The Japanese car maker has gone all-out in a 1980s restomod of its Dragon ute – dubbed the Dragon Max – previously sold here in Australia as the Holden Rodeo.
Japanese car maker Isuzu has created a stunning 1980s tribute with its Dragon Max, mixing 1980s cool with an up-to-the-minute cabin, fresh tech and modern power under the bonnet.
Revealed at the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show, the concept is based on a 1988 Isuzu Dragon – which Australians will know as the second-generation Holden Rodeo (codenamed ‘TF’)– using a ‘Space Cab’ two-door body.
The transformation kicks off with LED headlights and taillights – with the front grille and fog lamps also given LED treatment to punch against the flat-silver paintwork.
Black 17-inch alloy wheels and a neat tailgate spoiler – almost unthinkable for a Rodeo in 1988 – finish off the external changes before new suspension sees the ute slammed to the ground.
Under the LED-festooned nose is the same 2.2-litre ‘MaxForce’ turbo-diesel found in the 2025 Isuzu D-Max dual cab ute and its SUV spin-off, the Isuzu MU-X, overseas.
The new engine – announced last year – may find its way into the D-Max and MU-X for Australian showrooms after replacing the 1.9-litre in most models in Thailand.
The 1.9-litre remains part of the current D-Max and MU-X line-up in Australia, with the latest MU-X update including the introduction of a new X-Terrain flagship model.
Back to the 1980s, and the Dragon Force concept’s 2.2-litre has been tuned to 162kW/550Nm – a serious lift over the 88kW/195Nm 2.6-litre found in two-wheel drive Rodeos in Holden showrooms in 1988 – and uses an eight-speed automatic to drive the rear wheels.
The cabin doesn’t miss out, either, with a pair of racing bucket seats with leather and Alcantara trim and mesh headrests, a centre touchscreen and
carbon trim amping up the performance tilt for the hot Holden (or insane Isuzu if you prefer).
While only a Bangkok show concept, Isuzu will be out in ‘force’ at the 2025 Melbourne Motor Show on 5-6 April 2025.
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