Isuzu Panther

The Isuzu Panther is a line of multi-purpose vehicle and pickup truck manufactured since 1991 by Isuzu and developed in Indonesia for the Southeast Asian market. The second generation Panther was also manufactured and marketed in India under the name Chevrolet Tavera, a name which is also used in Indonesia for the gasoline version until 2007. It was developed together with General Motors as the "160 Project".[1]

Isuzu Panther
2001 Isuzu Panther LS 2.5 (TBR541, Indonesia)
Overview
ManufacturerIsuzu
Also called
  • Isuzu Hi-Lander (Philippines)
  • Isuzu Hi-Lander Crosswind (Philippines)
  • Isuzu Crosswind (Philippines)
  • Isuzu Pickup (first generation, pickup, Indonesia)
  • Chevrolet Tavera (India and Indonesia)
Production1991–2020
Body and chassis
Class
Body style
Related
Chronology
SuccessorIsuzu D-Max (for pickup truck model only)

The model is suited to carrying large loads of passengers or cargo. It was developed to meet local conditions in terms of climate, roads and family structure as a durable vehicle. The Panther is also popular in the Philippines as Hi-Lander, later the Crosswind. It was also known as the Hi-Lander in Vietnam.

Engine

The C223 diesel engine is a 4-cylinder, 2,238 cc (137 cu in), OHV, 8-valve engine. This engine produces 60 PS (44 kW; 59 hp) at 4,300 rpm and 126.25 N⋅m (93.12 lbf⋅ft) of torque at 2,200 rpm.

The 4JA1 diesel engine is a 4-cylinder, 2,499 cc (152 cu in), OHV, 8-valve engine. The engine has a 93 mm (3.7 in) bore and 92 mm (3.6 in) stroke. This engine produces 80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp) at 3,900 rpm and 130.6 N⋅m (96.3 lbf⋅ft) of torque at 1,800 rpm. The turbocharged variant, the 4JA1-L engine, was introduced with the second generation Panther Touring variant in 2001. This engine produces 86 PS (63 kW; 85 hp) at 3,500 rpm and 191.2 N⋅m (141.0 lbf⋅ft) of torque at 1,800 rpm.

First generation (TBR52, TBR54; 1991)
First generation (TBR52, TBR54)
1997 Isuzu Panther Royale 2.5 (TBR54; facelift, Indonesia)
Overview
Also calledIsuzu Hi-Lander
Isuzu Pickup[2]
Production1991–2000 (station wagon, Indonesia)
1991–present (pickup truck, Indonesia)
1997–2001 (station wagon, Philippines)
AssemblyIndonesia: Sunter, Jakarta (Pantja Motor)
Philippines: Biñan, Laguna, (IPC)
Body and chassis
ClassCompact MPV
Compact pickup truck
Body style5-door wagon
2-door pickup truck
RelatedIsuzu Faster
Isuzu MU
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission5-speed manual MSG5K
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,680 mm (105.5 in)
Length4,360 mm (171.7 in) (Pickup & Sporty)
4,405 mm (173.4 in) (Royale, Grand Royale & Hi Grade)
4,490 mm (176.8 in) (Hi Sporty)
4,655 mm (183.3 in) (Pickup GD 3-Way)
Width1,650 mm (65.0 in) (Pickup, Royale, Grand Royale & Sporty)
1,740 mm (68.5 in) (Hi Grade)
1,787 mm (70.4 in) (Hi Sporty)
1,820 mm (71.7 in) (Pickup GD 3-Way)
Height1,725 mm (67.9 in) (Pickup & Sporty)
1,770 mm (69.7 in) (Royale & Grand Royale)
1,790 mm (70.5 in) (Pickup GD 3-Way)
1,818 mm (71.6 in) (Hi Grade)
1,826 mm (71.9 in) (Hi Sporty)
Curb weight1,990 kg (4,387 lb)

