GM is keeping Japanese affiliate Isuzu on life support by giving it a version of its Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon mid-size pickups, to supplement Isuzu's only other vehicles, the 5- and 7-passenger Chevy TrailBlazers it sells as the Isuzu Ascender. Previously, Isuzu sold a rebadged Chevy S-10 as the Hombre; this time, its versions of GM's pickup are called the Isuzu i280 and i350. The i280 is a 2-door, extended cab, 4x2 only. Its sole powerplant is a 2.8-liter, DOHC, four making 175 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. A 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic are available. The i280 will be offered in essentially four trim levels, starting with the very basic S model (vinyl bench seat and floors, crank windows, heavy-duty suspension), up through the S with upgrade package, LS, and LS with luxury package. Maximum payload is 1532 pounds. The second model, the i350, comes in four-door, 4x4 form only. A 220-hp in-line five provides the power and comes with a 4-speed automatic only. There's no S model for the i350, just an LS and an LS with luxury package. Maximum payload for the i350 is 1190 pounds and the tow rating is 4000 pounds. Except for their grilles, both vehicles are largely identical to trucks you could buy at a Chevy or a GMC dealer. The chief selling point for Isuzu is its 7-year/75,000-mile warranty (including roadside assistance). Isuzu expects to sell between 5000 and 10,000 of the pickups per year. The trucks arrive at sadly empty Isuzu dealerships this summer.

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