CERRITOS, CA – Isuzu Motors America, Inc., will make significant improvements to its line of 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 more powerful i-290 and i-370, with 2.9L and 3.7L engines, while the Ascender SUV gets a new tire pressure monitoring system and a variety of appearance upgrades. 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. Changes for the 2007-model year include:
2.9L inline four-cylinder engine replaces 2.8L, increasing horsepower to 185 hp (vs. 175) and torque to 190 ft.-lbs. (vs. 185).
3.7L inline five-cylinder engine replaces 3.5L, 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.
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, La. In other news, IntelliChoice recently named Isuzu’s 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 with a 4.2L inline six-cylinder engine under its hood. Changes include the following:
Tire Pressure Monitoring System added as standard equipment on all models.
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. All 2007 Isuzu pickup and Ascender owners are offered 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.
