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WELCOME TO THE DYNAMIC DUO
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As winter kicks in with a vengeance, our latest long-term test vehicle, the lsuzu Rodeo, couldn't have come at a better time.
It would be a lie to say that running longtermers on CM is a wholly studious affair that has us analysing each encounter, planning our driving with precision to gather the maximum data. Occasionally the vehicles also make useful companions when moving house/taking rubbish to the tipNisiting family (as long as your mum's been warned that there's going to be a 3.5-tonner outside the house).
And the latest addition to the CM fleet is no exception, arriving 'just as the weather has decided to turn nasty.
Our double-cab Isuzu Rodeo Denver Max pickup comes with the company's new 2.5-litre common-rail unit that replaces the 3.0-litre and squeezes more power from a smaller capacity; it's rated at 130hp/ 294Nm.There has also been some cosmetic updating: the exterior looks purposeful and nicely proportioned while inside the new dashboard is simply and efficiently executed, if a little plain.
However what struck us upon driving it, particularly in poor conditions, is how secure and solid it feels. OK, we know pickups can never be the ultimate driving machines,but when the darkness closes in and the heavens open up the Rodeo knuckles down and copes without a murmur.lts engine is flexible and refined in its delivery (though it does take time to warm up), and the gear ratios and shift combine well to help you keep up with the flow of traffic when things speed up.
It also behaves well on the road, remaining controllable in the corners — most significantly in wet conditions— and soundly planted at high speeds.There is a degree of softness to the suspension setting compared with some of its rivals but it has enough grip in 2WD mode to avoid any unscheduled manoeuvres. Switching to 4WD/high ratio when on the move requires no more than the press of a button on the dash to instantly double the Rodeo's effort when things become slippery underfoot or the surface becomes uneven.And it behaves like a true off-roader, throwing off its conservative road manners and punching through the terrain with ease.This is aided by the accurate steering that allows you to position the fsuzu with precision.
Inside, things are well insulated so the noise from heavy downpours. blustery winds and the engine are pushed into the background — keeping the driver and up to four passengers comfortable (though the three rear-seat occupants might find it a squeeze over distances).
And the main real-world benefit is that your mum won't mind it parked outside her house when you visit at Christmas. •
Likes and dislikes...
v/ Feels secure and solid I/ Flexible and refined engine X Nothing yet.but it's early days