Isuzu to launch 4x2 Rodeo pick-up

Date: Friday, March 28, 2008

Isuzu UK is to extend its pick-up line-up with the launch of a 4x2 single cab Rodeo. Until now it has concentrated on marketing high-specification 4x4 double cabs, but believes there may be a market for a more basic workhorse.

Likely on-sale date is June and the newcomer will be powered by the same 136hp 2.5-litre 16-valve common rail diesel that's used in the double-cab. It'll be married to a five-speed manual gearbox.

Approximate payload capacity will be 1,000kg and pricing is set to be highly competitive says Isuzu.

The 2.5-litre has been boosted by Prodrive at the importer's behest to produce 167hp for double cab customers who want more power. That arrangement will be scrapped this summer and a factory-built 163hp 3.0-litre common rail diesel will be offered instead, married to an automatic gearbox.

It will be available in the Rodeo Denver Max LE. A manual 3.0-litre will not be offered initially, but could appear later.

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