Review: Holden RA Rodeo cab chassis (2003-08)

Review: Holden RA.I Rodeo cab chassis (2003-05)

Overview

Released in March 2003, the Holden RA Series I (RA.I) Rodeo cab chassis was available as a single cab, Space (extended) cab or Crew (dual) cab. The Rodeo was also available as a rear-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle and with a choice of three engines: a 2.4-litre petrol four-cylinder, a 3.5-litre petrol V6 and a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel.

The RA Rodeo cab chassis had a ladder-type chassis and all models – except for the DX variant with the 2.4-litre petrol engine, which has coil front springs – had torsion bar front suspension and leaf springs at the rear. The four-wheel drive system utilised an Isuzu T 150 electronically controlled transfer case which could be engaged ‘on the fly’ via a dashboard button, which also provided selection of high and low range gearing. A limited slip differential was standard on all four-wheel drive (and selected rear-wheel drive) models.

Safety equipment

Safety equipment for the Rodeo was initially restricted to optional dual front airbags for the Rodeo LX. From September 2005, however, the Rodeo LX was fitted with dual front airbags as standard.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , a 2004 Rodeo LX rear-wheel drive single cab chassis model – equipped with dual front airbags – received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 23.51 out of 37. In the offset crash test, the Rodeo received a score of 7.51 out of 16, with poor protection from serious chest injury. As a result, a three star rating was the maximum the Rodeo could achieve and a default score of 16 out of 16 was given for the side impact test.

Subsequently, a 2006 Rodeo four-wheel drive crew cab utility – equipped with dual front airbags – received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 21.4 out of 37. In the offset crash test, the Rodeo received a score of 5.4 out of 16, providing poor protection from serious chest injury. As before, a default score of 16 out of 16 was given for the side impact test.

Features

Standard features for the Rodeo DX included a two speaker sound system with a radio, a vinyl-covered floor and an immobiliser.

The Rodeo LX was further equipped with a four speaker sound system, CD player, bucket seats, remote central locking and a tilt-adjustable steering wheel; the LX was also fitted with power-assisted rack and pinion power steering. From September 2005, the LX was also equipped with power windows and mirrors.

Related links

• Holden Media Archive: The New Holden Rodeo (February 2003)

Review: Holden RA.II Rodeo cab chassis (2006)

Overview

Released in March 2006, the RA Series II (RA.II) Rodeo introduced a revised range as the Isuzu-sourced 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine was replaced by Holden’s 3.6-litre Alloytec V6, mated to either an upgraded four-speed automatic or a new five-speed manual transmission. Furthermore, the LX variants received new cloth interior trim and a keyless entry fob.

Safety equipment and features

Compared to its RA.I predecessor, standard safety equipment and features for the RA.II Rodeo cab chassis were largely unchanged.

Related links

• Holden Media Archive: Aussie-Built V6 Engine Delivers Most Powerful Rodeo (December 2005)

Review: Holden RA.III Rodeo cab chassis (2007-08)

Overview

Released in March 2007, the RA Series III (RA.III) Rodeo introduced a new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine that was more powerful, had greater towing capacity and compliant with Euro IV emissions standards. For all four-wheel drive models, the driveline was also strengthened.

Visually, the RA.III Rodeo could be identified by its new headlights, grille, bumper and tail-lights; turbo-diesel models also had a distinctive air scoop on the bonnet. Inside, there were redesigned seats and transmission levers, a new steering wheel, updated trim and revised instrumentation graphics and HVAC controls.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Isuzu D-Max (first generation)