The first generation Panther was introduced in 1991 as a pickup truck and a coachbuilder-made station wagon in short wheelbase and long wheelbase with the 2.3 L C223 diesel engine. The differences between short wheelbase and long wheelbase are 200 mm in length. The Isuzu Total Assy station wagon version, which is assembled by PT Pulogadung Pawitra Laksana (a subsidiary of Astra International) in Sunter, North Jakarta, was introduced in 1993, and it is available in Standard, Deluxe, Grand Deluxe, Royal Hi-GLX and Hi Grade trim levels. In 1996, the first generation Panther received a restyled headlamps, redesigned front grille and the 2.5 L Direct Injection 4JA1 diesel engine, and the station wagon version is available in New Super, Deluxe, Royale, Grand Royale, Sporty, Hi Sporty and Hi Grade trim levels. The Sporty and Hi Sporty trims have sporty body kit and two-tone exterior color option. The Hi Sporty and Hi Grade trims have higher ground clearance. In 1999, the Royale and Grand Royale trims were both replaced with the New Royale trim. After the second generation Panther station wagon was introduced, the first generation Panther pickup truck continued to be produced and sold until present. The first generation Panther pickup truck is available in Standard, Flat Deck and GD 3-Way. The front grille of the first generation Panther pickup truck was facelifted twice, in 2005 and 2009. The headlights were then changed into the crystal multireflector headlights. The first generation Panther pickup truck was rebranded as the Isuzu Pickup and has been given a turbocharger to meet Euro 2 emission standards. The front grille of the facelifted 2009 Isuzu Pickup is similar to the second facelift second generation Panther station wagon.

  • 2000 Isuzu Panther Hi Grade 2.5 (TBR54; facelift, Indonesia)
  • Isuzu Panther Pickup (TBR54; 2005 facelift, Indonesia)
  • Isuzu Pickup (TBR54; 2009 facelift, Indonesia)
  • Isuzu Panther (TBR54; facelift, Taiwan)
  • Isuzu Panther (TBR54; facelift, Taiwan)
  • Isuzu Hi-Lander (TBR54; facelift, Philippines)

Second generation (TBR541; 2000)
Second generation (TBR541)
Isuzu Panther LV 2.5 (TBR541; pre-facelift, Indonesia)
Overview
Also calledIsuzu Crosswind
Isuzu Hi-Lander Crosswind
Chevrolet Tavera
Production2000–2020 (Indonesia)
2001–2017 (Philippines)
2004–2017 (India)
AssemblyIndonesia: Sunter, Jakarta (Pantja Motor/IAMI)
Philippines: Biñan, Laguna, (IPC)
India: Halol, Gujarat (GM India)
Body and chassis
ClassCompact MPV
Compact SUV
Body style5-door wagon
RelatedIsuzu MU/Vega
Isuzu D-Max
Isuzu Faster
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission5-speed manual MSG5K
4-speed automatic AW03-72LE
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,685 mm (105.7 in)
Length4,435–4,579 mm (174.6–180.3 in)
Width1,680–1,770 mm (66.1–69.7 in)
Height1,765–1,920 mm (69.5–75.6 in)
Curb weight2,150–2,170 kg (4,740–4,784 lb)

The second generation Panther was introduced on September 6, 2000 at the 10th Gaikindo Auto Expo with the completely rounded, aerodynamic shape of the 21st century. The car is loosely based on the Isuzu MU, and shared the same dashboard design as the Isuzu VehiCROSS. and It is only available in station wagon version with the same 2.5 L Direct Injection 4JA1 diesel engine as the first generation, and featured the crystal multireflector headlights for the first time.

It is available in short wheelbase, which is available in the base SM, the mid-level SV and Hi Grade SS trim levels, and long wheelbase, which is available in the base LM, the mid-level LV and Hi Grade LS trim levels. The long wheelbase variant is 200 mm longer than the short wheelbase variant. For the first time, the automatic transmission variant is also offered for the LS trim with the 4JA1-L turbocharged diesel engine.

