Isuzu VX Amigo and Rodeo

What is it?
Isuzu VX Amigo and Rodeo

What's special about it?
Isuzu has taken the styling cues from its VehiCROSS and applied them to the Amigo and Rodeo to create the Amigo VX and Rodeo VX concept vehicles. Both feature the same aggressive-natured body cladding found on the VehiCROSS. Isuzu says the large hood blisters (painted to match the gray matte finish of the body cladding) are designed to limit glare, much like an athlete's "eye-black." A company called Nippon Paint is responsible for developing the bright hues found on the Amigo VX and Rodeo VX. The special paint is formulated with embedded glass beads, mirror-like glass chips and rubberized materials to provide a very deep and colorful finish.

Besides the exterior changes, the Amigo VX features an ARB Air Locker locking front differential, a rear sport bar, a Borla exhaust system, step bars, 18-inch wheels, Recaro seats, special gauges, and a MOMO steering wheel. The Rodeo VX has similar equipment, such as 18-inch wheels, a roof rack with a rear spoiler, a Borla exhaust system, a custom instrument panel, Recaro seats and a MOMO steering wheel.

Why should you care?
Unless you are a big VehiCROSS fan, these two concept vehicles shouldn't concern you much. The lower body cladding is supposed to protect against damage obtained while driving off-road, but who is going to drive off-road using 18-inch wheels and low-profile tires? The macho cladding seems to work on the VehiCROSS, but here it just looks weird. We'll take a regular Amigo or Rodeo, thank you.