UK special edition Blade model features style and comfort enhancements
- Represents a £1,000 saving on accessories and equipment
- Isuzu D-Max Blade on sale across the UK in April
Isuzu UK has enhanced the rugged appeal of its award-winning pick-up range with the addition of a special edition, exclusive-to-the-UK model, the Isuzu D-Max Blade. With the new Blade, Isuzu hopes to attract new customers to the Brand including those who may not have considered a pick-up vehicle previously.
The new special edition, which goes on sale in April, boasts a long list of unique style enhancements and technology upgrades certain to help the vehicle stand out from the crowd. Based off a premium model from the D-Max range, the new Blade special edition features more than £5,000 worth of additional equipment and yet is available from just £24,995 (CVOTR), representing a saving of £1,000 if the accessories were bought separately.
Prices for the new model are £24,995 (CVOTR) for the six-speed manual or £25,995 (CVOTR) for the five-speed auto, which compares favourably with similarly specced special edition models from Isuzu’s nearest rivals.
The head-turning style of the D-Max Blade starts with the bold 18-inch, six-spoke ‘Shadow’ alloy wheels shod with 255/60 R18 Pirelli Scorpion Zero tyres. The exterior upgrades continue with a ‘Shadow’ grey front grille, privacy glass windows, black door and tailgate handles, black roof bars and rear bumper, and heavy-duty side steps. Each exterior addition creates a striking contrast to the two available body colours, solid ‘Splash White’ or mica ‘Cosmic Black’.
The Isuzu D-Max Blade also comes standard with an under-rail bed liner for added practicality while customers can then choose between an Aeroklas hard top complete with internal light or a Mountain Top Black Roller Top Cover which is unique to the Blade and cannot be purchased as a separate accessory. Whichever option customers choose, the tops come supplied and fitted within the on the road price.
The high-value additions to the five-seat pick-up continue inside. Automatic climate control and premium black leather seats – which have been factory upgraded for 2014 and are heated in the front – will cosset Blade occupants. Customers of the new Blade will also benefit from DAB digital radio via a state-of-the-art Pioneer AVIC-F950 6.1-inch touchscreen navigation system, complete with integrated rear safety camera. The Pioneer system offers an enhanced audio experience and convenience over the already class leading ‘surround’ system found in Yukon and Utah models.
The Isuzu D-Max Blade is matched to the powerful-yet-efficient 2.5-litre twin-turbo diesel engine, producing 163 PS and 400 Nm of torque, while still returning a segment best fuel economy of 38.2 mpg (combined). The running gear has also been carried over by Isuzu, meaning customers benefit from a towing capacity of 3.5-tonnes and 1-tonne payload.
William Brown, General Manager at Isuzu UK, said: “The new Isuzu D-Max Blade is a high-value, high-quality proposition that we hope will widen the appeal of the D-Max further and take us into new market segments. It’s been designed to appeal to urban tradespeople as well as recreational lifestyle users looking for a pick-up that stands out from the crowd. The Blade meets the growing demand for a stylish pick-up that doubles up as an everyday workhorse for those who need it.”
Isuzu UK enjoyed its best-ever sales in the UK in 2013 and continues to be the biggest market in Europe for the Japanese Brand by a considerable margin. Isuzu has ambitious growth plans in the UK, and the new Blade forms an important part of its push into new business areas. In addition to product developments, Isuzu is aiming to strengthen its 100 dealer strong network throughout 2014 with new dealer appointments in key areas.
Like all new Isuzu models sold in the UK, the D-Max Blade comes with the company’s pioneering five-year / 125,000 mile warranty.
