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 2005. 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–present
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)
1991–2021 (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 1992, 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 2020. 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.

  • 1997 Isuzu Panther Hi Sporty (TBR54; Indonesia)
  • 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
Isuzu Hi-Lander
Production2000–present (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
Body style5-door wagon
RelatedIsuzu MU/Vega
Isuzu D-Max
Isuzu Faster
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission5-speed manual MSG5K
5-speed manual TR-2450
4-speed automatic AW03-72LE
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,680 mm (105.5 in)
Length4,435–4,730 mm (174.6–186.2 in)
Width1,680–1,770 mm (66.1–69.7 in)
Height1,765–1,840 mm (69.5–72.4 in)
Curb weight1,620–1,655 kg (3,571–3,649 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 Faster/TFR/KB and the Isuzu VehiCROSS, both from the same era. 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. Then it got facelifted again on 2011 featuring a halogen projector type headlamp, redesigned front grille with chrome ornament for the higher variants, amber side mirror led indicators, redesigned spare wheel cover (XUV and Sportivo), and an integrated rear bumper diffuser for the XUV and Sportivo variants. Like the Panther, the interior upholstery got changed from black to beige also introducing the retractable 1-DIN head unit with Navigation system and also doubles as a back-up camera . In 2015 it got facelifted again for the 4th time. It went back from projector type headlamps to simpler multi-reflector redesigned headlamps and also the front bumper and grille are redesigned. In 2017, the XUV and Sportivo X gets a different instrument cluster similar to the modern Isuzu Panther. Then in 2018, IPC introduced the Black Series limited edition models available for the XT, XUV, and Sportivo X variants which features black front grille, smoked headlamps, black alloy wheels (with red pinstripe for the Sportivo X), black side mirrors (silver for the Sportivo X), black rear spoiler, black spare wheel cover (XUV and Sportivo X), and comes with a roof basket as standard. Also standard on the Black Series are the retractable 1-DIN head unit, Isuzu Panther modern instrument cluster, and black leather upholstery. Interesting feature about the Crosswind is that the small screen on the 1-DIN head unit also doubles as a back-up camera and the camera is located at the rear spoiler just below the third brake light which is found in every Sportivo variants. It is powered by the 4JA1 diesel engine with 81 hp normally aspirated version (only MT variants until 2006) or an 85 hp low-pressure turbocharged version. It is also equipped with Isuzu‘s Flex Ride Suspension System. 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; third facelift, Philippines)

Chevrolet Tavera

The Panther was sold as the Chevrolet Tavera in Indonesia between 2001 and 2005, and in India by American automaker Chevrolet between 2004 and 2017 when General Motors suddenly 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]The Sonalika engine option was discontinued in 2015 with the Tavera being withdrawn temporarily from sale in Bharat Stage 4 cities until the outgoing 2.5L turbo diesel was revised to meet BS4 emissions standard with a reduced compression ratio and Common Rail Fuel Injection in 2016 and was sold until 2017 when General Motors announced to exit the Indian market.

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]

Engines

Petrol Engines

Engine Model Type Bore Stroke Displacement Compression ratio Power Torque Year
C22NE[12] Inline 4 8V SOHC MPFI 86.0 94.6 2198 cc 9.2:1 85 kW (114 hp; 116 PS)@ 5000 rpm 180 Nm @3600 rpm 2001-2005

Diesel Engines

4JA1[13] Inline 4 8V OHV Direct Injection 93.0 92.0 2499 cc 18.5:1 59.5 kW (80 hp; 81 PS)@ 3900 rpm 167 Nm @2300 rpm 2001-2006 (PH)
4JA1-L[14][15][13] Inline 4 8V OHV DI Turbo (Low pressure) 62.5 kW (84 hp; 85 PS)@ 3900 rpm (EURO-II) 185 Nm @2000 rpm 2000-present

2001-2017 (PH)

54 kW (72 hp; 73 PS)@ 3900 rpm (BS-3) 171 Nm @1800 rpm 2004-2016(India)
4JA1-CR[16][17] Inline 4 8V OHV CRDI Turbo 16.6:1 58 kW (78 hp; 79 PS)@ 3800 rpm (BS-4) 176 Nm @1400-2600 rpm 2016-2017 (India)
ICML G2[18][15] Inline 4 8V SOHC CRDI VGT 84.5 88.9 1994 cc 17.5:1 78.3 kW (105 hp; 106 PS)@ 4000 rpm (BS-4) 261 Nm @2500 rpm 2012-2015(India)
  • 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.
  12. Pratama, Franky (August 17, 2019). "Review Chevrolet Tavera 2001: Rupa Mirip Isuzu Panther Tapi Mesinnya Kok Bensin?". Cintamobil (in Indonesian). Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  13. "Isuzu Philippines". web.archive.org. October 10, 2003. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  14. "Chevrolet Tavera BS3 Manuals | ManualsLib". www.manualslib.com. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  15. "Chevrolet Tavera Brochure - 2014" (PDF). web.archive.org. March 5, 2015. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  16. "CHEVROLET TAVERA BS4 OWNER'S MANUAL Pdf Download | ManualsLib". www.manualslib.com. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  17. "Chevrolet Tavera BSIV Brochure -2017" (PDF). web.archive.org. June 17, 2017. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  18. "CHEVROLET TAVERA BS4 OWNER'S MANUAL Pdf Download | ManualsLib". www.manualslib.com. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
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