General Motors says unveiling its 6th Generation Isuzu pick-up on the Ghanaian auto market in the coming months is aimed at positioning the company as a leading brand in the country.
“Ghana is a high potential growth market for General Motors, adding: We
are working closely with our distributor partners to ensure that we offer
outstanding after sales support to our customers.
“All our service technicians receive only the best technical training
when a new vehicle is launched. New model Introduction training is provided
to all our dealers that are backed by our policy of "No Training, No
Shipment”, Denise van Huyssteen,
Communications Manager, GM Africa, told
B&FT in an interview.
“Technicians also receive training in a variety of vehicle diagnostic
systems and procedures to ensure they are competent to service our great
products.
“Our
distributor in Ghana has also recently undertaken significant investment in
upgrading his facility. Our overall
plans are to grow our sales volumes, and we will continue to work with our
distributor to ensure that we bring the right products and high service levels to our customers in Ghana.
“We have designed and engineered the new pick-up to meet the requirements
of markets like Ghana. We are very excited about our plans to bring the new 6th
generation Isuzu pick-up to Ghana,” she said
The 6th Generation Isuzu has arrived in
Africa to build on Isuzu’s iconic heritage of innovation, toughness,
durability, reliability and functionality.
With bold new styling, higher levels of comfort and
safety together with more powerful engines, the new Isuzu offers an exciting
package for the serious owner and operator.
Reliability and durability are of paramount
importance in the world of the light commercial vehicle. To this end, the new
Isuzu has undergone a rigorous test and development programme equivalent to
four million kilometres of driving in conditions including from extreme desert
heat.
A significant
portion of this test and development programme was conducted in Southern Africa
by General Motors in preparation for local production of the new Isuzu in Port
Elizabeth.
Bigger
and bolder with a new stylish presence
The larger size of the new vehicle, together with its
smooth and well-proportioned styling, is immediately noticeable. The wedge-shaped
profile imparts a muscular and sporty expression while at the same time
providing a distinct aerodynamic advantage.
In dimensions the 6th generation Isuzu is 260mm longer -- that’s more than 5% -- than the previous model. It’s also 60mm wider (up 3%) and 60mm taller (up 3.5%). This translates into an increase in interior space as well as a more space-efficient load-box.
Its exterior styling benefits from extensive computer analysis of the air-flow around the vehicle supported by full-scale wind tunnel testing to prove out the theory in practice.
In dimensions the 6th generation Isuzu is 260mm longer -- that’s more than 5% -- than the previous model. It’s also 60mm wider (up 3%) and 60mm taller (up 3.5%). This translates into an increase in interior space as well as a more space-efficient load-box.
Its exterior styling benefits from extensive computer analysis of the air-flow around the vehicle supported by full-scale wind tunnel testing to prove out the theory in practice.
The result is
a vehicle with the lowest coefficient of drag in its class, with a full 5%
improvement over the previous model.
A key area of aerodynamic focus was the airflow over the roof and load-box of the vehicle, a known critical area. On the new car is its critical airflow has been smoothed to flow cleanly over the tailgate with reduced drag. This has a positive impact on fuel-economy and performance while reducing noise levels in the cab.
The design of the vehicle’s roof, sides and door structure is completely new. A new, flatter-design for the sides of the vehicle without the door openings intruding into the roof line prevents an area of low pressure developing over the window glass for a tighter seal at highway speeds and reduced noise in the cab.
Comfort
A key area of aerodynamic focus was the airflow over the roof and load-box of the vehicle, a known critical area. On the new car is its critical airflow has been smoothed to flow cleanly over the tailgate with reduced drag. This has a positive impact on fuel-economy and performance while reducing noise levels in the cab.
The design of the vehicle’s roof, sides and door structure is completely new. A new, flatter-design for the sides of the vehicle without the door openings intruding into the roof line prevents an area of low pressure developing over the window glass for a tighter seal at highway speeds and reduced noise in the cab.
Comfort
The interior of the new Isuzu has been developed
around a balance between form and function with three main criteria: comfort, ease
of use, and flexibility.
The reduction in noise, vibration and harshness levels experienced in the cab makes the ride experienced in the new car comparable to that of a passenger vehicle.
New levels of engine-bay sound insulation work in combination with advanced engine, cab, mounts and the aerodynamic styling to ensure that the new Isuzu is one of the quietest vehicles in its class in terms of interior noise levels.
The reduction in noise, vibration and harshness levels experienced in the cab makes the ride experienced in the new car comparable to that of a passenger vehicle.
New levels of engine-bay sound insulation work in combination with advanced engine, cab, mounts and the aerodynamic styling to ensure that the new Isuzu is one of the quietest vehicles in its class in terms of interior noise levels.
