The Isuzu Thread

A 1996 Isuzu KB love story: a tribute to my late husband and his 900 000km bakkie

• A 1996 Isuzu KB has been in the Garner family for more than 20 years.

• The late Charles Garner, the bakkie's first and only owner, has covered more than 900 000km with it.

• Garner passed away in January 2021 due to Covid-19 related complications.

Losing someone you love is never an easy thing, and for MC Garner and her family it was no different. Earlier this year, her husband, Charles, passed away, but he has left a lifetime of memories they'll cherish forever as Charles' legacy goes beyond his humanitarian deeds, and also includes driving more than 900 000km in his trusty 1996 Isuzu KB. Mrs MC Garner shares Charles and his Isuzu's incredible story.

I want to share the love story between a man born in Mthatha, Eastern Cape (raised around the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape), and who settled down with his family in Durban, Kwazulu-Natal, Charles Garner, and his faithful 1996 Isuzu KB 280 turbo diesel double cab 4x2, fondly known as 'The Van'.

When I saw the excitement and anticipation in my husband's eyes the day he came to proudly show me the bakkie and introduce it to the Garner family's lives, I knew it was very special to him.

The Garner-Isuzu journey began more than twenty years ago, and this special relationship continued until the bakkie became the last vehicle we travelled in as a family this year, January 2021. It was the last vehicle Charles travelled in when our eldest daughter, Charleen, took him to the hospital; before he passed away on 15 January 2021 due to Covid-19 related complications. Sadly, Charleen also passed away just a month later on 10 February as a result of Covid-19.


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New Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 revealed in prototype form​


The new-generation Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 has been shown in pre-production form by the carmaker’s UK division.

Taking centre stage at the 2021 Commercial Vehicle Show in the UK, the new AT35 is set to hit the streets early next year. We’re currently awaiting confirmation on whether the new high-rider will be sold in South Africa, alongside the new-generation bakkie range that’s set to go into production locally in 2022. The previous AT35 was brought here in limited numbers back in 2019.

The new Isuzu D-Max AT35 boasts a strengthened chassis as well as raised Bilstein Performance Suspension and 35” All-Terrain tyres. All work is overseen by both Isuzu and Arctic Trucks technicians to ensure that the vehicle’s warranty criteria are not compromised.


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Isuzu and Arctic Trucks reveal hardcore D-Max AT35​

Extreme pick-up truck specialist turns its hand to Isuzu's latest model in characteristically outlandish fashion

Isuzu has joined forces with Arctic Trucks to deliver the latest D-Max AT35, based on the new D-Max.

Set to go on sale 14 February 2022 the hardcore pick-up truck features a strengthened chassis and Arctic Trucks’ Bilstein performance suspension set-up, which includes bespoke springs and dampers at the front, an adjustable anti-roll bar and extended shackles at the rear.

Fat 35in all-terrain tyres sit beneath flared wheel arches and raise up the D-Max, giving a more elevated driving position and enabling the driver to “handle challenging landscapes”.

As well as structural upgrades, the D-Max receives added safety features such as forward collision warning, lane-keeping assistance and automatic emergency braking, awarding it the highest score in the latest Euro NCAP safety tests.

Other features include traffic sign recognition, cruise control, rear camera and parking sensors.

 

Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 pre-production model officially revealed​


The all-new Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 has been revealed in pre-production guise by the Japanese brand’s British arm. Set to be officially launched within the second quarter of next year, the new model will be a complete re-engineering of the bakkie on which it is based.

The collaboration between Isuzu UK and Arctic Trucks builds on the all-new D-Max that is yet to be introduced into South Africa. The custom shop has applied advanced technology that has been especially developed to handle challenging landscapes.

Fitted to the Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 is a strengthened chassis, Bilstein performance suspension and an all-terrain wheel with 35-inch tyres to offer confidence when driving off-road without sacrificing comfort and control.

The Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 claims to be a luxurious but extremely competent 4×4 bakkie. Refined amenities such as the bespoke Arctic Truck-branded headrests, floor mats, branded sill covers and leather interior have been fitted to help ensure comfort. It also boasts key safety features such as traffic sign recognition, automatic windscreen wipers and emergency lane keep assist.

 

Raptor-Rivalling Isuzu D-Max AT35 Revealed​


The long-standing relationship between Isuzu and Arctic Trucks continues and this latest D-Max AT35 prototype looks awesome! Check it out!


The new Isuzu D-Max can’t come to market soon enough and local production of the all-new D-Max is due to begin in 2022. The D-Max’s mechanical twin is the new Mazda BT-50 which is already on sale locally.

As far as beefed-up high-performance double-cab bakkies go, local buyers aren’t too spoilt for choice and the Ford Ranger Raptor and current D-Max AT35 are the go-to products if you are looking for uprated offroad performance from your bakkie.

Now though, Isuzu and Arctic Trucks have revealed a new D-Max AT35 prototype at the 2021 Commercial Vehicle Show in the UK.

“Our partnership with Isuzu now stretches back years. During that time, we have had several versions of the Isuzu D-Max AT35 however this is the best yet,” said Peter Smith, Arctic Trucks‘ UK Managing Director.

