ISUZU D-Max XTR
What is it Divisive, that’s good description, and with this particular body wrap, it’s certainly something you can’t lose in a car park, that’s for sure. You may recall that last year I reported back on the Isuzu XTR after its launch, and hands down it was the best car launch I’ve ever been on thats main objective was to show off a 4x4s off-road capability. It was astounding. Everyone knows that Isuzu makes a tough truck, after all, they’re the oldest commercial vehicle manufacturer in the world and were the first company to offer diesel engines in commercial vehicles over 80 years ago. The XTR is Isuzus attempt to get a foothold in the lifestyle pickup market that appears to be making a resurgence. Isuzu have said that the XTR will sit firmly between the Blade and AT35 in their adventure range. So, what do you get with the XTR? Well the most obvious addition is the unmistakable black cladding which covers the bumper, bonnet and wheel arch
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THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE
extensions. There are proper heavy duty side steps, too, that are protected by a ‘Raptor’ coat. At the rear there’s a tailgate spoiler and a new rear bumper with fake twin exhaust outlets. Although it looks good, I’d probably remove them if it was mine. Flashes of green are dotted around on the wheel arches and the brake callipers, which hide behind 17”black alloy wheels and 32” (265-70-17) Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tyres. Isuzu incidentally are the first manufacturer to fit the Pirellis’ as standard. Suspension wise, Isuzu have worked closely with Pedders who have furnished the XTR with its own suspension package, which raises the body by 25mm and provides an extra 250mm of ground clearance. There’s more XTR loveliness on the inside too, but I’ll get to that later. So, what is it like to live with?
