What is it?
Isuzu Axiom XST Concept
What's special about it?
Isuzu claims that the Axiom XST Concept "redefines the sport-utility truck." Right. Boy, it's getting easy to see through the PR hype. Chevrolet's Avalanche redefined the sport-utility truck. But even so, this Axiom concept vehicle can do nothing but boost Isuzu's fortunes in North America, because it's a pretty slick package.
Take an Isuzu Axiom, chop the rear closed cargo area off the vehicle, install a pickup bed with a trick flip-folding extender, add what Isuzu calls a "switchgate," and you've basically got Avalanche Junior, something the truck world needs. The switchgate works similarly to Chevy's innovative mid-gate, allowing the rear window to be removed and the forward wall of the bed to be lowered to accept larger cargo.
Now add a 3.0-liter common rail direct injection turbodiesel V6 engine, which includes a ceramic particulate filter and requires low-sulfur fuel, mate it to a four-speed automatic transmission that can drive all four wheels through Isuzu's Torque-On-Demand 4WD system, and you've got a heck of a truck for work or for play.
Hold up a sec. This thing's got a measly 800-pound payload rating, which would need to be increased if Isuzu chose to put this into production.
Isuzu also might want to rethink the Intelligent Suspension Control system, because we've been less than impressed with it on the Axiom SUV. Braking is accomplished through a four-wheel ventilated disc setup that includes ABS. Huge 18-inch six-spoke wheels are shod with 265/60VR Yokohama AVS S/T tires.
Stylish touches include an integrated brush guard, an aircraft-style fuel filler door, and a multi-functional roof rack. Upper portions of the concept are finished in Copper Orange paint with a mirror chip finish, while lower extremities are done up with rubberized dark gray paint covering chip-resistant cladding.
Inside, water-resistant materials are used to accommodate active lifestyles. A voice-activated Fujitsu Ten Eclipse Commander audio/DVD navigation system includes 7-inch LCD displays front and rear and a six-CD changer. Entertainment and gaming capability is included, as well.
Why should you care?
Isuzu is up against the ropes. Nobody is buying the Axiom or the Trooper, and the Rodeo is fading fast. This XST, even though none of the ideas are original, is appealing, and could invigorate the lineup until the new Ascender SUV is introduced in 2003. — Christian Wardlaw
Isuzu Axiom XST Concept
What's special about it?
Isuzu claims that the Axiom XST Concept "redefines the sport-utility truck." Right. Boy, it's getting easy to see through the PR hype. Chevrolet's Avalanche redefined the sport-utility truck. But even so, this Axiom concept vehicle can do nothing but boost Isuzu's fortunes in North America, because it's a pretty slick package.
Take an Isuzu Axiom, chop the rear closed cargo area off the vehicle, install a pickup bed with a trick flip-folding extender, add what Isuzu calls a "switchgate," and you've basically got Avalanche Junior, something the truck world needs. The switchgate works similarly to Chevy's innovative mid-gate, allowing the rear window to be removed and the forward wall of the bed to be lowered to accept larger cargo.
Now add a 3.0-liter common rail direct injection turbodiesel V6 engine, which includes a ceramic particulate filter and requires low-sulfur fuel, mate it to a four-speed automatic transmission that can drive all four wheels through Isuzu's Torque-On-Demand 4WD system, and you've got a heck of a truck for work or for play.
Hold up a sec. This thing's got a measly 800-pound payload rating, which would need to be increased if Isuzu chose to put this into production.
Isuzu also might want to rethink the Intelligent Suspension Control system, because we've been less than impressed with it on the Axiom SUV. Braking is accomplished through a four-wheel ventilated disc setup that includes ABS. Huge 18-inch six-spoke wheels are shod with 265/60VR Yokohama AVS S/T tires.
Stylish touches include an integrated brush guard, an aircraft-style fuel filler door, and a multi-functional roof rack. Upper portions of the concept are finished in Copper Orange paint with a mirror chip finish, while lower extremities are done up with rubberized dark gray paint covering chip-resistant cladding.
Inside, water-resistant materials are used to accommodate active lifestyles. A voice-activated Fujitsu Ten Eclipse Commander audio/DVD navigation system includes 7-inch LCD displays front and rear and a six-CD changer. Entertainment and gaming capability is included, as well.
Why should you care?
Isuzu is up against the ropes. Nobody is buying the Axiom or the Trooper, and the Rodeo is fading fast. This XST, even though none of the ideas are original, is appealing, and could invigorate the lineup until the new Ascender SUV is introduced in 2003. — Christian Wardlaw
Add A Comment »