Special New Limited Edition Venetian Red D-Max marks Isuzu's 100th anniversary year, but be quick, 100 only.

The Isuzu D-Max Blade – the flagship model of the multi-award winning pick-up range – is getting a centennial Venetian Red paint finish as part of the celebrations to mark the 100^th anniversary since the company first set up operations in Tokyo, Japan. The glowing red colour scheme will be limited to 100 D-Max Blade pick-up vehicles.

The vibrant Venetian Red colour will leave a lasting impression as it takes hints from the same shade of red consistently used by Isuzu throughout the brand’s history. The top-of-the-range double-cab Blade is available from just £25,249 (CVOTR) in manual transmission and £26,249 (CVOTR) in auto, and the eye-catching Venetian Red finish comes at no extra cost. The Blade, which has been a big hit since it was launched in 2014, is already available in Cosmic Black or Pearlescent White.

The D-Max Blade range-topper comes with a host of extra features and quality interior appointments for a premium level of comfort and refinement, including superior leather upholstery, 18-inch Shadow alloy wheels and choice of Black Mountain Top Roller Cover with Black Rear Style Bar or Colour Coded Aeroklas Leisure Canopy.

At the heart of the Blade 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. Owners also benefit from a heavyweight towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes (braked trailer) and 1,072 kg (manual) / 1,067 kg  (auto) payload.

Isuzu entered its centenary year on a rich vein of form, as the longest-running Japanese car manufacturer continues to break sales records in the UK. With 6,220 vehicle registrations in 2015, Isuzu UK made a 13% year-on-year improvement while also recording a 478% sales boost compared to five years ago. Further model news is expected later in the year.

Every new D-Max sold in the UK is backed by the company’s pioneering, five-year / 125,000-mile warranty.