chicagotribune.com's view

Joe Isuzu is more popular and far better known than the vehicles he promotes for the Japanese automaker-and that`s no lie.

Yet Isuzu makes some respectable machines-the Amigo, Trooper and Impulse as well as a version of the Impulse sold by Chevrolet under the Geo Storm nameplate.

Though basically the same car as the Impulse, the Storm (Transportation, Dec. 3) is the one we`d opt for if both were sitting side by side in the driveway-and that`s no lie, either.

For the 1990 model year, Impulse has undergone a major styling change. We thought the former model was stylishly sporty. For `90 the sheet metal was revamped and more rounded. Isuzu calls it the “aggressive European look,“ which is a novel way to describe a Japanese car.

Storm and Impulse look very much alike. Both feature semi-concealed headlamps, concealed door handles and integral rear deck spoiler. Storm leaves a more pleasing impression than Impulse, however, based on its more modern front-end treatment featuring partially hidden rectangular headlamps.

Impulse sports partially concealed round bulbs, a styling touch more appropriate in the `70s that looks out of place today.

The Impulse XS is billed as an affordably priced performance car. Power is supplied by a 1.6-liter, 130-horsepower, 16-valve, 4-cylinder, fuel- injected engine teamed with a fairly smooth shifting 5-speedmanual transmission.

The Storm we drove had a 1.6-liter, 12-valve, 95-h.p. 4-cylinder and the top-of-the-line Storm offers the same 16-valve, 130-h.p. engine as in the XS. The 12-valve in the Storm is no fire breather. It has more performance sound effects built into the exhaust than it does power built into the engine. The 16-valve in the Impulse didn`t seem all that much more powerful than the 12-valve version.

The 130 h.p. is developed at 6,800-r.p.m., meaning that the rush of pep comes when you`re cruising on the freeway and kick the pedal to move out into the passing lane but not moving off the line at the stoplight.

“While other automakers continue with an unbridled race toward excessive size and horsepower and unrestrained costs for dubious technologies, Isuzuis determined to provide practical levels of performance at conscionable prices,“ Isuzu says of its new Impulse.

In laymen`s terms that`s called an apology.

The true beauty of the Impulse, as with the Storm, comes from the suspension system and its firm but not harsh ride and precise, sure-footed handling. This is the kind of sports car road-hugging ability Camaro, Firebird and Mustang have always dreamed of and never delivered.

The four-wheel independent suspension on the front-wheel-drive Impulse is the product of Lotus from England, and a fender badge boasts of the heritage. Isuzu says that handling is “predictable,“ and that`s an apt term. Add stable, too. No surprises. No roll, no lean, no sway, no fighting the wheel in sharp corners or turns. You sit flat entering any twist or bend in the road and exit it the same way.

A responsive power steering system and 14-inch, steel-belted radial tires complement the suspension package.

As the first of a new breed of Impulse, we would advise the automaker not to make one iota of change in that suspension system. But there are several other areas where we`d advise improving and updating.

Impulse is built on a 96.5-inch wheelbase and is 166 inches long. The subcompact dimensions provide no hardship in room for driver or front-seat passengers, though stiff seatbacks are uncomfortable on lengthy drives.

But those sentenced to the rear have reason to file a grievance. Rear- seat head room is ample, providing you ride with your chin pressed firmly against breastbone.

The seat is as comfortable as a rock. On the positive side, though the rear seat is cramped, it folds down to allow more cargo capacity.

B ase price is $11,999 with 5-speed transmission,$12,744 with automatic.

Standard equipment in the Impulse XS includes power brakes and steering, tinted glass, electric remote mirrors, rear wiper/washer/defroster , clock/ trip odometer, remote fuel filler door/hatchback release, intermittent wipers and Scotchgard fabric protection. Impulse also is one of the few small cars on the market with driver`s side air bag as standard.

Our test car came with optional air conditioning for $750, as well as floor mats for $55. A sport package ran $1,195 and included aluminum alloy wheels, cruise control, power windows/door locks, fog lamps and AM/FM stereo with cassette.

>> 1990 Isuzu Impulse Wheelbase: 96.5 inches. Length: 166 inches. Engine:1.6 liter, 130 h.p. four. Transmission: 5-speed manual. Fuel economy: 26/34 m.p.g. Base price: $11,999 Strong point: Sports suspension. Weak point: Long distance comfort. >>