CV SHOW 2015 - Isuzu wins again with the D-Max, from the Trade Van Driver Awards.

Isuzu UK continues to upset the status quo with its award winning feats when the D-Max was recently awarded the accolade of Best Trade Pick-Up in the 2015 Trade Van Driver Awards for the second year running.

Already proving to be a great success with British pick-up users, the magazine’s judging panel praised the D-Max for its value, build quality and well known off-road capabilities.

Matt Eisenegger, editor of Trade Van Driver said of the achievement: “Many trade users need a solid, no-nonsense pick-up that is prepared for an extremely hard life and isn't afraid to get its feet muddy. 

With its low front-end price, superb off-road capability and rugged build quality, the D-Max fits the bill admirably and wins this title for the second year running.”

The Trade Van Driver accolade follows on from Isuzu UK’s best first quarter sales since imports began in the UK in 1987 with 1841 D-Max pick-ups registered. In 2014, Isuzu UK recorded its best ever year with sales growing at double the rate of the overall pick-up market - 33.7% versus 15% - ensuring the brand number one for retail sales.

This week also saw the announcement of the new D-Max Blade as the flagship model of the range and the launch of a network of new fleet centre across the UK as the D-Max continues to attract increasing interest from the fleet sector of the market.

The widest range of body styles available on the market – single, extended and double cab – as well as the largest choice of automatic transmissions, has provided the platform for the Isuzu D-Max to establish itself as a leader in the pick-up sector since its launch in the summer of 2012. 

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

Isuzu D-Max Blade Special Edition model now becomes a permanent Flagship model.

• Isuzu D-Max Blade becomes flagship in pick-up range
• Inspired by success of 2014 special edition, the MY2015 Blade features further style and comfort enhancements
• Available from £25,999 CVOTR and available to order now

Following the success of last year’s special edition model, Isuzu UK is including the Blade model as the permanent flagship in the D-Max premium pick-up range. The special edition 2014 D-Max Blade model was a significant success for Isuzu, with twice as many as the original plan having to be built to satisfy demand and helping the Brand to record annual sales of over 5,500 units.

Exclusive to the UK market, the 2015MY 4x4 double cab Isuzu D-Max Blade will be available from £25,999 (CVOTR) for the six-speed manual and £26,999 (CVOTR) for the five-speed automatic. 

Order books are open now with customer deliveries beginning later in the month. The Blade will be available in Cosmic Black as standard with the option of a new-for-2015 Pearlescent White paint finish.

The top-of-the-range Isuzu D-Max pick-up boasts a long list of unique style enhancements and technology upgrades to help it stand out from the crowd, some of which are new for 2015. 

Enhancements over the 2014 model include a ‘Shadow’ grey front grille and matching garnish, and a distinctive Cosmic Black finish to door mirror caps, door handles and tailgate handles. For added practicality a soft-close tail-gate damper is now fitted as standard.

Other standard features include unique to the Blade 18-inch, six-spoke ‘Shadow’ alloy wheels shod with 255/60 R18 Pirelli Scorpion Zero tyres, and customers can choose either an Aeroklas leisure canopy or a Black Mountain Top roller cover with rear style bar, both at no extra cost.

The interior also boasts premium and heated leather seats and a ‘Shadow’ grey headlining;   bespoke side-sill scuff plates and unique carpet mats featuring ‘Blade’ graphics combine with Piano Black interior highlights to give occupants a premium welcome when they step into this top-spec D-Max.

Once seated inside, occupants will be greeted with a superior eight speaker audio and state-of-the-art Pioneer 6.1-inch touchscreen navigation system – complete with integrated rear safety camera technology – to provide premium infotainment, as well as greater driver convenience.

Under the bonnet, the Blade sports the same highly-efficient 2.5-litre twin-turbo diesel engine that powers every Isuzu D-Max in the range. 

Producing 163 PS and 400 Nm of torque, this unit enables the D-Max Blade to combine a class-leading towing capability of 3.5-tonnes (braked), while also returning an official fuel economy of 38.7 mpg (combined NEDC). 

Customers can choose from a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.

Like all new Isuzu models sold in the UK, the D-Max Blade comes with the company’s pioneering five-year / 125,000 mile warranty.

The Great Wall brand now offers 6 year/125,000 mile warranty in the UK

• Pick-up now features enhanced six-year / 125,000-mile warranty
• Consolidates Steed’s position as UK’s most affordable 4x4 double-cab pick up
• Extended warranty on new Steeds bought before June 30th 2013
• Two special editions recently launched – Steed Chrome and Steed Tracker

Already the UK’s most affordable 4x4 double-cab pick up, the Great Wall Steed is currently the only vehicle of its kind to be offered with a six year / 125,000-mile warranty, following the introduction of a new offer* from the Chinese brand.

The extended six-year warranty comprises the 3 year/60,000 mile manufacturer warranty plus a further 3 year/125,000 mile powertrain extended warranty provided by Great Motor Distributors (UK) Limited. The six year warranty is available on all Steeds purchased between now and June 30, 2013.  

As well as the new six-year / 125,000-mile mechanical warranty, all Great Wall Steeds benefit from a six-year anti-perforation warranty, three-year paint warranty and three-year roadside assistance.

“The six-year warranty reaffirms Great Wall’s commitment to offer fantastic value and guaranteed quality to businesses and consumers in the UK,” said Haydn Davies, marketing director at Great Wall UK.  “The Steed has always represented outstanding value for money, with a low purchase price, generous equipment levels and excellent fuel economy for its class, and this extended warranty will further enhance the appeal of our vehicles.”

Great Wall’s entry-level Steed S is the most affordable 4x4 double-cab pick up, with a purchase price of just £13,998 (CVOTR).  Great Wall’s first offering to the UK market, the Steed S, has since been joined in March by two special edition models, the Steed Chrome and Steed Tracker, each offering outstanding value for money at £14,998 and generous equipment levels.

Features fitted as standard to all Steeds include 16-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, remote central locking, a Thatcham-approved Category 1 alarm, electric front and rear windows, an Alpine CD/radio with USB/MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, air-conditioning, heated fronted seats and a full leather interior.

All Steeds feature Great Wall’s 2.0-litre 16-valve turbocharged diesel powerplant that delivers class-leading fuel economy (30.1 mpg urban; 37.7mpg extra urban; 34.0 mpg combined), as well as a low-range gearbox and an ‘on-demand’ four-wheel-drive system that can be selected by the driver when the terrain becomes challenging.

In January, the Steed’s towing capacity was uprated by 500kg to and impressive 2,500kg braked, as well as an unbraked towing capacity of 750kg. A 1,050kg maximum payload makes the Steed ideal for a range of commercial applications, with impressive performance both on- and off-road.