Isuzu for 2007: More Power, More Safety - But No Price Increase

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June 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Isuzu Motors America, Inc., announced today that it will make significant improvements to its line of award-winning pickups and SUVs for the 2007 model year -- while keeping prices unchanged from 2006. The i-280 and i-350 Pickups are replaced by the i-290 and i-370, a nod to their new, more powerful 2.9- and 3.7-liter engines, while the Ascender sport utility vehicle gets a new tire pressure monitoring system and a variety of appearance upgrades. All vehicles continue the Isuzu tradition of offering tremendous durability, ruggedness, warranty protection and value to consumers.

2007 Isuzu i-290 and i-370

The Isuzu Pickups made their debut in 2006, and the crew cab model was quickly nominated as "Truck of the Year" by two different magazines, "Truck of Texas" and "Four Wheeler of the Year." IntelliChoice named the 2006 models a "Smart Choice" in ten different ownership-cost categories, and singled out the 2006 i-280 Extended Cab S as the "Top Winner" in its class for lowest repair costs.

For 2007, the i-280 Extended Cab 4x2 becomes the i-290, and the i-350 Crew Cab 4x4 is renamed the i-370. Trim levels remain unchanged: the i-290 is available in base S trim, with Preferred Equipment, LS and Luxury packages optional, and the i-370 is available in LS or optional Limited trim. Both vehicles get larger, more powerful engines. The changes for the 2007 model year:

2.9-liter inline four-cylinder engine replaces 2.8-liter, increasing horsepower to 185 hp (vs. 175) and torque to 190 ft.-lbs. (vs. 185)
3.7-liter inline five-cylinder engine replaces 3.5-liter, increasing horsepower to 242 hp (from 220) and torque to 242 ft.-lbs. (vs. 225)
Base i-290 S available with automatic transmission as well as manual transmission
Tire Pressure Monitoring System added as standard equipment on all models
3.73 rear axle ratio added on manual transmission models (replaces 3.42 rear axle ratio)
Towing capacity of manual transmission models increases from 1,700 to 2,100 lbs.
Pacific Blue exterior color added
Deep Crimson Metallic replaces Red Rock Metallic exterior color
Bering Blue Metallic replaces Adriatic Blue Metallic exterior color
Ebony interior trim replaces Very Dark Pewter (LS, Luxury and Limited)
Chrome accents added to HVAC lever, gauges, and speaker surrounds (LS, Luxury and Limited)
Chrome accents to be added mid-year to interior door handles and locks (LS, Luxury and Limited)
Map lights deleted from inside rear view mirror

Despite these upgrades, pricing is unchanged from 2006. The i-290 Extended Cab 4x2 S begins at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $16,989, while the i-370 Crew Cab 4x4 LS starts at an M.S.R.P. of $27,358. Production of the 2007 Isuzu i-290 and i-370 Pickups begins this month in Shreveport, Louisiana. 2007 Ascender IntelliChoice recently named the 2006 Ascender 5-Passenger a "Top Winner" in its class for both lowest fuel cost and lowest operating cost, and a "Smart Choice" in eight other categories. Isuzu's flagship SUV returns for 2007, sized "just right" to offer plenty of room for five passengers, and with the multiple award-winning 4.2-liter inline six- cylinder engine under its hood. Changes include the following:

Tire Pressure Monitoring System added as standard equipment on all models
Bering Blue Metallic replaces Adriatic Blue Metallic
Storm Gray Metallic replaces Graphite Gray Metallic
Six-spoke machined-finish alloy wheels replace painted wheels as standard equipment
OnStar communication system discontinued as an available option
7-Passenger model discontinued

Trim levels are unchanged. Both 2WD and 4WD models are available in base S trim and offer optional Preferred Equipment, LS, Leather and Luxury packages.

Prices are unchanged as well. The Ascender 2WD begins at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $25,959, and the Ascender 4WD has a base M.S.R.P. of $27,959.

Production of the 2007 Ascender begins this month in Moraine, Ohio.

Warranty

All 2007 Isuzu Pickup and Ascender owners will continue to benefit from Isuzu's seven-year/75,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and matching 24-hour roadside assistance coverage. Isuzu Roadside Assistance provides lockout protection, flat tire repair, battery recharging, fuel delivery and towing (excluding accident-related incidents) at no charge to the customer.

These coverages are in addition to Isuzu's three-year/50,000-mile basic and six-year/100,000-mile perforation from corrosion warranties.

For more information visit www.Isuzu.com.

SOURCE Isuzu Motors America, Inc.