Beefed-up bakkie! Isuzu reveals its special D-Max GO2 double-cab…

By: CAR magazine

Isuzu in the United Kingdom has whipped the wraps off its new D-Max GO2 (pronounced “go to”), a one-of-a-kind version of the Japanese bakkie fitted with all manner of off-roading kit.

Finished in Splash White paintwork, the D-Max GO2 4×4 is based on the Utah derivative available in the UK. However, setting it apart from its mainstream brethren, the GO2 gains myriad off-road equipment, making it more rugged than the standard double-cab variants. Indeed, the GO2 boasts “heavy duty” bumpers fore and aft, with the unit up front fitted with a Britpart Pulling Power winch.

According to the automaker, the latter item has a pulling capacity of “over four tonnes”. Below the bodywork, a underguard kit, replete with rear differential guard, protects the 1,9-litre four-cylinder engine, which is good for an unchanged 120 kW and 360 N.m of torque, and the six-speed manual transmission. Upgraded side steps, meanwhile, shield the bodywork.

Adding to its off-road appeal, the bespoke Isuzu pick-up has been handed a Safari snorkel for increased wading depth (as standard, the double-cab model is rated at 600 mm) and, as the foglamps have been ditched with the fitment of the upgraded bumper, a roof-mounted LED light bar, courtesy of Lazer Lamps. Although the rear parking sensors have been disconnected to make way for the new rear bumper, the rear-view camera remains. An aluminium bed drawer in the loading bay keeps valuables safe, while the retractable roller cover can be locked.

Now riding on 16-inch alloys wrapped in 33-inch General Grabber X3 mud terrain rubber, the D-Max GO2 is fitted with Pedders’ TrakRyder eXtreme suspension setup, front upper wishbone and rear anti-roll bar. In addition, ground clearance has been increased, although the automaker has not revealed the exact figure. Further mechanical upgrades include a Pedders braking system, comprising ventilated discs, complete with part-ceramic brake pads fore, while the rear stoppers are a combination of drum (for the handbrake) and disc brakes.

Inside, the leather-trimmed cabin remains largely standard, with the most notable additions being thick seat covers and rubber trays. A seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with screen-mirroring functionality, Bluetooth connectivity and sat-nav is standard.

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