 | Isuzu TF Pick-up |
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TF IT'S SATURDAY
Is It A Rugged Go-Anywhere Workhorse Or A Frivolous Lifestyle Accessory? Isuzu Hope That Their TF Pick-Up Can Be All Things To All Men - And Women. Steve Walker Reports...
The humble pick-up truck has been loitering around in UK commercial vehicle land for a long time now. Not drawing too much attention to itself and doing little to extend its popularity beyond the loyal band of builders, farmers and homesick Australians who traditionally require its services. More recently, however, our unassuming friend has experienced something of a surge in the popularity stakes. The explosion in the 'lifestyle' 4x4 sector seemed to have spilled over into the pick-up's quiet little backwater. Suddenly, manufacturers are paying more attention to this often forgotten arm of their commercial vehicle line-up, with a view towards making a profitable crossover between the work and leisure markets. Isuzu's attempt to cash-in is christened the TF...
The burgeoning pick-up market coincides with the increasing willingness of UK buyers to see the vehicles as dual-purpose tools. Versatile machines that can bring home the bacon during the working week and then take out the children on weekends. All of which renders Vauxhall's decision to scrap their long-serving Brava pick-up even more incomprehensible. Why discontinue a stalwart pick-up model just when demand for similar vehicles looks like it might, well, pick up? It's a good question but Isuzu didn't waste too much time trying to come up with an answer. Rather, they simply stepped in and took over the supply and distribution of the model. You see, the Vauxhall Brava was manufactured by the Japanese marque all along, then simply rebadged for sale in the UK. Now the Isuzu-made pick-up carries Isuzu branding and is available in this country under the 'TF' moniker.
"If you need an offroad load-lugger, the TF has all the tools for the job - in 4x4 form at least."
In fairness, Isuzu have made a number of alterations designed to differentiate the TF from its somewhat tired Brava ancestry, changes that place the model on a par with the class leaders - at least in terms of exterior styling. You could argue that the Isuzu TF is better positioned than the Vauxhall Brava to do battle with the likes of Toyota's Hi-Lux, Nissan's Navara and Mitsubishi's all-conquering L200. It benefits from Isuzu's offroad pedigree, gained through the popular Trooper models, and it overtly shares the same Far-Eastern origins as these big hitters in the pick-up division. The truth of the matter will only be revealed, though, in the number of sales that the newcomer can wrestle from its well-established counterparts.
The TF takes a tried and tested route styling-wise and arrives at a destination that's already inhabited by its competitors. Buyers get the imposing grille, fog light adorned front bumper and a bonnet air-intake. There's also large 'ISUZU' lettering across the back and up the sides, just in case anyone still mistakes the TF for a Vauxhall Brava. If the base models dip a tentative toe into the new leisure-orientated pick-up market, then the top-spec 4Sport derivative takes a huge run up before performing an enormous, headlong plunge. The 4Sport is the model that Isuzu hope will appeal to the trend-conscious buyers. It gets fetching two-tone paintwork and distinctive 16-inch alloys, while the interior features air-conditioning, electric windows, electric mirrors, a passenger airbag and central locking, along with an up-rated radio/CD player. It might not sound like the TF 4Sport is overloading on standard equipment, but all this comes in addition to the not-inconsequential specification found in more lowly TF models. A driver's airbag is supplied across the Range and all doors have side-impact protection. There are also adjustable steering columns and head restraints.
The TF Range is a refreshingly simple one. There are two transmission systems (four or two wheel-drive) and two bodystyles (single cab and crew cab). These can be ordered in any combination although the Range-topping 4Sport is offered only in 4x4 crew cab form. The single cab can cope with a 1,075kg payload while the crew cab, with its rear seating bench can manage 1,015kg. By virtue of its light alloy wheels, the 4Sport has a 1,018kg maximum. That's enough in surPlus to take an extra large picnic basket on that family outing.
The TF, in all its guises, is powered by the 2.5-litre turbo diesel unit that served the Vauxhall Brava so competently but, in-keeping with Isuzu's general policy of improving the TF, there's been wholesale tinkering under the bonnet. Drivers will welcome the massive torque increase, from 118lb/ft in the Brava to 166lb/ft in the TF. This has been achieved through the addition of an intercooler, as well as other more incomprehensible modifications, and the powerplant now develops around 100bhp. A cold starting aid is included to help the TF get going on frosty mornings and an exhaust recirculation system along with an oxidising catalytic converter, mean that the TF meets Euro3 emissions regulations.
If you need an offroad load-lugger, the TF has all the tools for the job - in 4x4 form at least. Ground clearance is greater than the 2x4 at 230mm, there's the impressive torque we mentioned earlier, a limited slip differential and a solid suspension system based on double-acting gas shock absorbers (another improvement over the Brava). All this enables the TF to perform competently in the rough stuff while maintaining enough composure on the tarmac to avoid making everyday driving a chore. Isuzu claim car-like fuel economy and, depending on what kind of car you own, it's hard to disagree. The 4x2s are the most economical, registering 39.8mpg for combined driving and a creditable 32.5mpg around town.
The Isuzu TF is a big improvement over the Vauxhall Brava. They are essentially the same vehicle mind, but the Isuzu brings the purposeful styling that's necessary to succeed in this increasingly fashion-led sector. It might mimic the current class leaders to a degree, but why change a winning formula? There's a usefully enhanced engine and better offroad performance also to consider. A £10,795-£16,495 price Range pre VAT sees the TF positioned at similar levels to the competition. It doesn't offer anything more that the best pick-ups currently available and the Isuzu badge might not have quite the same posing potential as some others, but that doesn't dent its prospects too severely. For business and private use, the Isuzu TF is a strong performer.
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