Review: Holden RA Rodeo utility (2003-08)

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

Overview

Released in March 2003, the Holden RA Series I (RA.I) Rodeo utility 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 utility had a ladder-type chassis and all models 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 was limited within the Rodeo range; the Rodeo LT, however, was fitted with dual front airbags, ABS and electronic brake force distribution as standard. Dual front airbags were initially optional for the LX, but were fitted as standard from September 2005.

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

The Rodeo LT featured 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system, six-disc in-dash CD player, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows, variable intermittent wipers and carpeted floors; V6 models were also fitted with cruise control. Visually, the LT variants could be identified by their colour-coded bumpers and chrome highlights.

Related links

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

Review: Holden RA.II Rodeo utility (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. The single cab utility was also discontinued.

The LX and LT variants received new cloth interior trim and a keyless entry fob, while the LT also received new alloy wheel designs and door mirror indicators.

Safety equipment and features

Compared to their RA.I predecessors, standard safety equipment and features for the RA.II Rodeo utility models were largely unchanged.

Related links

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

Review: Holden RA.III Rodeo utility (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.

2007 Rodeo LTZ

In May 2007, limited-run LTZ variants were released. Based on the LT, the LTZ variants were distinguished by their chrome nudge bars, chrome sports bars, side steps, black soft tonneau cover and unique ‘LTZ’ badging. However, four-wheel drive models were also fitted with air conditioning as standard.

2008 Rodeo LT and LX 60th Anniversary

In April 2008, 60th Anniversary editions of the four-wheel drive LT and LX Crew cab were released. The 60th Anniversary editions added chrome sports bars, side steps, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and ’60th Anniversary’ decals; the LX variants also had a tow bar package, while the LT was fitted with rear parking sensors.

Related links

• Holden Media Archive: Special Edition Rodeo LTZ Stacked With Extra Value (May 2007)
• Holden Media Archive: Holden Rodeo 60th Anniversary Special Editions (April 2008)
• Wikipedia.org: Isuzu D-Max (first generation)