In 2001, the top-of-the-line Touring variant was introduced as a sport utility vehicle variant of the second generation Panther with the same turbocharged diesel engine as the automatic transmission variant of the LS trim, two-tone exterior colour with silver coloured body kit and front bumper guard, higher ground clearance, spare tyre attached on boot and four-spoke steering wheel (later also used on the LS trim in 2003). The redesigned taillights with crystal multireflector were introduced with the Touring variant and later also used on the LV and LS trims. In 2003, the second generation Panther has no longer used rubber seals and used compound sealant instead on both rear side and rear window, and also introduced the top-of-the-line Grand Touring variant which has a single exterior color instead of two-tone and without front bumper guard, and is positioned just above the Touring variant. Since then, the short wheelbase variant was discontinued. The Adventure variant which is based on the LV trim with body kit is also available. The manual transmission variant of the LS trim with a turbocharger is also available as well.

Facelift

The second generation Panther received its facelift in August 2004 with new headlights, redesigned front grille and bumper, redesigned wheels and black plastic trunk garnish with Panther emblem, and also introduced the base Smart trim, which replaced the LM trim. It is available in Smart, LV and LS trim levels, as well as Adventure, Touring and Grand Touring variants in long wheelbase only. The LS trim, Touring and Grand Touring variants received a redesigned four-spoke steering wheel (later also used on the LV trim and Adventure variant in 2008). The front bumper guard on the Touring variant was removed. In early 2007, all variants have been given a turbocharger to meet Euro 2 emission standards. In late 2007, the interior color was changed from black to beige (for all variants) and the door trim was redesigned (initially for the LS trim, Touring and Grand Touring variants, later also for the LV trim and Adventure variant in 2008). Its exterior was refreshed twice, in 2009 and 2013. In early 2009, the front grille was refreshed and in late 2011, the taillights were refreshed. In 2013, the trunk garnish was redesigned exclusive to the LS trim, Touring and Grand Touring variants. The Touring and Grand Touring variants are no longer have the spare tyre mounted on the rear door. The Adventure variant was later discontinued due to low demand.

  • 2002 Isuzu Panther Touring (TBR541; pre-facelift, Indonesia)
  • 2008 Isuzu Panther Smart Turbo (TBR541; first facelift, Indonesia)
  • 2008 Isuzu Panther LS 2.5 Turbo (TBR541; first facelift, Indonesia)
  • 2008 Isuzu Panther Grand Touring (TBR541; first facelift, Indonesia)
  • 2018 Isuzu Panther LS 2.5 Turbo (TBR541; second facelift, Indonesia)
  • 2018 Isuzu Panther LS 2.5 Turbo (TBR541; second facelift, Indonesia)

Crosswind (Philippines)

In the Philippines, the Crosswind replaced the Hi-Lander in 2001, and was given a major redesign in early 2005 from the "Hi-Lander Crosswind" to just "Crosswind" as well as "Sportivo". Minor facelifts were given in 2007 and 2009 to the same format. It is powered by the 4JA-1 diesel engine with the option of an 81 hp normally aspirated version or an 85 hp low-pressure turbocharged version. It is also equipped with Isuzu‘s Flex Ride Suspension System. On August 31, 2012, the Sportivo X was introduced. It was discontinued in 2018 after it sold off its final units due to the Philippines' enforcement of rules for Euro IV emission standards by 2018.[4]

The Crosswind for the Philippine market is available in:

  • Black Series (Final Edition)
  • X-MAX (Limited Edition)
  • Sportivo X (2012–2017)
  • XUVi (2003–2005)
  • XUV (2001–2012, 2015–2017)
  • XTRM (2001–2004)
  • XTi (2001–2014)
  • XTO (2001–2005)
  • XT (2001–2017)
  • XL (2001–2017)
  • XS (2012–2017)
    • Isuzu Hi-Lander Crosswind 2.5 (TBR541; Philippines)
    • Isuzu Crosswind 2.5 (TBR541; facelift, Philippines)
    • Isuzu Crosswind 2.5 (TBR541; second facelift, Philippines)
    • Isuzu Crosswind 2.5 (TBR541; third facelift, Philippines)

Chevrolet Tavera

The Panther was sold as the Chevrolet Tavera in Indonesia until 2005, and in India by American automaker Chevrolet until 2017 when General Motors abruptly exited the Indian market.[5]

