On The Road
While the phrase “duck to water” cannot be applied to pickups when it comes to handling the asphalt (their priorities lie elsewhere) in this category the Rodeo certainly does shine due to its overall stability that puts several of its rivals to shame.
“Composed” is the key word: this means a firm but compliant chassis that produces little lurch through the corners or bouncing suspension over undulations. Of course neither has been banished outright – it needs a degree of care to get over the rough bits – but it all adds up to a controllable package.
When pushed it provides adequate notice that you need to back off and even in wet conditions, a potentially apocalyptic scenario with these machines, it avoids those tail-out near-death experiences. Steering is firm and precise, again not generally a great strength in this sector, and combined with a surprisingly tight turning circle makes this a commendably manoeuvrable vehicle. Motorway and A-road work provides further proof of a composed chassis; cross winds provide little interference.
That 3.0-litre turbo-diesel provides plenty of torque in any circumstance so hill work is despatched with minimum fuss, avoiding the need to rev the pants off it. One example of this was the unladen run up Titsey Hill which was completed in fourth without a murmur. It’s a smooth operator too; once warm it fades into the background, only revealing itself when pushed. Also aiding the cause is a manual transmission that allows you to slip through the gears without giving the feeling that it’s lubricated with gravel, and the gates are close for quick shifting.
But enough of the niceties – if this machine doesn’t produce the goods off-road we might as well pack up and go home. Select the relevant 4x4 setting (high can be engaged at speeds up to 60mpg) and the Rodeo climbs through, over and up without as much as a whimper. Isuzu claims its chassis is exceptionally stiff with a cross-member at the rear to increase torsional rigidity and spread the payload more evenly. We’re not inclined to disagree as it does feel very ‘together’ on the rough stuff. Yet again, it’s all down to that three-litre engine. The torque characteristics allow you to relax in the knowledge that there’s enough to get you over that unfeasibly steep ridge.
Cab Comfort
The Rodeo’s cabin is not a bad place to be with its bright, light grey colour scheme that lifts the overall mood. Mind you, as cosy as it initially seems, you can’t help thinking that in design terms you’re sat inside a 10-year old Honda Accord. With its chessboard pattern velour seat and door trim straight out of the Japanese fabric book it certainly gives the feeling of yesteryear saloon.
This anachronistic feeling is reinforced by the design of the dashboard, which is functional enough in its layout but a little dated for what’s meant to be a modern machine.
Isuzu has made much of the overall ‘car-like’ design of its machine and it’s mostly justified but if it wanted bonus points it could have been revolutionary in its cabin. Unfortunately it’s gone with the safe, if practical, option. All the major controls are where you’d expect them to be and the dials are easy to read with major switches mounted directly to hand. This includes the 4x4 function, which is mounted centrally on the dashboard instead of the traditional stick operation.
Achieving a decent driving position is hampered by the steering wheel that only adjusts for rake, while the driver’s seat – though admittedly nicely sprung – only moves fore and aft. But that said, even for a lanky (six-foot plus) driver there’s little cause for concern. ON the storage front the Rodeo provides door bins (on the thin side though they do incorporate bottle holders) and two central cupholders.
When it comes to passengers the twin-cab option provides enough room for you workmates; three will go into the rear but don’t expect saloon comfort. It does provide above average seats for the class though, and the rear seats are not too upright to feel uncomfortable, helping to maintain a happy cabin.
