2007 Holden Rodeo DX 3.0L Review

The 4x4 light commercial pickup/cab chassis market is one of the most hotly contested segments. To date nearly 10,000 new 4x4 light commercials have been sold this year, with a number of well equipped alternatives vying for the working mans dollar. Earlier this year Holden upgraded their Rodeo range, adding a new turbo-diesel engine and redesigning interior and external features. The Rodeo is offered in 4x2 and 4x4 variants in Single cab, Space cab, Crew cab and Pickup models. Powering the Rodeo is a pair of petrol engines - the 3.6-litre Alloytec V6 and the 2.4-litre 4-cylinder. The V6 produces 157 kW of power and peak torque of 313Nm at 2800rpm. The 2.4-litre delivers 92kW of power at 4800 rpm and 209Nm of torque at 3000 rpm. New to the lineup was the addition of a new 3.0-litre VCDi common rail turbo engine, which delivers 25 percent more power than its predecessor.

Peak power of 120kW is achieved at 3600 rpm (up from 96kW at 3800 rpm) and torque of 333Nm is reached at 1600 rpm (auto-matic) and 360Nm at 1800 rpm (manual), an increase of 39Nm and 66Nm respectively. 2007 Rodeo models offer new five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions to manage the increased torque and retain a light shift feel. All 4x4 turbo diesel variants also have 3,000kg braked towing capability, which represents an increase of 500kg on manual variants and 1,000kg on automatic variants. Rodeo Single cab 4x4 is offered in two trim levels - DX and LX - powered by the turbo diesel or V6 petrol in LX spec only. In the 4x4 Space cab version the Rodeo is available only with the diesel engine, while in Crew cab spec it is offered with choice of diesel or petrol engine in LX spec only. In 4x4 Pickup there is the choice of LX and LT spec in either diesel or petrol variants.

The 2.4-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine is only offered in the base DX 4x2 Single cab and Pickup. Our test vehicle was a base 4x4 DX Single cab chassis powered by the 3.0-litre turbo diesel. Externally the DX Rodeo received a redesigned front and rear fascia, including front and rear lights. The over fender flares have also been upgraded and the turbo diesel is easily identified by the new bonnet air-induction scoop. The Rodeo is contemporary in styling with one piece resin bumper and grille surround with air dam. It has large multi-reflector headlights with flush mounted plastic lens. There are mudflaps front and back. Our vehicle was also fitted with a practical Holden aluminium drop side tray. The interior offers a neat dash with well laid out instruments, and short throw five-speed manual gearbox. The floor is covered in grey vinyl and the seats in grey trim.

Seating will accommodate two adults, but Holden assume that you might occasionally carry a third passenger as a centre lap sash belt is provided. Perhaps a small child could be accommodated, but there is no way a third adult could be carried with any manner of comfort. There are two headrests provided. The driver's seat is reasonably supportive and comfortable with good cushioning and lumbar support. Your options of setting up an ideal driving position are limited with a non-adjustable steering column and non-height adjustable seat. The steering wheel is four spoke and there is an old style 'twist and pull' hand brake near the driver's left leg. Instrumentation is basic with just a tachometer, digital clock, odometer, the usual gauges and warning light for low fuel. There is no steering column adjustment, remote fuel filler door release, rear demister, trip meter or cruise control. The manual windows and non remote locking are major pains for frequent users.

The base Rodeo doesn't fare too badly on the entertainment front, being equipped with a radio and single CD player. For tradesmen that use the Rodeo as a 'mobile office' there is a handy mobile phone power connector. Storage isn't bad, with glovebox and generous door storage pockets, complete with bottle holder and centre cup holders. On the safety front there are no airbags, with the only impact protection side impact door beams. The cabin is roomy enough with good leg and head room, and vision is adequate with large side mirrors and wide windscreen. Air conditioning is optional and as fitted to our test vehicle is probably a good investment. The turbo diesel is a willing motor, but one seems to spend much of the time going up and down the gears.

Gearing seems low, which might be a good thing with a load on board, but hinders getting up to road speed otherwise. Steering is power rack and pinion while the workhorse Rodeo is equipped with independent double wishbone front suspension and a semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear. The ride is choppy and on corrugated roads unladen, the back end is bouncy, with corresponding discomfort transmitted into the cabin. Put a decent load on the ute and things sort themselves out better. The DX Rodeo is fitted with practical 16-inch steel rims with 245/70R16 tyres and a full size spare wheel mounted under the tray. The aluminium tray fitted to our vehicle is a Holden accessory and is a fine piece of work. It is well engineered, has plenty of tie down points around the tray, sturdy cabin protection and even a side step rail to get into the tray. For a base model Holden have adopted an advanced 4x4 system, which very simply involves push button activation.

Three buttons on the dash indicate 2H, 4H and 4L. You can move in and out of 2H and 2L at any speed, while you need to bring the vehicle to a stop to engage 4L. The activation is seemless and worked without a hitch throughout our test. The Rodeo is best in the environmment that it was designed for, so when we took the Rodeo four-wheel driving, it was difficult to fault. Ground clearance is very good and ride quality is fine when cruising along a bush track. Anticipating an obstacle ahead, 4WD high is selected at the push of a button, and disengaged equally as efficiently when not required. Low range brings the gearing down nice and low, and the Rodeo will happily crawl over rough terrain. It has loads of torque and when matched with low ratio gearing, works a treat. Cabin comfort is adequate, but then what should you expect in a base model.

Perhaps the only disappointment is the lack of safety equipment. In this day and age - even a working vehicle deserves to be equipped with an airbag. The 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine is a beauty, and as a working package the Rodeo will more than fill the bill. Braked towing of 3,000kg is also welcome and means that this vehicle is built to haul a decent load. There are a number of accessories available that can be added to the DX model, but as an off the rack product will fulfil most tradesmens expectations.
Brian Tanner

Specifications Holden Rodeo DX
Engine Type: 3.0-litre four cylinder, common rail, turbo charged - intercooled electronic fuel injection
Capacity: 2999cc
Bore & Stroke: 95.4 x 104.9mm
Compression ratio: 18.3:1
Alternator: 80 amps
Max. Power: 120kW @ 3600rpm
Max Torque: 360Nm @ 1800 rpm
Transmission Type: Five speed manual,(four speed automatic optional).
Gear ratios: 1st 4.326, 2nd 2,555, 3rd 1.490, 4th 1.000, 5th 0.790, reverse 3.942.
Final drive 3.727 4WD
System: Push button 'shift on the fly' 4WD select, 2-speed transfer case.
Limited Slip differential Suspension Front: Independent wishbone arms.
Torsion bar springs.
Rear: Semi elliptical leaf springs and gas pressurised shock absorbers.
Brakes 280mm ventilated front discs with dual piston calipers. 295mm rear drums with leading/trailing shoes.
Wheels & Tyres Wheels 16" x 7.0" steel, tyres 245/70R16
Dimensions & Capacities LxWxH: 4495 x 1800 x 1723mm
Turning circle: 12.6 metre
Kerb weight: 1637kg
Gross vehicle rating: 2900kg
Fuel tank capacity: 76 litres Price: $31,990