Listen up - Isuzu UK’s most entertaining pickup ever

Isuzu has pulled out all the performance stops with the launch of the Rodeo LE Sport at the British International Motor Show.

Inside the specially soundproofed double cab of this limited-edition model lies the ultimate in In-Car-Entertainment: a Pioneer-developed and supplied audio/navigation and rear passenger DVD system – all engineered specifically for the Rodeo LE Sport.

It’s built around Pioneer’s latest voice command HDD touch screen entertainment unit and matched with a high end Pioneer amp, Kevlar speaker cones and the cabin is lined with industry leading acoustic ‘Dynamat’ insulation for outstanding fidelity.

As a bonus, the 10 GB HDD music library allows CDs to be safely kept at home and DVD files can be played on the unit’s 7” screen. The system also features a touch screen 3D sat-nav with TMC, speed camera detection, Bluetooth connectivity and a very useful reversing camera.

No wonder the system’s developer, world renowned audiophile Pioneer’s Phil Baker, has given this ICE system his enthusiastic approval for its debut performance on the Isuzu stand in the North Hall at the Show (at ExCeL, London, July 23 to August 3).

But there’s a lot more to the Rodeo LE Sport than just its amazing entertainment system – because both the exterior and interior have been given major styling and comfort upgrades.

Outside, it’s distinguished by huge 20” Shadow chrome Blade alloy wheels with Pirelli tyres. The look is complemented by rear lamp guards, chrome bonnet edge finisher, mesh front grille with black backing, under-rail liner, side-steps, premium hard top, xenon headlamps, rear door privacy glass and discreet ‘Sport’ badging.

Inside, the Rodeo LE Sport has luxury over-mats, seats trimmed in two-tone leather/ suede plus suede-covered headlining, door pillars and sun-visors. There is also a leather-covered steering wheel, gear-lever gaiter and MOMO gear-knob. To complete the sense of theatre, side sills and the ignition key area are illuminated with subtle blue flood-lighting.

The Rodeo LE Sport has an all-new 163 PS 3.0 litre common rail turbo diesel engine which produces 265.5 lb ft at 1,800 rpm in manual form and 245.6 lb ft as an automatic. Top speed is 109 mph with a 0-60 mph time of 10.3 seconds (manual) and 10.8 seconds (automatic), combined with a 3,000 kg braked towing limit and payloads in excess of one tonne.

As a finale, there’s class-leading fuel economy of 33.6/31.4 mpg (manual/automatic – combined cycle), backed by equally class-leading low emissions of 222 and 237 g/km respectively.

Supplies of this highly individual pick-up will be strictly limited to 60 manual and 40 automatic models, priced at £23,999 and £24,999 respectively (on-the-road but excluding VAT), and deliveries will start on 1st September.