Isuzu Announces Pricing on 2002 Axiom

Los Angeles - The word from American Isuzu Motors Inc. is that its all-new 2002 "crossover" SUV, the 2002 Isuzu Axiom is scheduled to hit dealer showrooms on April 10, 2001. Closely based on the ZXS concept vehicle at the 1999 Tokyo Auto Show, the Axiom has made a quick and remarkable journey to the assembly line. Anticipated production for 2001 is 22,000 units.

The well-equipped Axiom is priced at an MSRP of $25,985. This model includes both comfort and convenience features, including Intelligent Suspension Control (ISC) that uses multiple sensors to adjust shock absorber damping abilities to optimize ride and handling. ISC can be adjusted to either sport or comfort mode through the use of a dash-mounted switch.

The upgraded XS model has an MSRP of $28,305, and adds fog lamps, bright body side molding, a power tilt, a slide moon roof, leather door inserts, heated leather seats and a four-way power passenger seat.

Four-wheel drive configuration is available in both models, and all 4WD models are equipped with shift-on-the-fly 4WD, limited-slip differential, transfer case skid plate, rear disc brakes and the second-generation Torque-On-Demand (TOD). TOD automatically transfers power from wheels where slippage can be detected to wheels that have better traction. This system works well in all types of off-road applications and features 4-wheel low gearing, making the Isuzu Axiom a true SUV. The 4WD model has an MSRP of $28,465, and the 4WD XS has an MSRP of $30,785. All models are equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission and a powerful 3.5-liter, 24-valve V-6 engine generating 230 horsepower and 230 ft-lbs. of torque.

Duke Hale, Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, SUV, says "With Isuzu's long-standing heritage of durability, luxury and performance going into all Isuzu SUVs, we feel that the Axiom will be a very strong seller in a fiercely competitive SUV market."