Interior space across the range of body styles has
been increased, with more room available under the dash and an increase of 10mm
in shoulder-room courtesy of the increase in overall width of the vehicle.
The extended Cab provides excellent functionality with an increase in space derived from a wider and longer cabin space complemented by the functionality of flex-type doors.
Double Cab models offer more space for rear-seat occupants. The wider and longer cab provides for an increase of 495mm between the rear door opening and the rear seat occupant’s hip-point for easier entry and exit.
An increase in rear headroom has been achieved through the increased height of the vehicle and a revised angle for the rear seat backrest adds further comfort, especially over long journeys. The space for rear seat passengers is 25mm longer than the previous model, and is now amongst the largest and roomiest cabin spaces in its class.
Rear footroom is often a problem in double-cab vehicles. Isuzu has addressed this by incorporating a large diameter chamfer on the base of the front seat to provide more room, particularly when entering or exiting the vehicle. The front seat runners have also been positioned further apart to increase footroom under the front seat.
The styling of the doors on all three body styles has been optimised for size, shape, and opening angle to make getting in or out of the vehicle a breeze, especially for rear passengers in Double Cab models where ease of access is considered best in class.
Flexibility
The extended Cab provides excellent functionality with an increase in space derived from a wider and longer cabin space complemented by the functionality of flex-type doors.
Double Cab models offer more space for rear-seat occupants. The wider and longer cab provides for an increase of 495mm between the rear door opening and the rear seat occupant’s hip-point for easier entry and exit.
An increase in rear headroom has been achieved through the increased height of the vehicle and a revised angle for the rear seat backrest adds further comfort, especially over long journeys. The space for rear seat passengers is 25mm longer than the previous model, and is now amongst the largest and roomiest cabin spaces in its class.
Rear footroom is often a problem in double-cab vehicles. Isuzu has addressed this by incorporating a large diameter chamfer on the base of the front seat to provide more room, particularly when entering or exiting the vehicle. The front seat runners have also been positioned further apart to increase footroom under the front seat.
The styling of the doors on all three body styles has been optimised for size, shape, and opening angle to make getting in or out of the vehicle a breeze, especially for rear passengers in Double Cab models where ease of access is considered best in class.
Flexibility
All controls
are positioned logically and intuitively and are easy to reach and operate. The
dashboard and centre console are sporty in appearance and functional in design.
All switches and controls are logically positioned so they fall easily and
naturally to hand, providing for excellent ergonomics.
Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning controls are all large-diameter rotary type controls placed within easy reach of the driver. Similarly, all cabin vents are placed within easy reach but without compromise to their functionality which ensures fast heating or cooling of the cab interior. All vents offer selective opening or closing to cater for individual occupant control.
All double-cab models are equipped with rear ventilation ducts for passenger comfort.
Many of the interior features of the new Isuzu offer multiple options for how the occupants might choose to use them. Multiple storage compartments add convenient, safe, and secure stowage for smaller items.
As many as 10 different positions are provided for drinks storage in cup or bottle, as well as numerous receptacles for oddments of various sizes. These storage solutions feature in the upper centre console, lower console, under the steering wheel area, door pockets and seat back pockets (Double-Cabs). Double-Cab models also have provision for drinks-holders at the rear of the centre console.
On Double-Cab models the rear seat has a 60/40 split. The seat can be folded up to allow loading directly on the floor of the vehicle, or folded down to provide a flat-load surface. Additional storage compartments are provided in the floor area under the rear seats.
All Extended Cab models are fitted with a lockable and removable utility box that can be used for either storage or as a cooler box.
Off-road performance
Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning controls are all large-diameter rotary type controls placed within easy reach of the driver. Similarly, all cabin vents are placed within easy reach but without compromise to their functionality which ensures fast heating or cooling of the cab interior. All vents offer selective opening or closing to cater for individual occupant control.
All double-cab models are equipped with rear ventilation ducts for passenger comfort.
Many of the interior features of the new Isuzu offer multiple options for how the occupants might choose to use them. Multiple storage compartments add convenient, safe, and secure stowage for smaller items.
As many as 10 different positions are provided for drinks storage in cup or bottle, as well as numerous receptacles for oddments of various sizes. These storage solutions feature in the upper centre console, lower console, under the steering wheel area, door pockets and seat back pockets (Double-Cabs). Double-Cab models also have provision for drinks-holders at the rear of the centre console.
On Double-Cab models the rear seat has a 60/40 split. The seat can be folded up to allow loading directly on the floor of the vehicle, or folded down to provide a flat-load surface. Additional storage compartments are provided in the floor area under the rear seats.
All Extended Cab models are fitted with a lockable and removable utility box that can be used for either storage or as a cooler box.
