What Is It?
2004 Isuzu Ascender 5-Passenger
What's Special About It?
This is Isuzu's rebadged version of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer. It will follow the debut of the Ascender 7-Passenger (which is essentially the TrailBlazer EXT) that is due out the fall of 2003. Production of the Ascender 5-Passenger is due to start in January 2004.
The Ascender 5-Passenger will offer a 4.2-liter, 24-valve, DOHC aluminum inline six-cylinder engine that pumps out 275 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 275 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm. There will be a choice of two-wheel drive with optional traction control or on-demand four-wheel drive, which includes a low-speed transfer case.
The new Isuzu's body-on-frame construction has 10 structural cross-members and full-length hydroformed side rails that make for an extremely stiff chassis. Combined with front independent suspension and five-link solid rear axle, its ride should be supple and handling precise.
It will be offered in one trim level with available LS and Luxury equipment packages. There was no pricing available at the New York show, but Isuzu said it would be commensurate with its other "value" SUVs. Whatever the MSRP, it will include Isuzu's 7-year/75,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and roadside assistance.
Why Should You Care?
Borrowing from Mark Twain, Isuzu's executive manager of corporate communications Chip Letzgus opened the Isuzu press conference by saying, "Reports of our death have been greatly exaggerated." He was referring to the doomsday headlines that plagued the company over the past year or so. "Thanks," he added dryly. Isuzu Motors America president J.T. Maloney followed by saying like Audi, Hyundai, VW and Kia, whose demise was also predicted in the past decade, Isuzu would make a strong comeback based on aggressive cost cutting, competitive pricing and vehicles like the Ascender 5-Passenger. — Neil Dunlop
2004 Isuzu Ascender 5-Passenger
What's Special About It?
This is Isuzu's rebadged version of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer. It will follow the debut of the Ascender 7-Passenger (which is essentially the TrailBlazer EXT) that is due out the fall of 2003. Production of the Ascender 5-Passenger is due to start in January 2004.
The Ascender 5-Passenger will offer a 4.2-liter, 24-valve, DOHC aluminum inline six-cylinder engine that pumps out 275 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 275 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm. There will be a choice of two-wheel drive with optional traction control or on-demand four-wheel drive, which includes a low-speed transfer case.
The new Isuzu's body-on-frame construction has 10 structural cross-members and full-length hydroformed side rails that make for an extremely stiff chassis. Combined with front independent suspension and five-link solid rear axle, its ride should be supple and handling precise.
It will be offered in one trim level with available LS and Luxury equipment packages. There was no pricing available at the New York show, but Isuzu said it would be commensurate with its other "value" SUVs. Whatever the MSRP, it will include Isuzu's 7-year/75,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and roadside assistance.
Why Should You Care?
Borrowing from Mark Twain, Isuzu's executive manager of corporate communications Chip Letzgus opened the Isuzu press conference by saying, "Reports of our death have been greatly exaggerated." He was referring to the doomsday headlines that plagued the company over the past year or so. "Thanks," he added dryly. Isuzu Motors America president J.T. Maloney followed by saying like Audi, Hyundai, VW and Kia, whose demise was also predicted in the past decade, Isuzu would make a strong comeback based on aggressive cost cutting, competitive pricing and vehicles like the Ascender 5-Passenger. — Neil Dunlop
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