LONDON: Isuzu UK has introduced a limited edition D-Max Colour Edition and a tipper variant for those seeking a compact haulier with greater off-roading capability.
As a result of the cancellation of this year's Commercial Vehicle Show (CV Show), the company will host its own virtual show - dubbed the Isuzu 3V (Vehicles and Videos, Virtually) Show, which will be broadcast on YouTube Live on April 29 at 2pm (10pm in Malaysia).
Registration for the virtual show is now open to the public to receive a link to the complete show.
To be recorded at Isuzu UK headquarters, the event gives viewers an insight into the company’s innovative approach to developing solutions that meet the demands of its customers, whether this is for lifestyle, leisure or commercial purposes.
It also shows just how adaptable the D-Max platform can be as a base for conversions.
At the Isuzu 3V Show, Isuzu will present three vehicles that highlight recent projects and new product offerings in the D-Max range.
First up is the D-Max GO2, a special build project that has been customised to show just how easily a D-Max can be converted into an extreme off-roader.
The GO2 has been developed to take on the most inhospitable terrain and has had some extensive work done using Isuzu accessories and other aftermarket parts.
This is the definition of a "go anywhere, do anything" pick-up and should definitely give viewers some ideas of what they can achieve in their own D-Max.
Next up will be the XTR Colour Edition. Launched at last year’s CV Show, the XTR is the most sophisticated and authentically capable pick-up in the D-Max range.
It was originally developed for off-road enthusiasts and drivers who wanteda vehicle to complement their lifestyle. This year, Isuzu has enhanced it even further with the XTR Colour Edition.
XTR’s assertive styling has been given an extra twist with a colour coded body kit and green Isuzu badge to refresh the look.
The Colour Edition comes following the reveal of the D-Max XTR prototype at the CV Show 2019. It had become a popular choice since its launch.
Available only in the UK, the XTR has become the Japanese pickup-truck builder's Adventure range after having been designed for off-road enthusiasts and/or owners who want a vehicle to complement their lifestyle.
This year, the company decided to enhance this pickup by introducing an enhanced XTR Colour Edition variant which will be made available in limited numbers with price and availability to be made known after the UK's lockdown.
The XTR comes with a custom colour-coded body kit for the D-Max (usually coated in a black Raptor finish as standard) and green Isuzu badge to help "amplify" its styling cues.
Also, the front bumper guard, bonnet protector, tailgate spoiler, rear light surrounds, exhaust finisher inserts and headlight frames now match the exterior colour to exude a more premium look.
The rear anti-roll bar and rear dampers take on a vibrant green look.
The fog light surrounds, grille, side-steps, exterior mirror and door handles remain black while a tinted rear window help to act as a contrast and up the "dark" aggressive factor.
Although the green "Isuzu" front grille badge has become a popular accessory on the original XTR, it now comes as standard on the Colour Edition.
The wheel arch extensions have also been colour coded but the lozenge-shaped insert still repeats the flash of vibrant green that makes XTR immediately identifiable on the road.
As with the standard XTR, the Colour Edition is equipped with exclusive six-spoke 17-inch alloys finished in a satin-black feature that features a fluted, deep dish design and are fitted with Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus tyres.
The company is the first manufacturer to adopt these tyres as standard and are touted to provide a quiet driving experience during everyday usage while being capable enough to take on difficult off-road surfaces such as rocks, snow, mud, grass and sand.
Inside, the cabin gets heated front sports seats with leather upholstery. Suede and carbon fibre leather with contrast green piping is used on the side bolsters and an XTR logo has been embroidered onto the backrests as well as rear centre headrest.
A D-shaped sports steering wheel trimmed in leather and suede with green stitches faces the driver with hand-sewn individually finished green stitches.
The Colour Edition gets fitted with bespoke Pedders suspension with longer suspension articulation and a taller 250mm ground clearance while also improving its handling characteristics when on the road.
The personalised braking system uses Kevlar ceramic front brake pads for better stopping power.
Colour choices include Splash White, Titanium Silver Met, Obsidian Grey Mica and Cosmic Black Mica - intentionally picked to match with the vibrant green colour coding that incorporated throughout the truck.
Finally, for the more commercial customer, Isuzu has developed a tipper conversion based on the Utility Extended Cab which combines all the essential workhorse attributes of the D-Max Utility with the practicality of a durable and lightweight tipper body.
The tipper conversion really is a cost-effective solution for operators who require a tough and reliable tipper, with great off-road capabilities that takes aim at tree surgeons, landscape architects and construction companies.
The company says that a production volume of around 200 vehicles per year is capable and is able to satisfy customers with a short lead time of approximately four weeks.
The tipper will be sold through the Isuzu dealer network in the UK as a used approved conversion and will, therefore, benefit from the same aftersales support, including a five-year or 202,500km-warranty package together with five years of roadside assistance in the UK and Europe.
The kit comes with a lightweight tipper body and since it is based on the extended cab variant, 'Tippadeck' bed is an accommodating 1,977mm-long and 1,800mm-wide that's been constructed with 18mm-thick interlocking alloy floor panels while loads are kept secure with 300mm-high sideboards and tailboard.
The tailboard, which opens to 180-degrees, features a two-way hinge assembly which allows it to be opened from both the top and bottom – rubber buffer stops protect the body.
Meanwhile, the spring latches on the sideboards are recessed to avoid catching on objects and the corner posts are removable to provide an open platform – perfect for loading and unloading.
A wander lead control is used to activate the electro-hydraulic power pack that lifts the body.
The tipping gear and subframe have been fully galvanised to protect them from the elements and, once raised, there’s an integral body prop and hose burst safety valve to stop the body from falling unexpectedly.
For safety reasons, a dual-tone alarm is activated when the body is raised or lowered and, rubber moulded body rests have been added to prevent the tipper body from clattering against the frame while driving.
Completing the tipper conversion, a powder-coated tubular gantry infilled with a protection panel has been fitted to shield the cab.
The Utility has a heated rear screen as standard so the protection panel, complete with Isuzu logo, has been finished with a laser-cut square design to ensure clear visibility when reversing.
The Utility features a hard-wearing black front bumper, black door handles, heated black door mirrors and 16-inch steel wheels that can be equipped with BF Goodrich All-Terrain tyres as an optional extra.
The interior includes two 12-volt sockets, remote central locking, vinyl floor covering, under-seat base storage, manual air-conditioning, power windows and an RDS radio with Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port.
For safety, it has been equipped as standard with additional curtain airbags, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control and Trailer Sway Control to complement its 3.5-tonne towing capacity.
