AN Isuzu D-Max Utility pick-up has been crowned the overall winner in the LCV, or 'light commercial vehicle', category of the 2017 MPG Marathon.
The event is open to all production cars and commercial vehicles with the aim of finding the most efficient route between set checkpoints around a 350-mile course.
Strict time limits are enforced to make conditions as close to the 'real-world' as possible and means competitors must drive at the set speed limit.
On completion of the course the new generation D-Max was filled with 28.58 litres - equivalent to 6.29 gallons - of fuel meaning the Utility achieved an impressive 51.2mpg over the two-day event.
The official combined cycle figure for the D-Max double-cab model is 40.4mpg meaning that an impressive 26.8 per cent increase was reached during the MPG Marathon.
This is the first time an Isuzu has been tested since the D-Max received its brand new 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine, which produces 162bhp and 266lb.ft of torque.
The D-Max has a 3.5 tonne towing capacity and 1 tonne payload whilst providing a quieter, more refined and economical driving experience than before.
The new engine meets the latest 'Euro 6' emissions standards without the need for addition of AdBlue.
William Brown, operations director at Isuzu UK, said the MPG Marathon victory showed just how efficient the new engine is capable of being.
"It is testimony to all the hard work that has gone in to the new generation Isuzu D-Max and creating such a high-quality product," he said.
