REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Truth or propaganda?

Isuzu took a long time to revamp its Rodeo, and it looks as though the current incarnation will be short-lived. Indeed, there are rumours suggesting that the next generation of Rodeo could share the same platform as the future Trailblazer, Envoy and Bravada. Are they truth, or propaganda?Aerodynamically styled (with a drag coefficient that has shifted from 0.54 to 0.46), a rigid chassis, better soundproofing but a windshield that still comes up short, the Rodeo’s features make its interior as intimate as a confessional. In the design department the LS package comes with a number of highly polished wood inlays that alleviate an otherwise depressing look. To distract us a bit Isuzu came up with the bright idea of decorating the instrument panel with an array of buttons and controls. Incidentally, the instrumentation graphics were changed last year. Even though front-seat cushions have some drivers leaning too far forward to reach the pedals, the Rodeo’s bucket seats are comfortable enough to make driving long distances problem- free. But the best off are rear-seat passengers (a very rare phenomenon, you have to admit): the fold-down bench is a good fit, there ’ s plenty of room for heads and legs and, most importantly, adjustable seat belts mean more comfort for passengers who have to sit on either end. The middle passenger may complain about the "stomach belt" and lack of headrest. Lastly, the trunk is roomier than before and access is easier thanks to a side-opening door.The new Rodeo is more mature these days, but it still has the slightly rebellious side that has thrilled and enthraled some 355,000 buyers since 1990. To make life easier for the driver, the ball steering system has been traded in for a more precise rack-and-pinion alternative. Brakes have bite, thanks to an efficient and modern anti-lock system that ensures straight-line stops over surprisingly short distances compared to rival models. The rear suspension has also been improved and it’s so good at filtering out road defects that the ride could almost be described as less exciting than it used to be. The 3.2-liter V6 is plenty strong – no, it’s very strong! In fact, its performance capabilities are so impressive they put most of the competition ’ s V8 units to shame. Pick-up is impressive as well and the Rodeo leaves its counterparts blinded by its taillights. Some credit goes to the transmissions – manual or automatic. Their gear ratio is perfect and they’re as smooth as silk. A drawback: the all-wheel drive selected for the Rodeo has neither the refinement nor the efficiency of similar systems found on today’s market.

PROS
Comfortable ride
Powerful V6
Strong braking

CONS
Slow-paced development
Some design details
Outdated all-wheel drive

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: * * * *
Passenger: * * * * *