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What is it?
Before I go into what it is, the more important and relevant question is, why is it? Not to get all existential, the XTR is Isuzus attempt to get a foothold into 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. 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. So, what do you get with the XTR? Well the most obvious difference is the unmistakable black cladding, which covers the bumper, bonnet and wheel arch extensions. There are proper heavy duty side steps too that are protected by a ‘Raptor’ coating.
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THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE
At the rear there’s a tailgate spoiler and a new rear bumper with fake twin exhaust outlets. Although it looks good, it sits a bit too low for my liking. 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 them as standard. Suspension wise, Isuzu have worked closely with Pedders who have furnished the XTR with its own suspension package which raises the frame by 25mm and provides an extra 250mm of ground clearance. Pedders have also improved the XTR’s stopping distances by including their new Kevlar ventilated discs and pads at the front.
