NOT long ago SunWheels was invited to come a witness the new Isuzu Motors South Africa’s plant in Struandale, it seems the company is on fire.
We just drove the D-MAX disesel double-cab which is amazing in perfoamnce.
Once you start driving, you just don’t want to stop. And had it not been for the fuel limitations, we would still be driving it all over Mzansi – just for the fun of it.
It is amazing!
The car is not only bold in its looks but is a real performer regardless of the surface you‘re driving on.
Without losing its strong KB features, the D-MAX looks absolutely fine. It’s basically a KB in a new body, with interesting touch-ups and suspension tweaks that really up the ante when it comes to a comfortable ride.
It’s true that the manufacturer went all out with the D-MAX to give it a refined ride when driven without a load at the back.
Its rivals include the most-selling Toyota Hilux and Ranger, among others. One can’t wait to see how the D-MAX will fare in this competitive segment.
Driving the D-MAX is quite exciting, thanks to the change of its rear suspension, which has boosted its on-road experience and refinement without losing its amazing power and capability.
But will we also see changes in the 1-ton trucks set-up? Only time will tell.
All this power is made possible by the muscular 130kW/480Nm diesel, which delivers peak torque from 2000rpm.
But Pfarelo Mphaphuli – a St Stithians Boys College maths and science teacher, who took the sister KB300 Crew Cab LX on a 50-day tour – saluted Isuzu.
Said Pfarelo: “After driving a KB on my educational trip, I agree that Isuzu changes have added comfort, a good fuel consumption, power, less noise and a rear-view camera, among other features.”
Pfarelo said he had no doubt the D-MAX was much improved from the KB.
