August 2000 Volume 81 Number 8
"serving the protectors"
| August 2000 Volume 81 Number 8 "serving the protectors" |
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Motoring |
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| By
Jim Barnett |
The Power of Rodeo
he new Rodeo LT Sport has stacks of power, looks good and is reasonably comfortable. With its powerful 3.2-litre V6 alloy engine, it delivers smooth, quiet on-road performance.
Recently released by Isuzu-General Motors, this 4x4 Crew Cab utility has significant appearance and equipment enhancements, and brings the number of models in the Rodeo range to 32.
The LT Sport is distinguished by two-tone paint, silver wheel-arch flares and large chrome mirrors. It also has:
- A set of smart alloy wheels fitted with larger 245/70R16 tyres.
- Side steps.
- A hefty alloy roll bar in the ute box.
- Polished alloy rear bumperettes.
Comfortable front seats and a good driving position are enhanced by a driver’s footrest and adjustable steering. The rear seat is typical of most dual cabs: a narrow base, low to the floor and no thigh support for adults. It is best suited to kids, but there shouldn’t be any complaints from adults over short distances.
The dash layout is simple yet functional, with all controls well placed and easy to use. With a good-sized glove box, front door bins and rear map pockets, storage is no problem. The centre console also features small trays and a bin big enough to hold several CDs.
Even though the radio-cassette audio system looks fairly basic, it boasts four speakers and good sound quality. An added bonus – a six-disc CD stacker – is found under the driver’s seat. Other features include power windows, central locking and map lights.
The LT Sport tested by the Police Journal featured double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. This 3.2 litre, V6 petrol engine produces 140kW @ 5400 rpm and 265 Nm torque @ 4,200rpm. A 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine - available as an alternative - develops 74kW and 225Nm. The diesel is based on Isuzu’s light truck engine and boasts direct injection and a low-pressure turbo, which is water cooled.
To maintain 110km/h, the lively V6 spins at 3,000rpm. There is enough torque to take on most hills in overdrive, and it will accelerate smoothly from 40km/h in fifth gear. Road holding is good but, like most utes, it tends to buck over large bumps.
On gravel roads, the torsion-bar front suspension and rear leaf springs work well together, absorbing all but the largest of bumps. Most important, the vehicle remains predictable and straight on corrugations and pot-holed surfaces. The wide Goodyear tyres and standard limited-slip rear differential maintain control over wheel-spin - often a problem in utes with this sort of power.
Rodeo’s low side steps, coupled with its long wheel base, restrict ramp over angles and may affect off-road performance in some situations. But its low-range reduction is excellent, and most under-body parts are well protected by solid bash plates.
Rodeo features a part-time four-wheel-drive system with automatic-locking front hubs. It has a “shift-on-the-fly” capability, which enables shifts between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive (high range) at up to 100km/h on loose surfaces. Front disc and rear drum brakes offer good pedal feel and work efficiently.
The LT Sport V6 retails for $41,434; the diesel for $42,918. A dual airbag option adds around $1,500 to the price. Factory-approved LP gas systems are also available for the V6 and, when fitted, do not affect the vehicle’s warranty.
At around 13.8litres/100km, fuel usage on test was reasonable. The only drawback is a range of just over 400km from the small 63-litre tank.
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