Gépészet | Gépjárművek » New Look Trooper Boasts Hightech Breakthrough

NEW-LOOK TROOPER BOASTS HIGH-TECH BREAKTHROUGH • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Now priced from £19,955 on-the-road with over £3,000 off the luxury Insignia Revolutionary new diesel engine complements confident new styling World’s first 4x4 with DOHC 16v direct-injection diesel UK’s first car with common rail and electronic unit injection Outstanding power and torque for a 3.0 litre diesel – 159 PS/2456 lb ft Staggering 21 PS and 24 lb ft torque more than 2.5 Td5 Discovery Diesel boasts hair-trigger throttle response, petrol-like performance Diesel economy retained with 32.5 mpg on Extra Urban Cycle (manual) New automatic option for diesel models World’s most advanced 4x4 petrol engine – new 3.5 V6 DOHC 24v Petrol automatic gives 112 mph top speed and 9.2 seconds 0-62 mph time Sharper handling thanks to revised steering, suspension and wider track Torque-optimised gear ratios and new switch-operated ‘Shift-on-the-fly’ Strengthened bodyshell

and upgraded security Choice of Duty, Citation or Insignia models – most with short or long-wheelbase Isuzu’s technology-rich 4x4 Trooper range now has even more appeal thanks to sharper prices with cuts of up to £3,255. Biggest reductions have been made at the luxury end of the range. The flagship leathertrimmed long-wheelbase Insignia model, for example, was reduced by 1025 per cent to just £26,955 OTR for the diesel version. These permanent cuts – introduced for 2001 – mean the range starts with the Trooper SWB 3.0 Diesel DOHC Turbo Duty at £19,955 OTR Launched in May ’98, the new-look range of short and long-wheelbase diesel and petrol Troopers received further improvements for 2000 Model Year. These included a distinctive new grille and plush soft-touch velour trim for Duty and Citation models. At the same time, the range was topped by a new luxury Insignia model which boasts features such as leather seats, four-changer CD-player and climate control airconditioning.

However, the latest Trooper range is best known for its intriguing new 159 PS diesel engine which brims with world-first innovations such as common rail direct-injection, twin overhead camshafts and 16 valves. New Luxury Insignia Sitting above the popular Citation in the revised model line-up, Insignia is available in long-wheelbase form with both diesel turbo and V6 petrol engines, the former with either manual or automatic transmission. Insignia is instantly distinguished from other models thanks to its high-gloss 12-spoke polished alloy wheels. It shares a new colour range which includes bumpers, wheelarch mouldings and the lower body painted in Moonmist Grey Mica. Standard Insignia equipment includes grey leather-covered seats, climate control airconditioning, sunroof, heated, electrically-adjustable front seats, four-changer CD-player and roller-blind cargo cover. Exclusive to Insignia diesel turbo and V6 petrol automatic models is a sophisticated new Torque-On-Demand (TOD)

4x4 system. This provides the benefits of both 2WD and 4WD by sensing road conditions and adjusting the torque being fed to each axle. For example, in normal driving, the Insignia automatic will run 100 per cent rear-wheel drive, saving fuel and driveline friction. However, as soon as the system senses wheel slip it will adjust up to a 50/50 torque split between front and rear axles. This, coupled to a limited-slip rear differential and four-wheel, anti-lock brakes, ensures consistent and safe all-weather traction and braking stability. Torque-On-Demand uses a multi-plate transfer clutch fed by sensors on the brakes and throttle. It is selected by a fascia-mounted switch and operates in high ratio only When low ratio is selected – again by a fascia-switch – TOD is de-activated and the vehicle benefits from a fixed 50/50 torque split with a locked centre differential. The new Trooper Insignia costs £26,955 on-the-road for the 3.0 Diesel DOHC Turbo (manual) and £28,755 for the auto

version and £28,750 for the auto petrol model. Biggest Diesel Engine Advance Since Direct-Injection Launched in ’98, the new-look Trooper was the UK’s first passenger car to use common rail and electronically-controlled unit injection. This is seen as the biggest diesel engine advance since direct-injection started to replace indirect-injection. In layman’s terms it means the fuel is held in a pressurised rail until an electronic ‘brain’ tells each injector to shoot diesel directly into its own cylinder. The ‘brain’ talks to the injectors individually, with millisecond precision, releasing fuel with intense energy exactly when it is needed for clean, complete and efficient combustion. The rail is ‘charged’ by a hydraulic pump which uses engine oil to obtain the high pressure needed to feed the electronically controlled unit injectors. Manufactured by Caterpillar, this is the world’s first passenger car application of this revolutionary new system. The result is

