AN initiative to attract drivers who may never have considered buying a pick-up has been launched by Japanese brand Isuzu.

It comes in the shape of a new exclusive-to-the-UK model, the D-Max Blade.

he new special edition, which goes on sale next month, boasts a raft of style enhancements and technology upgrades - including more than £5,000 worth of extra kit.

It means a price tag of £24,995, while opting for the five-speed automatic gearbox, rather than the six-speed manual transmission, adds £1,000 to the tab.

Blade spec includes 18-inch, six-spoke alloy wheels, a shadow grey front grille, privacy windows, black door and tailgate handles, black roof bars and rear bumper plus heavy-duty side steps. Body colours are solid Splash White or mica Cosmic Black.

An under-rail bed liner adds some extra practicality while customers can also 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 can't be bought as a separate accessory.

Inside, there are premium black leather seats - which have been factory upgraded for 2014 and are heated in the front - auto climate control, DAB digital radio, 6.1-inch touchscreen navigation system and rear safety camera.

The Pioneer sound set-upoffers an enhanced audio experience and convenience over the  surround system found in Yukon and Utah models.

Power comes via a 2.5-litre twin-turbo diesel engine, producing 163PS and capable of returning fuel economy of a Combined 38.2mpg.

The running gear has also been carried over by Isuzu, meaning a towing capacity of 3.5-tonnes and 1-tonne payload.

Isuzu UK chief William Brown said: "The new Isuzu D-Max Blade has been designed to appeal to urban tradespeople as well as recreational lifestyle users looking for a pick-up that stands out from the crowd."

Isuzu UK enjoyed its best-ever sales in the UK last year and aims to strengthen its 100-strong dealer network throughout 2014.

The D-Max Blade comes with the company's five-year / 125,000 mile warranty.