JUST by looking at it, you realise that a lot of thought went into the design of the all-new Isuzu D-MAX bakkie designed by Isuzu Motors South Africa and built in Struandale Plant in Gqeberha.
A lot of refinement, quality, technology and efficiency went into the creation and building of this car.
We recently took the seventh generation 3-litre Ddi 4x4 manual transmission Double Cab for a spin, and it proved quite impressive.
There is pride that comes with knowing that this car is made here in Mzansi and gets exported to other countries., that alone adds a point for this appealing bakkies and shows that the R1,2 billion investment Isuzu made in it’s local operations was not for nothing.
- Dominic Rimmer, senior vice-president for Technical Operations at Isuzu Motors South Africa, said they have taken their trusted characteristics such as power, strength and reliability and added sporty styling, improved comfort, new technologies and trend-setting safety features, to make the new Isuzu D-MAX line-up a perfect competitor in the leisure segment.
Design and styling
It’s rugged, yet modern and refined appearance has been made modest with it’s new sporty look. It has a more aggressive front with fascia and grille, centred on a modern interpretation of the established Isuzu D-MAX design cues.
Slimmer, more angular lights that include Bi-LED projector headlamps and LED daytime running lights on the high-series models, give this bakkie a distinctive on-road presence.
The bonnet and load area have been heightened by 15 mm and 30mm.
Add to that LED edge lighting for the turn indicators on the mirror housings, crisp new LED combination tail lamps and an integrated LED high-mount brake light at the rear continue the contemporary theme.
Interior
The build up of the cabin boasts sophisticated qualities with a upper-class feel, and the and you feel more like you are in a passenger car with sharp graphics and a variety of textured surfaces with soft-touch materials – mostly on the dashboard – that provide a tactile, quality feel throughout. interior space has an increased legroom at the rear.
The instrument binnacle features analogue dials for the rev counter and speedometer and a 4,2-inch LCD multi information display that provides a wide range of functions. The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to mirror your smartphone. All these play a big role in providing supreme comfort and fun experience to the driver of this bakkie
Technology and safety
A lot of technology went into the building of the new Isuzu D-MAX models, coming standard with impressive safety features such as Anti-lock Brakes, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist and many more, Hill Descent Control and Trailer Sway Control.
range-toppingThe top-ranging V-CROSS raises the benchmark even further, as it boasts Intelligent Driver Assist System, (IDAS) that incorporates a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features. It includes advanced features such as Forward Collision Warning, (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking, (AEB),Adaptive Cruise Control, (ACC),Lane Keep Assist System, Parking Aid, Multi Collision Brake, and many other features.
- Power and performance
The new range is available with a choice of two diesel engines that build on Isuzu’s long-standing reputation for durability, reliability and efficiency. Isuzu’s 1.9-litre Ddi power-plant is a new power-train to the Isuzu line-up, and is standard on all Single Cab models. It is also available on Extended Cab and Double Cab derivatives.
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It uses common rail direct injection to produce a maximum power output of 110 kW at 3 600 r/min, with peak torque of 350 Nm available between 1 800 to 2 600 r/min, delivering superb fuel economy.
Available on mid to high-series Extended Cab and Double Cab models, the upgraded 3.0 Ddi engine has been optimised for more torque at lower engine speeds, superior pull off and acceleration, significantly reduced noise levels, and optimised consumption.
In its latest guise, the 3.0-litre unit delivers 140 kW of peak power at 3 600 r/min, with its maximum torque figure of 450 Nm available from 1 600 to 2 600 r/min.
We drove a six-speed manual, and there’s , but an automatic transmission is available. The manual gearbox benefits from optimised gear ratios and an improved shift action, and makes the most of the strong torque delivery and superb fuel economy.room of improvement on the lagging you experience when changing from lower gears to higher ones. But once it catches the wind, it delivers on both speed and performance.
All new Isuzu D-MAX models are sold as standard with a five-year/ 120 000km warranty, roadside assistance, and a five-year unlimited distance anti-corrosion warranty. A five-year/90 000km service plan is also included. in the purchase price, with service intervals scheduled every 15 000 km or annually, whichever comes first.
Pricing: Double Cabs cost between R479 900 and R500 000.
