ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE: D-Max factor

Date: Monday, March 14, 2022

Isuzu’s regular winner is top of the pile again for 2022.

The Pick-up of the Year category at the 2022 What Van? Awards had a very familiar look to it, with the Isuzu D-Max on top – the fourth time in five years that the model has picked up the prize. However, while the judges’ verdict was the same, the D-Max itself is now better than ever, thanks to the introduction of the all-new, latest-generation model last year.

At first sight, the improvements to the already-impressive D-Max recipe are obvious, with a new exterior design, including a newly-elevated front end, which provides a more distinguishable and powerful appearance. Inside, a sophisticated layered dashboard design and new infotainment systems provide a more spacious and contemporary feel. Soft-touch panelling and elegant detailing contribute to a more premium interior, which nevertheless remains fuss-free and practical to operate.

Of course, there are significant upgrades under the skin too. The latest D-Max features new front and rear suspension, designed to deliver greater refinement without compromising the vehicle’s load-carrying capabilities. There’s also improved sound-proofing, a strengthened ladder chassis, a faster-engaging four-wheel drive system, and new speed-sensitive electronic power steering to improve manoeuvrability and accuracy.

A comprehensive package of driver assistance systems is standard, including autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed limiter, and lane departure warning and prevention. In addition, blind spot monitor and emergency lane keeping are fitted to all double cab models.

Maximum payload is 1.0t, and towing capacity can stretch to 3.5t, while the model also benefits from a 125,000 mile/five-year warranty.

To cater for all customers’ needs, the D-Max range is split into three segments – Business, Adventure, and All-Purpose.

The Business range features the Utility trim, a workhorse offered with two- or four-wheel drive, and with single, extended, and double cab bodystyles. Designed to be ideally suited to working environments, features include easily-cleaned vinyl flooring, durable steel wheels, and then use of hard-wearing black plastic for the bumpers, door mirrors and door handles. Other features include automatic headlights with high beam assist, automatic windscreen wipers, DAB radio, and stop-start.

The All-Purpose range includes the DL20 and DL40 trims, with DL denoting standard rear diff locks. Features of DL20 spec include heated front seats, rear parking sensors, front fog lights, a front centre armrest, body-coloured front and rear bumpers, silver door handles, a medium grey radiator grille, and 18ins alloy wheels.

DL40 trim adds further equipment such as bi-LED headlights, LED front fog lights, LED daytime running lights and rear lights, a chrome radiator grille, silver side steps, two-tone 18ins alloy wheels, front parking sensors and a reversing camera.

All-Purpose models are also available with automatic transmission, which comes with adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.

Topping the line-up is the Adventure range with its V-Cross trim level, offering gun-metal exterior styling on the radiator grille, side steps, door mirrors, door handles, and 18ins alloy wheels, while the interior gets a 9ins multifunction colour touchscreen. An auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic headlight levelling, and V-Cross branded floor mats also feature.

Isuzu UK brand director Alan Able said: “We are very proud to receive the prestigious Pick-up of the Year Award from What Van? for what is now the fourth time.

“The new-generation Isuzu D-Max is a big step forwards for the brand and builds on what was already a compelling choice for customers.

“The class-leading safety systems and improved off-road ability, combined with more SUV-like qualities mean the new D-Max is truly smarter, stronger and safer than ever before.”

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