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The good news doesn’t stop with the engine. The suspension system, which is the proven Double Wishbone / 4-Link with Coil Spring system, manages to dish out a pretty fine ride in the urban jungle. There are two reasons for this: first is the rigidity of Isuzu’s wishbone arm construction; and secondly, the high ride height allows a good amount of suspension travel. The resulting high center of gravity means that there aren’t any sportcars handling pretension. However, thanks to upgraded 16-inch tires, handling is at the very least predictable. Body roll, as expected for this type of vehicle is quite high, especially at low speeds. However, as the Trooper gains speed it becomes almost negligible. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said with the understeer, which is too painfully obvious at any speed. Mechanically sound, the Trooper is clothed in a body shell that is best described as understated. Still, in the numerous iterations done so far, the best looking is the most recent one. The addition of the billet-type aluminum front grille and chrome covered power folding heated side mirrors give some added flair and distinction to the Plain Jane exterior. Other Trooper trademarks continue on including the gold emblems, the functional hood scoop and headlamp wipers. Then, there are the obligatory SUV design cues such as the side stepboard, which by the way, is the best one we’ve been so far, since it integrates flush with the body; the hard-type spare tire cover and a two-tone paint job. As previously mentioned, it doesn’t quite shout ‘millionaire’ from a mile away, but somehow, the allure of the Trooper’s boxy body still manages to command respect, especially from people who know their SUVs. Like the exterior, the Trooper’s cabin is very much the product of continuous development, the latest changes of which include the Pioneer in-dash CD player and the wrap-around wood grain finish. Although the wood finish isn’t particularly inviting, it doesn’t distract that this is one roomy and cozy SUV. The overall feel of the controls may feel circa-1990s, but it manages to work well with every control in logical positions and within easy reach. The parking brake is particularly refreshing as it’s still operated by hand rather than by a twist-and-pull or foot pedal type, giving the Trooper a car-like operation. |
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