Isuzu Faster

Isuzu Faster
Manufacturer:	Isuzu
Production period:	1972-2004
Previous model:	Isuzu Wasp
Successor:	Isuzu D-Max

The Isuzu Faster (for faster ones) was a pickup truck that Isuzu offered on the home market between 1972 and 1994. In addition, the model was offered under different names worldwide until 2002 when it was replaced by the Isuzu D-Max .

First generation 1972–1980

Faster I.
Faster I facelift version
Production period:	1972-1980
Designs:	Pick up
Engines:	Otto engines : 1.6–1.8 liters (48–51 kW) Diesel engines : 2.0 liters (36 kW)
Wheelbase:	2600-2995 mm

The Faster was based on the Isuzu Florian and replaced the Isuzu Wasp . The pickup with the internal abbreviation KB20 for the shorter and KB25 for the longer wheelbase variant shared many components including the doors and the front of the vehicle with the Isuzu Florian. It was produced together with this at the Fujisawa plant in Kanagawa , Japan .

The Isuzu Faster was a traditional pickup truck with a ladder frame and a rigid rear axle suspended from leaf springs. The front wheels were individually suspended from double wishbones. Unlike the previous Wasp, there was also a long wheelbase version that was available as a double cab. It was available with a 1584 cm³ in-line petrol engine with 48 kW (65 hp) or with a 1951 cm³ diesel engine with 36 kW (49 hp). In some markets there was also an 1817 cc petrol engine with 51 kW (72 hp). All had a manual transmission with four gears. In 1976 there was a revision with a new front design, front disc brakes and now a 3- speed automatic transmission was optionally available. From 1979 all-wheel drive was available with the export models with the abbreviation KB40.

In most export markets, the model was sold as the Isuzu KB or Isuzu Pickup . Since General Motors had invested in Isuzu in 1971, the model was also offered by GM as the Chevrolet LUV .

South America / North America

Here the distribution of the Faster was taken over by General Motors. There it was marketed as the Chevrolet LUV .

Oceania

Holden imported the Faster from November 1972 under the name Chevrolet LUV . In 1977 the model was marketed as the Isuzu KB .

Europe

In Europe the Faster was marketed by Bedford and Opel as Bedford KB , but in many markets also as Isuzu Pickup or Isuzu KB.

Asia

Partly as an Isuzu Faster or just a pickup.

Faster double cabin
Chevrolet LUV

Second generation 1980–1988

Faster (KB)
Faster KB facelift version
Production period:	1980-1988
Designs:	Pick up
Engines:	Otto engines : 1.6–2.3 liters (48–80 kW) Diesel engines : 2.0–2.5 liters (45–55 kW)
Length:	4425-4860 mm
Width:	1600 mm
Height:	1550-1592 mm
Wheelbase:	2650-2995 mm

The second generation is also known around the world as Isuzu KB . The reason was this export name of the Faster II. In addition, the model was also called Isuzu P'up in export . For the first time, Isuzu offered an SUV with all-wheel drive on the home market , the Isuzu Faster Rodeo . This was initially only available for the short wheelbase version and later had a GRP body behind the driver's cab . Initially, there were the same engines and transmission variants. In 1983 the model started revised with new engines and transmissions. In addition to a 2.2L diesel engine with 45 kW / 61 PS, there was now also a 2.5L diesel engine with 55 kW / 75 PS. Also new was a 2.0-liter petrol engine with 58 kW / 79 PS. Each with a five-speed manual gearbox, available as an option or as standard, depending on the market. In 1984 the engines previously used, which had already been installed in the predecessor, dropped out of the range. In addition, there were only 5-speed manual transmissions. The Spacecab version was launched in 1985. This was an extended single cabin with additional side windows and a folding three-seater bench in the back. At the same time there was a slight facelift and a new 2.3-liter gasoline engine with 80 kW / 110 PS was available. In 1987 the Faster was slightly redesigned with a new radiator grille. Power steering was also available on request .

North America

In North America the Faster was still available as the Chevrolet LUV , but General Motors stopped selling the Chevrolet LUV in 1982 in favor of the Chevrolet S-series that it had developed . Therefore, Isuzu took over the distribution there in 1982 under the name Isuzu P'up (short for Pickup).

South America

As in North America, the Isuzu Faster was offered here under the name Chevrolet LUV . It was produced for this market in Chile in CKD kit fashion until the Faster TF was released in 1988.

Oceania

Here Holden offered the Holden Rodeo .

Europe

Here the model was still offered as Bedford KB or Isuzu KB .

Asia

Again as Isuzu Faster or Isuzu KB.

