Troopers sent in
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• Isuzu Cars Great Britain has confirmed that it will be launching light 4 x4 Trooper models at the Motor Show in two months time, with sales of both petrol and diesel versions expected to begin early in 1987.
The Japanese-built Trooper will compete against the Range Rover, Mitsubishi Shogun and Datsun Patrol. According to Isuzu Cars, however, it will initially be available only in passenger, rather than commercial variants.
Two wheelbase models — a 2.65m and 2.3m — will be offered. Petrol-engined Troopers will have a 2.3-litre, four-cylinder naturally-aspirated power unit with a maximum output of around 68kW (92hp) and a peak torque of 170Nm (125 lbft) at 2,600rpm.
Like many other small Japanese petrol engines now being fitted, the 2,254cm3 Trooper unit can be run on unleaded fuel.
Diesel Troopers will have a 2.2-litre turbocharged, indirect-injection engine which develops close to 60kW (80hp) and has a maximum torque of some 154Ntn (114 lbft) at 2,50Orpm.
Both versions will be equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox and automatic free-wheeling front hubs.
The Trooper has a typicallyJapanese wishbone arm/torsion bar front suspension design, with semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear. Ventilated discs are fitted on the front axle, with drum brakes on the rear. Ground clearance is approximately 225mm.
Isuzu Cars' decision to import the Trooper virtually ends any possibility of it being brought into the UK by Bedford. Last year Bedford was known to be considering bringing in the Trooper from Isuzu, in which Bedford's parent company, General Motors, has a 38% equity share. However, it now appears that Isuzu (GB) has beaten it to it.
Isuzu Cars Great Britain is the sole UK franchisee for Isuzu vehicles and is totally independent from GM. It has close to 30 dealers currently selling Isuzu cars in Britain.