Isuzu D-Max hailed as 2023 Pickup of the Year by What Van?

MANILA: The What Van? industry experts have once again awarded the Pickup of the Year title to Isuzu UK. The 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 has strengthened the D-Max line-up with additional variants, including the specialist off-road Arctic Trucks AT35 model,” What Van? Editor James Dallas.

“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.”

The Isuzu D-Max banners state-of-the-art safety features, enhanced infotainment technology, and powerful performance.

The 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 seatbelts 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.

The Isuzu D-Max features a comfortable, flexible, functional interior that includes an ergonomic steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, rear air-conditioning vent, bottle holders, leather seats, large multi-information and infotainment displays, and multiple USB ports. You can even link your smartphone to the vehicle’s entertainment system through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Earlier this year, Isuzu UK introduced the new Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35. This new halo was designed and manufactured to easily navigate even the most difficult terrain while providing a unique presence and genuine performance. The body, frame, drivetrain, suspension, and aesthetics of the new Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 have all undergone extensive professional re-engineering. Additionally, and perhaps more crucially, the new Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 maintains its commercial vehicle status, with no compromise in payload and towing capabilities.

The pickup professionals at Isuzu UK and experienced Arctic Trucks technicians handle every aspect of the D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 to achieve the maximum standards of build quality and ensure the compliance to all relevant vehicle type approvals.

The D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35's chassis and bodywork have been re-engineered to handle its robust 17-inch matte-black alloy wheels and wider 315/70 R17 all-terrain tires. The suspension system has been upgraded with a custom-tuned Bilstein performance suspension system that includes front springs and dampers, rear dampers, and increased front and rear body lift, giving the D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 a total front and rear elevation of plus 50mm over the standard model.

Photo from Isuzu UK

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