‘hair-trigger’ throttle response, prodigious low-speed torque and none of the spongy low-rev reaction which characterises most diesel engines and alienates petrol enthusiasts. Featuring dual overhead camshafts and 16 valves for better breathing, lower emissions and greater power at high-revs, the direct-injection four-cylinder engine has a 95.4 mm bore and 104.9 mm stroke to give a capacity of 2999 cc The compression ratio is 19:1 The Trooper’s new diesel engine is turbocharged and intercooled and has both exhaust gas recirculation and a two-way oxidizing catalytic converter to ensure low emissions. Power is an astonishing 159 PS at only 3,900 rpm with an equally outstanding 245.6 lb ft torque at 2,000 rpm. Put into context, this is 21 PS and 24 lb ft more than the Land Rover Discovery 2.5 Td5 Top speed for manual versions of the Trooper 3.0 Diesel DOHC Turbo is 994 mph in both SWB and LWB forms with a 0-62 mph time of 15.8 seconds for the SWB and 165 seconds for the LWB.

Manual fuel economy under the tough and rigorous Urban/Extra Urban and Combined Cycles is 20.8 mpg/325 mpg and 269 mpg Sophisticated New Diesel Turbo Automatic Sure to be a popular option is the sophisticated new automatic transmission available on Diesel Turbo Duty, Citation and Insignia models introduced for Model Year 2000. Boasting its own set of optimised ratios compared to the petrol automatic, this new fourspeed unit fully exploits the massive torque generated by the new common-rail diesel turbo engine, providing spirited acceleration yet relaxed, refined cruising. For example, top gear pulls 28.4 mph per 1,000 rpm yet throttle response is still eager In addition, the Trooper diesel turbo automatic will change down to third gear on the overrun, providing useful engine braking. This advanced, electronically-controlled system combines a high-efficiency torqueconverter with fuel-saving lock-up clutch and a three-speed plus overdrive epicycle gearbox. This is linked to a two-speed

transfer box, itself electronically-controlled Performance and economy figures are barely affected compared to the manual diesel turbo Trooper with an identical top speed to the manual and 0-62 mph time of only 13.8 seconds for the SWB and 14.0 for the LWB Isuzu carries out all of its acceleration tests with three occupants. Trooper diesel turbo automatic fuel economy is an impressive 20.2/310 and 259 mpg on the Urban/Extra Urban and Combined Cycles – virtually identical to the manual. Advanced ‘Sports Car-Like’ Petrol Engine Not to be outdone, the outgoing 3.2 litre V6 petrol engine was replaced in ’98 by a new all-alloy 3.5 litre V6 powerplant It features direct ignition with one coil for each sparking plug, multi-point fuel-injection and dual overhead camshafts per bank. The computer-controlled variable intake system optimises torque and power which peak at 215 PS at 5,400 rpm and 228.6 lb ft at 3,000 rpm Not only is this 38 PS and 36 lb ft up on the old engine but the

pulling power – so essential in an off-roader – is at 750 lower revs. With an engine specification that would not disgrace a sports car, the Trooper 3.5 V6 DOHC boasts the most advanced petrol engine fitted to any large 4x4. The bore is the same 93.4 mm as the old engine but the stroke increases to 850 mm and the compression ratio is 9.4:1 Top speed increases by 6 mph to 112 mph with 0-62 mph times of only 9.2 seconds for the SWB and 9.6 seconds for the LWB – both in automatic form only Despite this power, flexibility and performance boost, the new automatic petrol versions of the Trooper are more economical with 13.7/241 and 188 mpg on the Urban/Extra Urban and Combined Cycles. The previous 32 V6 auto registered 211 mpg on the Extra Urban Cycle. New-Look For All Versions Already heavily revised in 1998, the 2000 Model Year Trooper received further visual changes, giving it an even stronger visual presence while retaining its restrained elegance. Changes in ’98 included more

rounded contours for the front wings and bonnet and new headlamps which curve downwards towards a prominent new grille. Now, the grille has been changed and features two distinctive air intakes above and below a body-colour slat which carries the ‘Isuzu’ script. When the Trooper was facelifted in ’98 it gained chunky, extended wheelarch mouldings which added 3.5 ins (90 mm) to the overall width Reprofiled bumpers also created a bolder, sportier stance. Now the entire bumper/wheelarch arrangement is painted in Moonmist Grey Mica – a lighter colour than before which further emphasises the extended wheelarches. Moonmist Grey also covers the lower half of the body on Citation and Insignia models. New contrasting body colours include: Alpine White, Dragon Green Mica, Foxfire Red Mica and Moonmist Grey Mica – the latter being combined with Light Silver for the bumper/wheelarch mouldings. Strengthened Body With Upgraded Safety And Security Precise build-quality with bodywork

