New Delhi: Rain and driving do not mix well but when the roads get flooded within a few hours of continuous rain, you have no choice but to live with it during the few days of monsoons in Delhi (a lot more if you are in Mumbai!). In these times an SUV with high ground clearance is needed but what we had recently during a downpour was even better. The updated V Cross pick-up and the new Hi-Lander. These two make very good sense if you have the parking space to match. But first some information about the two.

We will talk more about the Hi-Lander more because at Rs 17 lakh, it is much more affordable than the other pick-up which is the V Cross. Also at this price you cannot get a bigger car than this so in many ways the Hi-Lander might be a bargain for those looking for something which stands out. And it sure does stand out with being huge and long along with having a lot of road presence. This being the cheaper version, there is no chrome or even the fancier alloys but the all black look sure does appeal and yes it still looks huge with road presence to scare other traffic on the road. Our car had the pick-up bed covered and it is advisable to get that being much more practical unless you want your stuff stolen while you wait at the traffic lights!

 







Inside, the Hi-Lander takes the theme of being 'built to a price' to a new level with no audio system and a manual air-con, something which is hard to digest in a car which costs this much. But you look at the interior as a whole and it is well finished along with being equipped with other basic stuff like a driver's seat height adjustment, USB ports, rear AC vents, dual airbags etc. The Hi-Lander gets a 6-speed manual and has a 1.9l diesel with 163bhp and 360Nm. To drive, the Hi-Lander is an event as you climb in while the manual gearbox/steering is a bit heavy. That said, the engine is pretty decent in terms of refinement and the immense pulling you get makes this massive pick-up slightly easy to live with. It cruises fairly well and you will most likely stick it to one gear and forget it. The Hi-Lander does not get 4x4 but it is so competent that you do not need it unless in extreme cases. It is huge along with having excellent ground clearance plus it takes any road with ease. The ride quality and the tough suspension is the USP.






The Hi-Lander then, is for those who want an affordable pick-up but we think it's much better to pay the extra 7 lakhs and get the V Cross automatic as that is a different beast altogether. I really liked the V Cross and that is because it has all the features you want including a rear view camera which is quite important as if you have not guessed already... It also has climate control, leather sears and a better cabin. Plus there is even a 7-inch touch screen along with an 8-speaker audio system. In the city, the 6-speed automatic is just the thing you need and makes using it much more easy. Put your foot down and the V Cross does go and you forget this is a massive pick-up. It has the same 1.9l diesel but the addition of the 4x4 is what makes the V Cross all the more appealing.




It is indeed one of the best off-roaders out there with immense pulling power and capabilities. Slush, bad roads, flooded roads or even big obstacles are easy to deal with. For non-off-road experts like me, using and enjoying the 4x4 V Cross was a fun experience. 4x4 low takes care of nearly everything in its path including navigating a tricky slush area where other cars simply avoided going. At Rs 24 lakh plus, there is nothing else at this price to match its off-road potential or even the size/presence.

 

Overall while not quite the bargain it once was, the V Cross continues to be the ultimate lifestyle choice while the Hi-Lander is a cheaper option for those who want to modify it further.  




What we like- size, presence, off-road ability (V Cross), value (Hi-Lander)

What we do not- Hi-Lander lacks too many features, V Cross is a bit pricey at 24 lakh plus 









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