Isuzu D-Max bags Pickup of the Year award from Company Car & Van

MANILA: The Isuzu D-Max has been named the Pickup of the Year for 2023 by the experts at Company Car & Van.

Since bagging the award last year, the Isuzu D-Max has maintained its technological superiority and class-leading safety systems, giving the specialist magazine an obvious two-time winner. Isuzu UK Managing Director William Brown received the award at the Company Car & Van headquarters in Solihull, England.

Company Car and Van, which is now in its 13th year, is a motoring magazine and website targeted at company directors and managers of small to medium fleets of under 100 units who, along with their employees, have the authority to make independent purchase decisions and have a significant impact on the selection of their fleet.

“The Isuzu D-Max is our pickup of the year and for good reason. It features class-leading safety, on-trend tech, and a comfortable passenger experience and it does what a pick-up is supposed to do. Furthermore, it's available in a myriad of conversions that's hard to beat and in a range of single, extended and double cab models to suit all customer needs,” Company Car & Van Editor and Publisher Andrew Walker stated.

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.

In 2022, Isuzu UK introduced the 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 Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 have all undergone extensive professional re-engineering. 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.

“We are thrilled to be kicking off 2023 by accepting this award for the second year in a row,” Brown said. “The experts at Company Car & Van have recognized not only the Isuzu D-Max’s wide and continuously growing customer base but also the industry-leading safety features which are standard across the Isuzu pickup range. Thanks to the variety of specifications, from the Utility workhorse to the premium V-Cross, our vehicles appeal to both the commercial and passenger markets.”

Photos from Isuzu

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