Isuzu Midi

Isuzu
Isuzu Midi
Midi
Manufacturer:	Isuzu
Production period:	1986-1996
Previous model:	Opel Bedford Blitz
Successor:	Opel Arena
Technical specifications
Designs:	Panel van , minibus
Engines:	Otto engine : 2.0 liters (70 kW) Diesel engines : 2.0–2.4 liters (44–56 kW)
Length:	4350-4690 mm
Width:	1690 mm
Height:	1950-2185 mm
Wheelbase:	2350-2690 mm

The Isuzu Fargo is a pickup truck produced by the car manufacturer Isuzu .

History

In the course of 1985 there were talks with Freight Rover about a license production of the Rover Sherpa to replace the obsolete and not very successful Bedford Blitz , which were discontinued without result. As it for General Motors was cheaper to use constructions of sister companies as a new development, it was decided that since 1980 built in Japan vans Isuzu Fargo to take over the European program. This was offered as the Holden Shuttle in Australia since 1982 and built as Isuzu Midi for the local market by Industries Mécaniques Maghrébines based in Kairouan (Tunisia) since 1983 (until 1988) . The Isuzu Fargo was offered in some European countries (e.g. Scandinavia) via the Isuzu's own dealer network as Isuzu WFR and should therefore not be sold as Opel or Vauxhall . Therefore, the name Bedford Midi was chosen as an allusion to Bedford's tradition as a commercial vehicle manufacturer. The Bedford Blitz had a bad reputation in the rest of Europe, which is why the name for Opel was out of the question. In addition, Isuzu models were already sold through the Opel sales network in most countries. Thus the Isuzu Fargo was produced in a modernized version from 1986 to 1996 in Luton at IBC Vehicles as Bedford Midi for Vauxhall and Isuzu Midi for Opel. It was available with a long or short wheelbase as a panel van or minibus , with a high roof on request. 1997 the Opel Arena (or Vauxhall Arena) replaced the Isuzu Midi in Europe.

1986-1989

Initially, a gasoline engine with a displacement of 2.0 liters and a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine were available. The engines were under the front bench. Basically the midi had rear-wheel drive , but if desired there was all-wheel drive , which also earned it a lot of sales to rescue services and fire departments, as it was considerably cheaper than competing products such as the VW T3 . In addition, this variant was attractive for campers. Because of the position of the shift lever, only two people could sit in front. A total of eight people could be transported in the minibus.

1989-1996

The Midi received a facelift in 1989. The diesel engine was expanded to 2.2 liters and the output increased. The dashboard was redesigned and there were new seats and door panels. The gearshift lever was relocated so that three people could sit in front, and the minibus now had nine seats, which is standard for its class. An automatic transmission was now also available for all versions. Outwardly there were only minimal changes.

In 1991 a 2.4-liter TD replaced the previous diesel engine.

From August 1993, only the 2.4-liter turbo diesel was available. Three-point seat belts at the rear increased the safety of the bus models and the air conditioning system was now CFC- free. Externally there were again minimal modernizations. Production was stopped in 1996.

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  Isuzu Midi minibus after facelift

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  Isuzu Midi all-wheel drive version

Web links

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