Off-road performance
Over time, the Isuzu has established an enviable reputation
for off-road performance. With the new 6th Generation model comes not just an
all-round improvement in on-road comfort, stability and ride and handling, but
also an improvement in off-road capability due to the increased suspension
articulation.
Contributing factors are the new wider and longer
chassis design, with increased wheelbase and track as well as a lower centre of
gravity. The new suspension geometry front and rear also makes a meaningful
contribution to the total off-road package. An improved seating position places
the driver more than ever in a commanding position to exert effective control
over the vehicle in the most demanding of driving conditions.
All the High Ride and 4X4 models have an approach angle of 30 degrees and a departure angle of 22.7 degrees with a rear step bumper. The break-over angle for these models is 22.4 degrees.
In this latest generation Isuzu, the driver is able to select from a number of 4X4 driving modes using the Terrain Command Dial. The 2-wheel drive to 4-wheel drive high ratio change can be implemented on the fly at speeds of up to 100km/h. The vehicle, as with all 4X4 vehicles, must be stopped to change to the extreme condition 4L (low-range) mode. This selection is also initiated via the Terrain Command Dial.
Safety and security
All the High Ride and 4X4 models have an approach angle of 30 degrees and a departure angle of 22.7 degrees with a rear step bumper. The break-over angle for these models is 22.4 degrees.
In this latest generation Isuzu, the driver is able to select from a number of 4X4 driving modes using the Terrain Command Dial. The 2-wheel drive to 4-wheel drive high ratio change can be implemented on the fly at speeds of up to 100km/h. The vehicle, as with all 4X4 vehicles, must be stopped to change to the extreme condition 4L (low-range) mode. This selection is also initiated via the Terrain Command Dial.
Safety and security
The new Isuzu incorporates a number of passive and
active safety features to in the first instance assist in avoiding a collision,
and in the second instance protect the occupants if a collision is unavoidable.
At the core of the Isuzu’s safety solutions is the basic chassis design that has an improved Static Stability Factor, courtesy of the new chassis with its longer wheelbase and wider track. The overall design has achieved a relatively low centre of mass with major components mounted lower in the chassis without any negative impact on ground clearance. This is a vitally important safety factor in off-road driving conditions.
The new Isuzu cab is constructed from high tensile steel for outstanding strength and rigidity and imparts the protection of an effective passenger safety cell. The extended cab model has a reinforced pillar with three bolt door hinges for added strength and side impact protection.
Where speed-sensing automatic door locking is featured, the doors will automatically unlock in the event of an airbag deployment.
Aside from occupant protection, Isuzu has placed a high priority on improving pedestrian safety levels. The front bumper is manufactured from polypropylene material and is designed to lessen pedestrian injuries in the event of an impact, by firstly absorbing a lot of the impact energy and then lifting the pedestrian up over the bonnet rather than forcing the body down under the vehicle.
Polycarbonate headlamp covers have a higher resistance to shattering on impact and less of a tendency to cause severe lacerations generally associated with glass covers.
The bonnet design of the new Isuzu has been evolved around the need for a higher level of pedestrian protection. The bonnet is designed to crumple in a pedestrian accident and absorb energy. The new 6th Generation Isuzu presents itself as a stylish, efficient, latest technology vehicle solution for the commercial or recreational user.
At the core of the Isuzu’s safety solutions is the basic chassis design that has an improved Static Stability Factor, courtesy of the new chassis with its longer wheelbase and wider track. The overall design has achieved a relatively low centre of mass with major components mounted lower in the chassis without any negative impact on ground clearance. This is a vitally important safety factor in off-road driving conditions.
The new Isuzu cab is constructed from high tensile steel for outstanding strength and rigidity and imparts the protection of an effective passenger safety cell. The extended cab model has a reinforced pillar with three bolt door hinges for added strength and side impact protection.
Where speed-sensing automatic door locking is featured, the doors will automatically unlock in the event of an airbag deployment.
Aside from occupant protection, Isuzu has placed a high priority on improving pedestrian safety levels. The front bumper is manufactured from polypropylene material and is designed to lessen pedestrian injuries in the event of an impact, by firstly absorbing a lot of the impact energy and then lifting the pedestrian up over the bonnet rather than forcing the body down under the vehicle.
Polycarbonate headlamp covers have a higher resistance to shattering on impact and less of a tendency to cause severe lacerations generally associated with glass covers.
The bonnet design of the new Isuzu has been evolved around the need for a higher level of pedestrian protection. The bonnet is designed to crumple in a pedestrian accident and absorb energy. The new 6th Generation Isuzu presents itself as a stylish, efficient, latest technology vehicle solution for the commercial or recreational user.
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