Rodeo gets a turbo boost

HOLDEN has introduced a 3.0-litre inter-cooled turbo-diesel engine to the Rodeo commercial range, also offering the option of automatic transmission for the first time in a Rodeo diesel.

The 3.0-litre intercooled turbo-diesel models are on sale now as part of an upgraded Rodeo line-up for 2002. Holden says the 3.0 delivers 29.7 per cent more power and 17.8 per cent more torque than Rodeo's 2.8-litre turbo-diesel.

Nevertheless that engine will continue to be offered on four model variants, the 4x2 LX Cab Chassis, 4x4 DX and LX Single Cab Chassis and the 4x4 LX Crew Cab.

The new engine can be specified on a range of 15 Rodeos - Crew Cab, Space Cab and Cab Chassis - in 4x4 or 4x2 configuration. The option of four speed automatic transmission is available on Crew Cab models.

Rodeo's 3.0-litre iTD engine generates peak power of 96kW at 3800rpm, while torque levels are 275Nm at 2000rpm (automatic transmission) and 265Nm at 2000rpm with manual transmission.

Holden says preliminary testing of the new turbo-diesel indicates a nine per cent improvement in fuel economy on a mixed city/highway cycle over the current 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, which is already recognised as a fuel economy leader.

It attributes these power and fuel efficiency improvements to the specification of a high-pressure Bosch VP44 direct fuel injection system and a top-mounted intercooler which allows unobstructed airflow. High-pressure direct injection delivers the fuel in a finely atomised spray for more efficient fuel use.

Rodeos powered by the 3.0-litre engine are distinguished by a new bonnet mounted air intake, while new styling cues identify other models in the Rodeo lineup for 2002.

All Rodeos, with the exception of the 2.8-litre Turbo Diesel Crew Cab, now wear the Holden lion badge on their grilles. DX models feature a grille with black inner and outer sections and grey bumpers with a black steel insert. LX and LT Rodeos share flush headlights, a body coloured grille outer section and black inner grille. Their bumper treatments differ in that LX bumpers are grey and LT bumpers are finished to match the lower body colour.

2002 Rodeo 3.0 diesel pricing Model and Price
4x2 Rodeo Crew Cab LX $31,980
4x2 Rodeo Crew Cab LX with airbag $33,430
4x4 Rodeo Space Cab LX $37,820
4x4 Rodeo Space Cab LT Sports $44,070
4x4 Rodeo Space Cab LT Sports with airbag $45,540
4x4 Rodeo Chassis Cab LX $33,250
4x4 Rodeo Crew Cab LX $38,840
4x4 Rodeo Crew Cab LX auto $40,840
4x4 Rodeo Crew Cab LX with airbag $40,300
4x4 Rodeo Crew Cab LX auto with airbag $42,300
4x4 Rodeo Space Cab Chassis Cab LX $36,810
4x4 Rodeo Crew Cab LT Sports $45,090
4x4 Rodeo Crew Cab LT Sports auto $47,090
4x4 Rodeo Crew Cab LT Sports with airbag $46,560
4x4 Rodeo Crew Cab LT Sports auto with airbag $48,560