Author:
Robin Roberts
More models, more dealers and more sales, that’s the goal for the new Isuzu D-Max when it launches in June, MD Paul Tunnicliffe said at the Commercial Vehicles Show in the NEC.
Priced between £14,500 and £21,500, the new ten model range sees the re-introduction of the single cab 4×4 and a new extended cab version with side load access along with the familiar double cab design and four specifications, D-Max, Eiger, Yukon and Utah.
In comes a new 163ps 2.5 litre twin turbo diesel, there’s standard six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission and a 3,000 KG towing limit and payload of up to 1,000 KG. Depending on drivetrain, the rear suspension is under or over slung and the front suspension features gas struts with rear leaf springs.
The new Isuzu D-Max features shift on the fly selection up to 60mph to permit moving from two to four wheel drive.
The new model is significantly larger than the previous series and it has created more room on the loadbed and in the cabin which has also improved ride and handling.
Isuzu General Manager William Brown said the new Isuzu had been designed and specified after discussing the needs of operators and customers, “ We talked to many people and they dictated what they wanted so we built the D-Max to suit them.
“By and large the Isuzu buyer sees the vehicle as a workhorse and it has to be rugged but simple to look after and they want good features inside to make their lives better.”
Mr Tunnicliffe said, “ We aim to increase Isuzu pick up sales in Britain by 20pc over the figure for 2011 so that means by the end of this year we want to sell 3,500 models and we will be increasing our dealer network to over 120 outlets over the next 12 months, mostly in the south east as we are well represented in Scotland and Wales.”
Popular Isuzu pick up series is now more appealing than before to independent drivers with more models and low pence per mile costs.
