Isuzu D-Max Go2 is braced for anything

Need something apocalypse ready? Or just tough enough to get a Co-Op parking spot? Isuzu might have it

By Sam Sheehan / Tuesday, 28 April 2020 / Loading comments

It's not clear if Isuzu knows about an impending doom, or whether it's just made the most of lockdown by creating the D-Max Go2, a Utah-based pick-up capable of tackling the world's harshest terrain. Whatever the case, the end result is more than attention worthy. The Go2 - named to signify its go anywhere abilities - receives a number of chassis, body and lighting upgrades, all to illustrate how far Isuzu's double-cab machine can be taken, both literally and figuratively. As such, it's not a new model per se but rather a rolling catalogue, although that can't stop us wanting one with exactly the same list of changes...

Isuzu sourced a registered Utah (so it's not been picked off the production line) to upgrade, as emphasis that anyone can do this to their pick-up. For starters, it's been given a full underguard kit to protect the engine and gearbox from rocks and other potentially damaging ground objects. The standard-fit fuel tank protection has now been extended so it also protects the rear differential (itself upgraded to a locking one), while the new, beefier front bumper is mounted further forward and higher to suit more angular terrain. Even the foot steps add further strength and durability, as they're mounted directly to the chassis so they can shield from rocks and debris.

As you'll have noted from the pictures, the Go2 gets uprated, lifted suspension to enhance its talents off-road. The setup is called TrakRyder Extreme and comes from UK firm Pedders. It's made up of two adjustable front coilovers and two rear leaf springs that work with adjustable dampers. Additionally, Pedders supplies new front upper wishbones to enhance the front suspension's and a rear anti-roll bar to better body control, allowing the 1.9-litre diesel powerplant to make best use of the all-wheel drive system. The setup benefits from chunkier off-road tyres, which require the use of 16-inch rims (rather than the Utah's 18s). But Isuzu has made no technical changes to the 164hp four-cylinder itself, aside from the water-evading addition of a roof snorkel.

On top of that lot, the rear axle gains a new drum and disc brake setup, to combine the advantages of a drum handbrake (said to be the best option for off-roading) with disc stopping capabilities. Plus, illumination is drastically improved via a roof-mounted laser light bar (the standard fogs are ditched as they're deemed non-essential off road), practicality is boosted via a soft-opening rear tailgate (the action of which is the opposite to a kitchen soft-close cupboard), a rear-bed roller cover and aluminium drawer system to securely hold tools or equipment. Inside, the Go2's cabin has been trimmed with leathers and easy-clean surfaces, so getting it mucky needn't require much more than a quick wipe down.

For a model that's not exactly in need of a desirability boost - Isuzu sells lots in Britain - the Go2 doesn't half leave us excited by the prospect of a hardcore off-road monster pick up. As far as lockdown time killers to market a product go, we'd say this has to be up there as one of the coolest.