, it had show up 2 time this year. the 1st time is around 75k in bangsar. the 2nd 1 just appeal in last month issue asking 4 100k+ as well.
well, is hard 2 get loan i guess & it sure very thristy from what i found out from owner from net. if any 1 interested please make sure can get loan b4 bid on it.
man… this proves tat how smart a human can be… despite the age of this vehicle, it still look modern and concept! if paul didnt post this blog, i never know this is from isuzu lar… wat a surprise to me…
ive seen this vehicle once in front of sunway pyramid, i couldnt belive my eyes when someone actually got this vehicle over, its really scarce like a hummer, ive only had the hotwheels scale of this vehicle, anyone interested? hehe
looks like sth from an episode of power rangers or something like that…
got some more here
http://www.difflock.com/diffmag/issue7/isuzu/inde…
I still remember the XU-1 when it came out as concept vehicle
if it were on sale, definitely on top of my 4×4 wish list
here's another one
http://www.isuzu.co.jp/museum/conhis/xu-1.html
Is this car on permanent 4×4? Cause with that petrol engine, going to suffer.
Hiii…
During the economic turmoil in the year 1997-1999, there are hundreds of these Vehicross stockpiled in Kinabalu Motor Assembly stockyard in Inanam, Kota Kinabalu…I've seen and even test drove one of those units there….Very futuristic and modern in design, although it share the same platform and engine with the isuzu bighorn/trooper SWB version…These Vehicross were supposedly awaiting to be sent to some Asean countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Philipines, Thailand and to some Arab countries…
In Malaysia at that time, the selling price, from what I remembered was about RM185K…Quite expensive at that time….competing direct with Ssangyong Korrando…
Due to poor response, I heard the Vehicross were sent back to Japan…:(
ab said,
May 29, 2007 @ 8:36 pm
looks like sth from an episode of power rangers or something like that…
Not Power Ranger lar…features in one of many Ultraman series..cant remember which one..
ab said,
May 29, 2007 @ 8:36 pm
looks like sth from an episode of power rangers or something like that…
Its Ultraman series…cant remember which ultraman..
Nice car, I've always liked it since I saw one in Shutokou Battle 01 years ago. It has that blend of fun, macho, and futurism that not many other 4×4 has. There are many concept cars better than this one, but for production models, no other 4×4 even comes close to this baby in terms of design
When my company was opened back in '97, one unit was presented to Tun Mahathir as a gift from Isuzu, as a gesture of appreciation.
Don't think he's using it that much.
ultraman?………hahaha!
saw 1 at a used car lot in bangsar selling for only 75k in 2008,was sold when i enquired bout it.
I’ve seen quite a few in NYC before and a couple here in the Philippines. My first impression was “It looks like my sneaker.” I was hoping it would go into mass production and make its way here. Unfortunately, it didn’t. It would’ve been a great rig for everyday use on and off road.
The VehiCross looks really cool in red exterior, and I am sure all off-road vehicle enthusiasts would fall in love with this vehicle due to its very aggressive designing traits.