boasting especially tight shut-lines and lustrous paint have always been a hallmark of the Isuzu Trooper. Its separate chassis is rugged enough to withstand repeated off-road pounding and resists twisting particularly well. This benefits handling and helps prevent squeaks and rattles The ’98 update saw the A and B-posts made stronger, together with the sills and sideimpact door beams. The area around the front door handles is also reinforced as is the rear door latch and lock, aiding security. All Troopers have a rolling-code transponder immobiliser while the Duty and Citation models have remote keyless entry to complement their standard central-locking systems. Comprehensive Equipment With Emphasis On Safety The Trooper’s comprehensive equipment has always placed an emphasis on safety with, for example, the Duty and Citation models having driver and passenger full-size air bags, side-impact door beams and front seat-belt pretensioners. In addition, the Citation and Insignia also

boast anti-lock brakes. Comfort is also a high priority with the Duty offering deep textured velour interior trim, tinted glass, electric aerial, radio/cassette, power steering, tiltable steering column, rear wash/wipe, limited-slip differential, central-locking, electric windows, side protection mouldings and a new design of five-spoke 7JJx16 ins alloy wheels for Model Year 2000 with 245/70 tyres. Extra equipment for the Citation includes climate-control air-conditioning, leathercovered steering wheel, heated front seats, adjustable front-seat armrests, ABS, Moonmist Grey Mica lower paintwork, cruise control on petrol models and mesh spokedalloy wheels. Minimal front and rear overhangs ensure approach and departure angles of 31 deg and 27 deg respectively, regardless of short or long-wheelbase body style. The ground clearance is a respectable 8.2 ins (210 mm) and the braked towing limit is 3,300 kg for the SWB and 3,500 kg for LWB models. The SWB body is effectively a three-door

four-seater and the LWB a five-door, fiveseater. All models feature split-folding rear seats which liberate one of the best load areas in the class at 32.13 cu ft with the seats up on the SWB and 6108 cu ft with the seats down. The LWB is even more impressive, offering 501 cu ft with the seats up and 8474 cu ft with the seats down. A factory-fit option available on most LWB Duty, Citation and Insignia petrol models is an ingenious third row of two-place, forward-facing seats, turning the Trooper into a seven-seater. When not in use, the seats can be stored neatly away with their seat belts on either side, but when opened out, provide comfortable seating for an extra two passengers. Sharper Handling Sharper handling with more precise steering plus reduced body roll are both features of the new-look Trooper which already enjoys an enviable reputation for good ride comfort both on and off-road. The new Isuzu’s improved chassis dynamics are instantly hinted at by its more purposeful

stance and the chunky-looking extended wheelarches needed to cover the wider tracks. The front track is now 59.6 ins (1515 mm) and rear track 598 ins (1520 mm) – both increases of 2.4 ins (60 mm) on the previous model These wider tracks further reduce the well-controlled body roll, aided by uprated front and rear spring-rates plus larger diameter front and rear anti-roll bars. The shockabsorbers have also been revised The new-look Trooper’s handling poise is also enhanced thanks to improved power steering which features a new pump and pulley which complement changes made for the ’97 Model Year Trooper. The earlier changes saw the power-assisted recirculating-ball system becoming slightly lower geared but with added on-centre-assistance for a more linear, consistent feel. As a result, straight-line stability is increased, enhancing driver confidence and reducing the need for constant corrections to the car’s chosen path. The steering on the new-look Trooper does not become heavy

during hard cornering – unlike some competitors – yet remains precise. Front suspension is independent via wishbones and torsion bars, while the rear employs a four-link, coil sprung-suspended live axle. Anti-roll bars are fitted front and rear to reduce body roll and all-round gas-pressure shock-absorbers ensure optimum control – especially under arduous conditions. A key feature on the Trooper’s suspension is long wheel travel with good axle articulation. Precise wheel geometry also gives the Trooper excellent off-road traction and on-road handling predictability. The go-anywhere versatility of the new-look Trooper is also matched by excellent stopping thanks to the provision of large ventilated discs all round. Citation models also feature a four-sensor, three-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS). New, Electrically-Activated ‘Shift-On-The-Fly’ A new feature on both manual and automatic versions of the new-look Trooper is a neat fascia-mounted on/off button to