Isuzu P´up with GRP construction
Chevrolet LUV
Chevrolet LUV double cab

Third generation 1987-2005

Faster (TF)
Faster TF Extended Cab
Production period:	1987-2005
Designs:	Pick up
Engines:	Otto engines : 1.6–3.2 liters (59–140 kW) Diesel engines : 2.8–3.0 liters (74–96 kW)
Length:	4425-4940 mm
Width:	1690 mm
Height:	1600-1695 mm
Wheelbase:	2680-3025 mm

In May 1988, the Faster TF appeared on the home market. Here only the rear-wheel drive models were referred to as Faster, while the all-wheel drive models were referred to as Isuzu Rodeo . The driver's cab was now longer than its predecessor with a larger windshield. A 2.2-liter petrol engine with 85 kW / 115 PS, a 2.3-liter with 72 kW / 96 PS and a 2.6-liter with 88 kW / 120 PS were used. A 2.8-liter diesel engine with turbocharger and 74 kW / 100 PS completed the range. All were available with a 5-speed manual gearbox or optionally a 4-speed automatic gearbox. The previous body variants, a two-door single cabin, a two-door space cab or sports cab called an extended single cabin and a four-door double cabin were still offered. In addition, the Faster with a GRP body became the Extended Cab. In addition to the Isuzu Rodeo, the Isuzu Wizard ( Opel Frontera in Europe ) was also developed based on the Faster TF.

In 1992 the Faster TF was facelifted and a 2.8-liter turbo diesel with direct injection and an output of 81 kW / 110 PS replaced the previous diesel engine.

In October 1994 the sale of the Faster TF ended in Japan, where there was no successor. In 1997, the Faster TF series received a facelift with a rounder front design and redesigned dashboard, similar to the Isuzu Wizard built between 1995 and 1997 . Airbags for the driver and front passenger were now standard, depending on the version.

North America

The Faster TF series appeared in North America as early as 1987 as the Isuzu Pickup . It was produced for the local market at the Isuzu plant Subaru-Isuzu Automotive in Lafayette (Indiana), which was operated jointly with Subaru . The only available engines were the 2.6-liter gasoline engine and from 1991 to 1994 a GM 3.1-liter V6 gasoline engine with 89 kW / 120 hp. In 1996 the Isuzu Hombre replaced the Faster TF there.

South America

Like its predecessor, the Isuzu Faster TF was again offered under the name Chevrolet LUV . Again, the model was manufactured in CKD construction and exported to Bolivia , Peru , Argentina , Mexico , Uruguay , Paraguay , Colombia and Venezuela . A total of more than 220,000 units were produced.

In the late 1980s, additional assembly began in Bogotá by Colmotores and in Quito by Ómnibus BB Transportes (now General Motors ÓBB ) with a 1.6-liter in-line four-cylinder petrol engine with 59 kW / 80 hp. It was not until October 2005 that production of the Chevrolet LUV / Isuzu Faster TF was stopped and replaced by the Isuzu D-Max .

Oceania

Holden introduced the TF series in turn as the Holden Rodeo . From 1998 there was a 3.2-liter GM V6 petrol engine with 140 kW / 188 hp. The 3.2-liter V6 was the most powerful engine in a classic pick-up in Australia until it was replaced in 2003 by the new Rodeo based on the Isuzu D-Max . The Holden Rodeo was updated in 2001 and received a new 3.0 liter V6 common rail injection diesel engine with 96 kW / 129 hp in addition to clear glass flasher glasses and another grille.

Europe

Here the model was offered as Isuzu Campo from 1988 . From 1991 there was then Opel Campo and Vauxhall Brava .

From 2002 the Isuzu D-Max was also offered here, in the United Kingdom as the Isuzu Rodeo . The D-Max has only existed in Germany since 2006.

Asia

In Asian markets, the model was partly offered as the Isuzu Rodeo and Opel Campo .

As Isuzu TFR , Isuzu Dragon Eyes , Isuzu Dragon Power and Honda Tourmaster in Thailand. Isuzu Fuego in the Philippines , as JinBei SY10 series and Foton Aoling T series in China . As an Isuzu Invader in Malaysia . Also replaced by the Isuzu D-Max.

Middle East / Africa

Usually offered as an Opel Campo . As a Chevrolet T-Series in Egypt and Isuzu Ippon in Israel . Also replaced by the Isuzu D-Max .

Chevrolet LUV
Holden Rodeo facelift version
Opel Campo Sports Cab

Individual evidence

↑ Bedford KB advertising brochure

Web links

Commons : Isuzu Faster - Collection of images, videos and audio files

LUVTruck.com - Chevrolet LUV Information and history (English)
Isuzu Pup fan site and forum (English)