Isuzu Rodeo Pick-Up Range
There was a time when driving a pick-up truck was a little like riding a bull think bumpy ride, unresponsive handling and a general lack of refinement. The emissions werent great either. Today, the game has moved on with the leading contenders turning in far more polished performances. Its into this competitive arena that Isuzu pitches its latest Rodeo pick-up.
The original Isuzu Rodeo arrived on the scene at an opportune moment. The UK pick-up market was in the throes of a particularly vigorous growth spurt but none of the leading contenders were overly convincing. The new breed of pick-up buyer wouldnt settle for a no-frills commercial vehicle, they demanded the comfort and specification of a passenger car with the overblown, chrome spangled attitude of a monster truck. At the time, there was the strong suspicion that if any of the leading manufacturers got their act together with a new model that captured the sectors changing zeitgeist, theyd clean up.
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Does it have the attributes to claw itself back into contention? The most important single change made to this Rodeo was the introduction of the 2.5-litre common-rail diesel engine. Isuzu has a great reputation for producing diesel powerplants and the old 129bhp 3.0-litre unit that used to drive the range-topping derivatives was one of the strongest you could get in a UK market pick-up but times change and the 136bhp 2.
5-litre needed to be better in every respect. It is. Power is up but the 34.9mpg combined cycle fuel economy is fractionally improved and emissions are down significantly from 243g/km in the old model to 213g/km.
The engine also represents a big step forward in terms of refinement, proving noticeably quieter on start-up and while cruising.
"The Rodeo isnt short of road-presence"
The 2.5-litre common-rail unit is now the sole engine option available but buyers can specify the Prodrive Performance Pack which boosts its power output to a hefty 167bhp. More importantly, maximum torque is increased from 294Nm to 397Nm, giving the Rodeo some serious clout. The PPP, which is standard on the range-topping models, bumps the Rodeo up to the level of the leading lifestyle pick-ups in terms of performance and is definitely worth the extra outlay if you plan on utilising the impressive 3,000kg towing capacity.
The Rodeo employs a selectable 4x4 system that does away with the clunky lever next to the gear shifter as seen on some rivals in favour of a neat fascia-mounted switch. Pressing it at speeds up to 60mph swaps the transmission seamlessly between rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive modes. Theres a limited slip differential to aid traction in 2WD mode and the rear axle has an integral snorkel for navigating deep water. Add this to the Rodeos sturdy underbody protection and you have a highly capable off-road vehicle.
Such ability in the rough stuff has tended to produce less that silky on-road ride and handling in pick-ups past but the Rodeo makes a valiant effort at smoothing out the rough edges. The independent front suspension set-up features an anti-roll bar and double acting gas-filled shock absorbers are used all round. The level of ride comfort is let down by the tough leaf-sprung live axle at the rear but its this heavy-duty installation that ensures payloads of up to 1,075kg can be accommodated. Overall, the Isuzu Rodeo is a comfortable companion on the tarmac but models like Nissans Navara and Toyotas Hilux are more successful in delivering a car-like feel in terms of ride and handling.
Image isnt everything when it comes to pick-ups but its more important here than with any other kind of commercial vehicle. The reason is the popularity of these trucks with selfemployed tradespeople and company car users who need the tough practicality of a pick-up for work but also use them as leisure vehicles on weekends. The UK pick-up boom was a direct result of this kind of dual usage, a trend that was itself brought about the various tax breaks that the pick-ups commercial vehicle status affords. Isuzu are tilting at precisely this market with the Rodeo with only the family-friendly double-cab body style available in the UK.
The Rodeo isnt short of road presence with the towering grille and those large headlamps. Its an uncompromising frontage thats neatly finished with the fog lights set into the deep bumper and the slim bonnet scoop above to feed the intercooler. The vehicles looks grow more extrovert as you ascend the range that starts with the standard Rodeo and progresses through the Rodeo Denver Max to the Denver Max LE. The models get progressively more exotic detailing with extras like chrome side steps and brushed steel door entry-guards bolted on in the mid range before you reach the top LE model with its 18" shadow chrome alloys, leather trim and special mesh grille. At the very least, all models feature air-conditioning, electric windows, 16" alloys, keyless entry, a trip computer and a CD stereo with a slot to connect your iPod not bad for a commercial vehicle. The latest Rodeo has a tough job on to break into the upper echelons of the pick-up market but Isuzu have given it every chance. Its highly competitive on grounds of its engine, which benefits greatly from some Prodrive tinkering on the up-spec models, and its off road ability. Ride and handling are slightly off the pace and the interior quality could be better with Isuzus lack of passenger car know-how exposed in this area.
The equipment levels are very generous and this, allied to the tight pricing, could be the Rodeos trump card. Its going to be a bumpy ride but you wouldnt bet against the Rodeo hanging on in there.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
PICK-UP: Isuzu Rodeo range ENGINE: 2.5-litre common-rail diesel (136bhp) PAYLOAD: 1,075kg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Driver and passenger airbags, side impact protection door beams, ABS with EBD, front seatbelt pretensioners.
