A century of accomplishments.....
Isuzu’s sustained and impressive growth in the UK is representative of the global successes achieved by the brand year after year, all of which is founded on a rich 100-year history of accolades and world-first accomplishments.
Starting out as a merger between a shipbuilder and an energy provider in 1916, the first vehicle to roll off the production line was the A-9 in 1922. As the first passenger car ever built in Japan, it spearheaded one of the world’s biggest industrial success stories.
It wasn’t until 1949 that the ‘Isuzu Motors Limited’ name was adopted by the Japanese company, a brand name that has since adorned many hugely successful passenger cars, rugged 4x4s, pick-ups and commercial vehicles. Literally translated in English as ‘fifty bells’, the ‘50’ part of the name was represented by the Roman numeral, ‘L’, in the model names Bellel and Bellet, the very first Isuzu models released in Europe in the 1950s.
Since then, Isuzu has found global acclaim with vehicles released in over 100 countries. The Isuzu 117 Coupe was a pioneering concept, recognised as the first-ever sports car with a diesel engine. The Isuzu Piazza followed soon after as a unique fastback with all-wheel drive, and also the last conventional passenger car before Isuzu focused its attention to specialist 4x4 production.
Alongside a commercial vehicle division, large MPVs, SUVs, 4x4s and pick-ups have become Isuzu’s speciality. The most notable models from the 1990s and 2000s include the Trooper, VehiCROSS, MU and Rodeo.
Since 2012, the D-Max has thoroughly cemented Isuzu’s reputation in the UK of making tough and rugged off-road pick-ups. At the heart of the D-Max remains the powerful-yet-efficient 2.5-litre twin-turbo diesel engine, producing 163 PS and 400 Nm of torque. Isuzu’s advanced power unit returns a highly impressive fuel economy of 38.7 mpg on a combined cycle. This efficiency does not compromise the D-Max’s workhorse credentials, with a heavyweight towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes (braked trailer) and 1,072 kg (manual) / 1,067 kg (auto) payload.
Perfectly matching rugged ability with performance and comfort, the tough-yet-refined Isuzu D-Max is available in two- and four-wheel drive, and as a single-, extended- and double-cab. Buyers can opt for the functional ‘utility’ range of models or the more sophisticated ‘premium’ range that offer more creature comforts and styling enhancements.
The D-Max’s class-leading attributes have helped the pick-up win several prestigious industry accolades. In 2015 alone, it was awarded with the Trade Van Driver’s ‘Best 4x4 Trade Pick-Up’ prize for the second year and VansA2Z.com’s ‘Pick-Up of the Year’ accolade for the third time. The Isuzu D-Max is available prices starting from £16,895 OTR for the entry-level single cab 4x2, rising to £30,270 OTR for the range-topping Blade Double-Cab Auto 4x4.
