Holden Piazza
| Company type | Passenger car model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Isuzu 117 Coupe |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Defunct | 1992 |
| Headquarters | Fujisawa , Japan |
| Products | Compact sporty three-door liftback coupé |
The Isuzu Piazza is a compact, sporty three-door liftback coupé manufactured by Isuzu between 1981 and 1992, spanning two distinct generations. Known as the Isuzu Impulse in North America and the Holden Piazza in Australia, it was positioned within the sports car market.
The initial generation featured a rear-wheel drive layout and represented Isuzu's first significant passenger vehicle entry into the United Kingdom market. In contrast, the second generation introduced options for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, built on the more economical Gemini Coupé platform, which was marketed as the Geo Storm in the United States.
By 2010, approximately 2,300 Impulse units remained registered across North America, highlighting their scarcity.
First generation (JR120/130; 1980)
In 1978, Isuzu engaged designer Giorgetto Giugiaro to develop a successor to the Isuzu 117 Coupe. Utilizing GM T platform Chevettes supplied to Italdesign, Giugiaro crafted a wedge-shaped three-door hatchback prototype named Asso di Fiori ("Ace of Clubs"), which debuted at the 1979 Tokyo Motor Show to favorable reviews. Distinctive features included a single-blade windshield wiper and an integrated steering wheel adjustment mechanism that shifted the instrument cluster.
Manufacturing commenced in September 1980 at Fujisawa, Japan. Early engine choices consisted of a SOHC 2.0 L MPFI inline-four carried over from the 117 Coupe and a DOHC MPFI inline-four. By April 1984, a turbocharged SOHC inline-four generating was introduced, gradually supplanting the DOHC variant. Transmission options included a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, with all models maintaining rear-wheel drive.
The Piazza came in multiple trim levels—Bella, XN, XJ, XE, XG, Nero—and three suspension setups: standard, Irmscher-tuned, and Lotus-tuned. Production persisted until 1990.
United States
Debuting in the US as the Impulse in 1983, the base model was equipped with a 2.0 L SOHC inline-four engine producing and . In 1985, a turbocharged MPFI 2.0 L SOHC engine was introduced with output ratings of and . The 1987 RS variant featured a 4ZC1 turbocharged engine. The 1988 model year brought modest exterior and interior updates including an enlarged rear spoiler and fixed headlights.
The naturally aspirated 2.0 L engine was replaced by a unique US-market 2.3 L unit delivering and torque. This larger displacement was avoided in Japan due to increased road tax obligations and compact car regulatory constraints. All Impulse models from 1988 onward incorporated Lotus-tuned suspension featuring redesigned sway bars, firmer dampers, and updated spring rates.
In North America, marketing emphasized "everything standard," offering just two trims: non-turbo and Turbo. Special editions included the 1987 RS with white paintwork, pewter accents, and suspension stiffness close to Japan's Irmscher version. The 1989 Special Edition non-turbo model sported Turbo wheels and upgraded interior trim.
Performance of the Turbo model was competitive with rivals such as the Mitsubishi Starion/Dodge Conquest, matching acceleration and handling within tenths of seconds.
United Kingdom
The Piazza made its UK debut in 1985, initially available with a single trim powered by a 147 bhp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine (4ZC1-T).
Early sales were sluggish after Isuzu GB, the original importer based in Maidstone, Kent, ceased operations in 1986 due to pricing issues. Subsequently, London-based dealer Alan Day acquired the remaining inventory at discounted rates. In 1987, International Motors Group (IM Group) from West Bromwich assumed the role of official Isuzu UK importer, also handling Subaru and Hyundai brands.
IM Group exclusively distributed the upgraded 'Lotus' version of the Piazza, as earlier 'pre-Lotus' editions faced criticism for subpar handling attributed to an outdated live axle rear suspension. The 1987 'Handling by Lotus' enhancement introduced improvements to suspension geometry, brakes, dampers, and tire selection (Goodyear), significantly refining driving performance despite retaining the live axle setup.
This updated model showcased revised rear-end styling featuring a prominent hoop spoiler, new lighting elements, 'Handling by Lotus' badges, and the removal of rubber side bumper strips to present a contemporary appearance. Interior modifications included tweed upholstery and an updated center console design; however, air conditioning was omitted to keep pricing competitive.
Isuzu (UK) Ltd promoted the Lotus Piazza until 1989 before shifting focus toward the Isuzu Trooper 4WD; they did not offer the second-generation Piazza in the UK or other European markets.
Australia
In Australia, the Piazza was introduced late April 1986 exclusively as a Turbo variant under the Holden Piazza nameplate. The first-generation Piazza was eventually succeeded by the Opel Vectra-based Holden Calibra.
Second generation (JT22; 1990)
The second-generation Piazza/Impulse utilized GM’s second-generation R-body global platform. GM commissioned Isuzu to replace the Chevrolet Spectrum with a sportier model known as the Geo Storm. The Storm’s styling drew significant influence from GM Europe’s Lotus Elan M100 design.[1][2] Under the leadership of Isuzu’s design chief Shiro Nakamura,[3] this platform also underpinned the third-generation Gemini sedan and a sporty coupé that succeeded the first-generation Impulse. The design maintained a "capsule" aesthetic while integrating European styling cues to promote a sportier image for the Japanese market.
In the United States, this three-door hatchback launched as the Impulse XS in 1989 for the 1990 model year. It featured front-wheel drive exclusively and was equipped with a DOHC 1.6 L inline-four engine delivering 130 hp and 102 lb·ft of torque. The suspension setup included MacPherson struts both front and rear along with Nishiboric passive rear-wheel steering. Due to labor shortages in Japan, sales commenced shortly after media introductions in March 1990.[4]
For 1991, an Impulse RS variant was introduced featuring a turbocharged engine producing 160 hp paired with all-wheel drive utilizing viscous differentials. Additionally, a wagonback body style became available with the naturally aspirated 1.6 L engine.
In 1992, production of the turbocharged model ceased while the base engine was upgraded to a 1.8 L unit generating 140 hp and 125 lb·ft of torque. Both hatchback and wagonback configurations continued in production but with limited volumes.
Overall production for this generation totaled just over 13,000 units including the Isuzu Stylus variant. Lotus—then co-owned by GM alongside Isuzu—provided suspension tuning that included firmer dampers, larger anti-roll bars, and softer springs standard across all second-generation Impulses.
A key technical feature was the Nishiboric passive rear-wheel steering system which adjusted rear wheel toe angle through suspension movement.
Market challenges such as Japan’s economic downturn following its bubble burst, tightening emissions and safety standards, along with GM’s evolving strategic focus led to Isuzu’s withdrawal from passenger car manufacturing and discontinuation of the Impulse series.
In Japan, this model was sold as the Piazza from July 1991 until spring 1992 featuring front-wheel drive only with the 1.8 L engine and Lotus-tuned suspension. The Geo Storm counterpart was marketed as the Piazza PA-Nero exclusively via Yanase Co., Ltd., GM’s Japanese importer.
Comparable models were available in Canada during 1990 and 1991; however, no units were produced for 1992. In 1993, the 1.8 L hatchback appeared as the Asüna Sunfire before Asüna’s discontinuation that same year transitioned the Sunfire nameplate to Pontiac’s adaptation of the Chevrolet Cavalier on a separate platform.
External links
- IsuzuPiazza.com — Online Community for Isuzu Piazza Enthusiasts
- Isuzu Piazza Turbo Owners' Club (IPTOC) (United Kingdom)
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