The name of the vehicle comes from the name of the small French village, Tavera, Corsica, known for its steep paths and whose CEO of Isuzu, Susumu Hosoi is used to test his vehicles. In India, this MUV's main competition includes such vehicles like the Toyota Innova, Mahindra Bolero, Tata Sumo, and similar vehicles. The Indian Tavera was built with knock-down kit sourced from Isuzu Indonesia.[6][7]

In India, there are 2 versions of the Tavera, the original Tavera, the base model which includes the B1 and B2 trims, and the Tavera neo 2 (this version was called simply Tavera neo before the Indian Tavera facelift, and before that Tavera Elite), the normal version which includes the LS-B3, the LS-B4, the LT-L and the high-end SS-D1. In 2006, because of Chevrolet's marketing of their Indian lineup as "an Indian revolution" (similar to their US marketing campaign), the Tavera is now sold as two models. The original Tavera is still being sold; however more upmarket models in India are now sold as the "Tavera Neo 2". In September of the same year, the Indian Tavera got a facelift. The facelift included the front grille and revised interiors.

Later again in 2012, it received a facelift which includes revised front lights and bumpers and introduced as Tavera Neo 3.[8] It featured a new engine option, a cleaner 2.0 L G-series diesel engine sourced from Sonalika to comply with Bharat Stage 4 emissions standard imposed in several metro cities in India. The new engine was marketed as TCDi engine and delivers more power, 107 PS (79 kW) and is equipped with a variable-geometry turbocharger.[9]

In Indonesia, Tavera served as a petrol version of Isuzu Panther, while the latter has only diesel engine. It is powered by a 2.2 L gasoline, 114 PS (84 kW) & 180 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft) Australian-sourced Holden engine, which also used by Indonesian version of Opel/Chevrolet Blazer. It was discontinued in 2005 due to low demand.

2013 recall in India

In July 2013, General Motors recalled 114,000 Chevrolet Taveras in India, as the vehicle failed to meet local emission standards. GM India also were ordered to suspend the production of the Tavera until the issues were resolved.[10]

Svenska Dagbladet reported that employees of General Motors had misled Indian authorities about the exhaust emission and fuel consumption by equipping vehicles to be tested with smaller and specially prepared engines to pass regulations. As a result of this, GM's powertrain division manager Sam Winegarden was fired, along with other employees. The report led to the Indian authorities starting an investigation into General Motors' practices.[11]

  • 2004 Chevrolet Tavera 2.5 (TBR541; pre-facelift, India)
  • 2003 Chevrolet Tavera 2.2 LT (TBR541; Indonesia)
  • 2003 Chevrolet Tavera 2.2 LT (TBR541; Indonesia)

References
  1. "Isuzu: Domestic Market Share Targets of 40% for Small Trucks and 30% for Medium-Sized and Large Trucks are Attainable". MarkLines. October 25, 2006. Archived from the original on January 9, 2014. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
  2. "Isuzu Pickup" (PDF). isuzu-astra.com. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  3. "Chevrolet Tavera Neo 3". The Economic Times. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  4. Buban, Charles E. (July 26, 2017). "Savoring the beloved Crosswind's last hurrah". Motioncars. Inquirer.net. pp. B2–B5. Archived from the original on November 12, 2018.
  5. http://gmauthority.com/blog/2017/05/general-motors-restructures-international-business-unit/
  6. Okezone (April 1, 2008). "Isuzu Ekspor 2.600 Unit Panther Setiap Bulan : Okezone Otomotif". Okezone Otomotif (in Indonesian). Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  7. Fourie, Louis F. (December 27, 2016). On a Global Mission: The Automobiles of General Motors International Volume 3. FriesenPress. ISBN 978-1-4602-9690-5.
  8. "CHEVROLET TAVERA PRODUCT INFORMATION". media.gm.com. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  9. "Chevrolet Tavera Neo3 launched in India". Indianautosblog. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  10. https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324110404578625500571971238 GM India Recalling 114,000 Chevrolet SUVs
  11. "GM sparkar toppchef efter fusk i Indien". Svenska Dagbladet. July 29, 2013. Retrieved July 30, 2013.
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