 
The new Dmax are getting amazing test reviews.
 
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All New ISUZU D-MAX - INTERIOR - YouTube
 
Isuzu D-Max AT35 production version unveiled with full technical specs

Earlier this month, Arctic Trucks gave us a look at its pre-production Isuzu D-Max AT35. We have now been given information regarding the final production version together with a detailed list of technical specifications.

The new Isuzu D-Max AT35 looks largely unchanged from the pre-production model with the chunky tyres and wide body kit all being carried over. In terms of dimensions, the buffed-up bakkie measures 5 265 mm long, 2 040 mm wide and 1 895 tall. Next to the standard model, this one is 315 mm wider and 205 mm taller. The wheelbase remains the same at 3 125 mm but the front and rear track are increased by 125 mm with a measurement of 1 695 mm on both axles. Ground clearance is up 33 mm with a quoted figure of 273 mm.

Kerb mass for the Isuzu D-Max AT35 has been quoted at 2 230 kg which is quite a bit more than the 2 045 kg figure quoted for the standard double-cab model. With the new body kit, the D-Max offers an approach angle of 35 degrees and departure angle of 29,7 degrees. The 17-inch wheels are wrapped in 315/70 tyres that are designed to traverse both snow and sand.


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New Isuzu D-Max for SA In Early 2022

The wait for the all-new, locally built Isuzu D-Max is almost over!

Following a significant investment of R1.2-billion in 2019 to upgrade its Struandale production facilities in Gqeberha, Isuzu is inching closer to finally launching its all-new D-Max bakkie on local soil in March 2022. Isuzu is also expected to bring its new-generation trucks to market in the same year.

More importantly, the investment has secured at least 1 000 jobs and as many as 25 000 jobs throughout the supply chain in South Africa.

A government delegation, including Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel visited Isuzu’s facilities in Gqeberha and met with Isuzu CEO, Billy Tom.

“Our focus remains on being able to ensure the sustainability of Isuzu’s operations in South Africa. We are committed to transformation and believe that an inclusive economy is the foundation to economic prosperity for all citizens. We ascribe to the 2035 vision of the South Africa Automotive Masterplan to be a globally competitive and transformed industry that actively contributes to the sustainable development of South Africa’s productive economy,” said Tom.

 
Isuzu is ready to keep South Africa moving: All-new D-Max bakkie given the nod by DTIC
  • Isuzu is all set to launch the new D-Max bakkie in South Africa next year.
  • Production line is ready to produce models for local and export markets.
  • Isuzu has secured its workforce job security by investing more than R1.2 billion.
In 2019, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) Ebrahim Patel visited Isuzu South Africa's production facilities in the Eastern Cape to inaugurate an R1.2 billion investment. The investment formed part of the Japanese commercial vehicle specialist's commitment to producing the all-new D-Max bakkie in South Africa for Mzansi and particular export markets worldwide.

The minister returned to the Isuzu factory earlier this week for a tour of the facility and an update on the D-Max roll-out and how the building of this bakkie in South Africa directly impacts livelihoods. Isuzu Motors South Africa president and CEO Billy Tom updated the minister on progress and the direct impact the truck maker has had on ensuring South Africans remain employed in this challenging economic time.

Tom said: "Our decision to build the new D-Max in South Africa has resulted in the security of 1 000 jobs at Isuzu's facilities in Gqeberha and across our national and international dealer network. Extensive building has taken place over the past two years to ready the production facilities. The investment also involved significant upgrades to tooling and equipment and refurbishing the current line to support an extension in the manufacturing of current Isuzu models."

 
Isuzu MU-X (2022) Specs & Pricing

The all-new Isuzu MU-X has landed in South Africa. Here’s what you can expect to pay for the 7-seater family SUV that’s a rival to the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

The new model will not be built in South Africa, but instead will be imported from Isuzu’s Thailand plant and will also be sold in other African right-hand drive markets. The all-new Isuzu MU-X will be sold with an arsenal of active/passive safety systems, plus modern connectivity solutions such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The cabin is said to feature luxurious fittings and soft-touch surfaces, to give the vehicle a bit more of a premium feel.

We’ll share the levels of trim as soon as we receive them from Isuzu, but from what we can see so far there are 4 models with both 4×2 and 4×4 derivatives on offer.

The all-new Isuzu MU-X is powered by a new 3.0-litre turbodiesel 4-cylinder motor. This 4JJ3 motor punches out 140 kW and 450 Nm, and every Isuzu MU-X features a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The 4×4 derivatives feature a rotary dial that enables you to change from 2High to 4High to 4Low, plus this new system is said to be faster than the outgoing model’s.

How much does the new Isuzu MU-X cost in South Africa?

MU-X 3.0 Ddi 4×2 LS A/T R693 800
MU-X 3.0 Ddi 4×4 LS A/T R771 600
MU-X 3.0 Ddi 4×2 HR LSE A/T R763 300
MU-X 3.0 Ddi 4×4 Onyx A/T R860 500


 
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