select either normal rear-wheel drive (2H) or four-wheel drive (4H). Often called ‘shift-on-the-fly’ – because selection into high-range (2H/4H) can be made at speeds up to 62 mph – the system is reliable and convenient and uses an electric motor and vacuum activator. Because the driver of new-look Trooper selects four-wheel drive only when needed, economy is enhanced by avoiding unnecessary driveline friction. Like all genuine off-roaders, the new-look Trooper also has a low-range transfer box which provides a selection of lower-ratio gears for towing manoeuvres or for difficult uphill or downhill exercises. Low-range – labelled 4L – is engaged by a floor-mounted lever next to the gear shift. Built To Last With A Warranty To Match The Isuzu Trooper is built to last. The body is galvanised on all crucial sections using the highest grade double coated steel to give the best corrosion protection available. Both the separate ladder chassis and wheelarches and floorpan benefit

from a heavy duty wax coating, while the front and rear wheelarches all have their own plastic shells to prevent the build up of corrosive mud and salts. As a further aid to longevity, importer, Isuzu (UK) Limited carries out additional bitumen wax protection for vulnerable areas. This takes place at its multi-million pound Distribution Centre at Quedgely in Gloucestershire. The Trooper’s sophisticated and lustrous paint finish would not disgrace a luxury car costing twice the price. It features a special type of urethane surfacer for strong protection against chipping, various stages of acrylic melamine base colour and acrylic clear top coat lacquer - all stoved to high temperature for extra durability. Supporting Isuzu’s commitment to quality is one of the best customer protection packages available. It comprises a three year/60,000 mile warranty for the whole vehicle plus a six year anti-corrosion warranty for the body. Owners are also covered by three-years’ membership of

Isuzu Assistance – a comprehensive home and roadside repair and recovery package valid throughout the UK and Europe and administered by Mondial Assistance. Isuzu – The Little Known History Of Japan’s Oldest Car Company Apart from being Japan’s oldest car company, Isuzu is a world leader in the design and manufacture of trucks and high-speed diesel engines. It was in 1910 that Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding and Engineering Co., Ltd – Isuzu’s predecessor – first initiated plans to build cars. Production of Japan’s first car to be built under licence began in 1922, based on the British Wolseley A9. In 1939, Isuzu’s first diesel engine – the DA40 – was launched, while another Isuzu landmark came in 1953 when the first Japanese built Hillman Minx car rolled off the production lines. This followed a technical tie-up with the British Rootes Group Commercial vehicle highlights included the introduction of the world’s first 2 ton light forward control truck in 1959.

Today, Isuzu is Japan’s largest and best-selling manufacturer of trucks and is among the world’s top commercial vehicle producers. Truck and recreational vehicle exports alone were nearly 535,000 units in 1996. Since 1971, Isuzu has benefited from the vast financial and technical resources of General Motors of America which currently has a shareholding of 49 per cent. GM’s support has allowed Isuzu to concentrate on creating world-class trucks, recreational vehicles and diesel engine technology. Isuzu has been given the lead responsibility for all diesel engines in GM’s global powertrain strategy. Since its UK launch in 1987 the Isuzu Trooper has been a consistent top seller in the recreational vehicle market, further boosted by the introduction of a completely new model in 1992 which also heralded extensive engineering improvements. On-the-road prices for the new-look Trooper range are: Short-Wheelbase 3.0 Diesel DOHC Turbo 3.5 V6 DOHC 24v Petrol Duty (manual) £19,955

--- Duty (automatic) £21,150 --- Citation (manual) £22,505 --- Citation (automatic) £23,705 £23,700 3.0 Diesel DOHC Turbo 3.5 V6 DOHC 24v Long-Wheelbase Petrol Duty (manual) £21,755 --- Duty (automatic) £23,005 --- Citation (manual) £24,655 --- Citation (automatic) £25,905 --- Insignia (manual) £26,955 --- Insignia Automatic £28,755 £28,750 (includes Torque-On-Demand) (All prices include £25 Vehicle First Registration Fee) · Seven-seat option Consult Dealer · Metallic/Mica paint (Duty only) £250 Performance and economy figures for the new-look Isuzu Trooper range are: mph 0-62 Urban Extra Urban Combined mph* 3.0 Diesel DOHC Turbo SWB (manual) 99.4 15.8 sec 20.8 32.5 26.9 mpg SWB (auto) 99.4 13.8 sec 20.2 31.0 25.9 mpg LWB (manual) 99.4 16.5 sec 20.8 32.5 26.9 mpg LWB (auto) 99.4 14.0 sec 20.2 31.0 25.9 mpg SWB (auto) 112 9.2 sec 13.7 24.1 18.8 mpg LWB (auto) 112 9.6 sec 13.7 24.1

18.8 mpg 3.5 Petrol DOHC - ends Further Information: or 29226/240901 Arthur Fairley 0121 522 6059 (Direct Line) Anne Nash 0121 224 1643 (Direct Line)