2014 Isuzu D-Max clocks in 500,000-km in the UK

MANILA: A recent search by Isuzu UK on its social media platforms for the Isuzu D-Max with the greatest mileage currently on the road in the UK led to the discovery of a vehicle with an incredible 351,364 miles (565,465 kilometers) and counting, even though it is still in use every day.

This 2014 Isuzu D-Max has just over 350,000 miles on it and is still going strong. With that many miles, it has traveled around the globe an impressive 14 times, or to put it another way, it could have traveled to the moon and be halfway back to Earth. It also shows no signs of slowing down, averaging 43,750 miles (around 70,000 kilometers) per year.

The Isuzu D-Max Eiger 2.5 Turbo-Diesel with Manual Transmission is owned by vehicle sales and servicing dealer Aston Melton Mowbray and was first purchased brand new in 2014 from Bob Gerard Isuzu in Leicester. It is used everyday for towing and providing logistical assistance for the company. Aston Melton Mowbray, a non-Isuzu dealer, uses the dependable D-Max to deliver and pick up vehicles from all over the UK while offering a nationwide vehicle delivery service.

With the exception of a rear differential replacement in 2021, the vehicle has demonstrated its remarkable dependability as a workhorse. Only routine maintenance and consumables like tires, brakes, and a clutch have been replaced on this 2014 Isuzu D-Max, which still runs on its original engine, gearbox, and other major components. The dealer actually has a second Isuzu D-Max, which has logged over 200,000 miles (321,868 kilometers) and has proven to be just as dependable and trouble-free as this one.

James Jeal from Aston Melton Mowbray said “When the business was looking for a vehicle capable of towing 3.5-tonnes on a daily basis back in 2012, we wanted something that would not only do the job but would also prove to be the most cost-effective for the business, at which time the Isuzu D-Max became the obvious choice. It’s extremely important for us to have vehicles we can rely on for our vehicle deliveries and the D-Max has been fantastic for our business, so much so that when we needed to add another tow vehicle to our fleet, we once again chose an Isuzu D-Max for the job.”

He continued: “The dedicated team at Bob Gerard Isuzu, who like us are a small family business, have been great and always so helpful with both sales and aftersales-related things over the years.”

Brian Wheeler, Product Manager at Isuzu UK commented: “Isuzu is renowned for the durability and robustness of its pick-up and this truck is a living testament to that reputation. It is fantastic to see a vehicle with this mileage used every day for towing and continuing to be a reliable workhorse for the business it serves.”

In June 2012, the Isuzu D-Max, which had previously been the Rodeo model, was introduced in the UK. There was an Isuzu D-Max available for every potential user because it was initially provided in four specification levels, including extended cab configuration for the first time. It also came in single and double cab body designs.

Meanwhile in the UK, What Van? industry experts have once again awarded the Pickup of the Year title to Isuzu UK. The current-generation, 2022 Isuzu D-Max has won the award for the fifth time in the past six years.

Each year, the What Van? Awards honor the brands, products, and organizations that have excelled in their respective fields. This year's ceremony was held on December 8 at the Intercontinental London. Only the finest in each hotly contested category are honored by the annual awards, which are assessed by a panel of seasoned industry experts from across the light commercial vehicle sector.

“The current Isuzu D-Max took a big step up from its predecessor. While retaining the toughness and workhorse credentials for which it has always been renowned, the Isuzu D-Max is now a sophisticated truck loaded with ADAS features that are great to drive both on and off-road. In 2022 Isuzu strengthened the D-Max line-up with additional variants, including the specialist off-road Arctic Trucks AT35 model,” What Van? Editor James Dallas commented.

“We are delighted to receive the Pickup of the Year award from the renowned LCV experts at What Van? again this year,” Isuzu UK Marketing Head George Wallis said. “In what has been another year of tough trading conditions for the industry, Isuzu UK has continued to expand and build the model range to ensure we can offer our customers the most comprehensive lineup possible to suit the diverse requirements of our current and future customers.”

Along with state-of-the-art safety features, the 2023 Isuzu D-Max features enhanced infotainment technology, and powerful performance.

The 2022 Isuzu D-Max comes in nine different variants, which are powered by rugged and refined 4JJ3-TCX and RZ4E diesel engines. The pickup truck is available in six-speed automatic and six-speed manual variants. The Isuzu D-Max uses an electric control VGS turbocharger for lesser lag and greater power. The Isuzu D-Max is specially designed with an upgraded combustion chamber that reduces emissions and lessens the fuel consumption.

The Isuzu D-Max boasts several active safety features including a brake override system, anti-lock brake system, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control system, hill start assist, and hill descent control. The vehicle is equipped with three-point emergency locking retractor seat belts on all seats. It also comes with additional underbody protection features. The D-Max gets an ADAS that uses intelligent features for pre-crash safety, speed assist, headlamp control, lane support, rear and side assist, parking aid, and post-crash safety. The D-Max is the only pickup truck that comes with the advanced Smart 3D Camera which monitors the surrounding area to determine the distance of the vehicle from every obstruction on the road.

The Isuzu D-Max possesses a wide stance and bold design which makes it perfect for both on-road and off-road applications. For maximum visibility, the Isuzu D-Max is equipped with new bi-LED headlamps, daytime running lights, and tail lamps. It also features a newly designed integrated rear bumper that provides added protection and a step to easily access the payload cargo.

Recently here in the Philippines, the 2022 Isuzu D-Max has won three vehicle classes in the Philippine Rallycross Series (PHRX), and has once again demonstrated its supremacy in the dirt time trial racing competition.

PHRX is a timed racing competition held in a dirt track which started in 2015. Many professional car racers and motorsport enthusiasts participate in the competition’s different categories and various classes, and among its many supporters is Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC).

Nine technical dirt driving rounds of the PHRX season, which began in May, were held at various dirt tracks in Cavite and Pampanga. After the ninth round, the Isuzu D-Max Team was able to clinch a 1-2 finish in three classes, with Mon Dimapilis taking first place in each class and Louie Camacho winning the Overall Champion title for the Pick-up, Utility Vehicle, and All-Wheel Drive Class.

Apart from the racing seats and harness, the only modifications done to the 2022 Isuzu D-Max rally vehicles were limited to suspension and tires, the rest were kept to stock condition. Its powerful 4JJ3-TCX Blue Power Diesel Engine — paired with the driver’s rally expertise emerges — as an unbeatable formula to D-Max success over the other notably modified vehicle who competed in the PHRX. With another feather on its cap, the 2022 Isuzu D-Max shows strength in different aspects, no doubt why it is still one of the most popular pick-ups in the market today.

“We are very proud of the result of this year’s Philippine Rallycross Series. The Isuzu D-Max has proven once again its versatility and durability, this time on the dirt track. And this is the kind of lifestyle we want to promote with this vehicle, our customers can enjoy the D-Max both for work and play on the weekends,” said IPC Assistant Division Head for Sales, Robert Carlos.

Photos from Isuzu, Isuzu Philippines Corporation

Also read: Team Isuzu PH bags awards in Isuzu World Technical Competition