The Isuzu Thread

DRIVEN: Isuzu D-Max 3,0 Double Cab 4×4 V-Cross Automatic

After a quick drive it’s clear that the new D-Max V-Cross feels solid as you’d expect from behind the wheel, the ride is more forgiving and refined than before, offers a high-level of specification and keen value while retaining its proven 3,0-litre engine. It does lack some on-paper performance when compared to the 157 kW/ 500 N.m bi-turbo Ranger and 150 kW/ 500 N.m Hilux, however, the on-road performance is more than sufficient. The low-stress drivetrain will keep its die hard fans coming back while the purposeful design should garner attention from new potential buyers. We look forward to having the D-Max in for a full road-test soon.

A five-year/120 000 km warranty and a five-year/90 000 km service plan is included in the purchase price.

FAST FACTS:

Model: Isuzu D-Max 3,0 Double Cab 4×4 V-Cross Automatic
Price: R814 700
Engine: front-mounted, turbocharged, 3,0-litre, 4-cyl, turbodiesel
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 140 kW @ 3 600 r/min
Torque: 450 N.m @ 1 600 – 2 600 r/min
Driven wheels: Selectable Four-wheel drive
Wading depth: 800 mm

www.carmag.co.za

DRIVEN: Isuzu D-Max 3,0 Double Cab 4x4 V-Cross Automatic

After enduring the flurry of teaser images that lead to the extravagant reveal of the box-fresh Isuzu double-cab bakkie in 2020, we’ve now had the opportunity to drive the Japanese brands latest offering in V-Cross guise. Our Editor Damian Adams reports from the beautiful Eastern Cape.
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za
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Isuzu D-Max (2022) Review

Summary

The execution of the new-generation D-Max represents a significant leap forward for one of South Africa’s most beloved bakkie models. Not only does it look the part, but the D-Max’s cabin is now on par with what’s on offer in the segment. The D-Max’s enhanced refinement (both in-car and on-road) is a major highlight and prospective buyers are likely to appreciate the newcomer’s sharper road manners too.

While the D-Max’s on-paper range-topping engine outputs fall marginally short of what’s available in the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger line-ups, its real-world performance is competitive and is unlikely to disappoint. Besides, the smaller-capacity (1.9-litre) turbodiesel engine is an excellent entry point into the range – it should please fleet buyers and motorists who don’t need the additional towing and payload capacity that the 3.0-litre derivatives offer.

With a competitive pricing structure, as well as a 5-year/120 000km warranty and roadside assistance, 5-year/90 000 km service plan and 5-year anti-corrosion warranty, the D-Max is likely to sustain – and probably improve upon – its local sales success. We will have the Isuzu D-Max on test soon, so be sure to look out for a more thorough evaluation in the near future.

How much does the Isuzu D-Max cost in South Africa?

1.9 Ddi Single Cab HR R401 700
1.9 Ddi Single Cab HR L R421 000
1.9 Ddi Single Cab HR L AT R439 200
1.9 Ddi Single Cab 4×4 L R506 200
1.9 Ddi Single Cab 4×4 L AT R528 800
1.9 Ddi Extended Cab HR R433 600
1.9 Ddi Extended Cab HR L R448 500
1.9 Ddi Extended Cab HR LS R477 000
1.9 Ddi Extended Cab HR LS AT R496 200
3.0 Ddi Extended Cab HR LSE AT R595 100
3.0 Ddi Extended Cab 4×4 LSE AT R670 300
1.9 Ddi Double Cab HR L R498 900
1.9 Ddi Double Cab HR L AT R517 100
1.9 Ddi Double Cab HR LS R520 800
1.9 Ddi Double Cab HR LS AT R537 500
1.9 Ddi Double Cab 4×4 L R575 900
1.9 Ddi Double Cab 4×4 LS AT R629 300
3.0 Ddi Double Cab HR LSE AT R716 400
3.0 Ddi Double Cab 4×4 LS R679 400
3.0 Ddi Double Cab 4×4 LS AT R697 200
3.0 Ddi Double Cab 4×4 LSE AT R771 100
3.0 Ddi Double Cab V-Cross HR AT R760 100
3.0 Ddi Double Cab V-Cross 4×4 AT R814 700

www.cars.co.za

Isuzu D-Max (2022) Launch Review

We've experienced the new 7th-generation Isuzu D-Max at its local launch. Does it have what it takes to shake up the double-cab market?
www.cars.co.za www.cars.co.za

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DRIVEN | It ticks the boxes - All-new Isuzu D-Max a major improvement over old model

• Isuzu's new D-Max is now officially available in South Africa.

• The new line-up consists of 24 models, headlined by the V-Cross models.

• Two turbodiesel engines power the range, with the 1.9-litre unit the new addition.

In summary

The new D-Max is bigger than the model it replaces and comes to market with a comprehensive package. The new bakkie looks prettier - dare we say, sexier? - than before, but it could even be the most attractive one on sale in South Africa. Add to it the revised suspension and drivetrain capabilities, and it's sure to find favour with many a bakkie lover in SA.

In its sights, Isuzu has the segment leaders, the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, and the new D-Max could offer the brand its best chance at segment honours in South Africa.

www.news24.com

DRIVEN | It ticks the boxes - All-new Isuzu D-Max a major improvement over old model | Life

Isuzu's all-new D-Max is now finally available in South Africa and is looking to tackle the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger head-on.
www.news24.com www.news24.com
 
Isuzu has a Huntsman package for its D-Max bakkie we need here in SA

• The Huntsman package is only available for UK customers.

• The pack includes an under rail bed liner, bed draw system and rubber floor trays.

• When converted to Rands, it amounts to approximately R119 514, excluding taxes.

Isuzu UK has introduced a special Huntsman package for all its D-Max double cab bakkies that are specifically geared towards the outdoors and professional huntsmen.

The pack includes an Aeroklas commercial canopy, bed draw system, under rail bed liner, a towbar with 13-pin electrics, side steps, tailgate locking kit, tailgate assist and rubber floor trays.

Also thrown into the mix and aiding visual enhancement is a set of standard 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli rubber. When converted to Rands, the original £5 825 amounts to approximately R119 514, excluding any taxes.

William Brown, Isuzu UK's Managing Director, says: "We are the automotive sponsor at the Midland Game Fair while launching our new model range and updated accessory pack. Providing quality accessories is essential in instilling customers' confidence that they can rely on our brand to produce trustworthy, resilient products.

"We are excited to launch the Huntsman Accessory Pack as it will mean our customers can make the most of their D-Max. Expanding our business through selling accessory packs is important to us since we are constantly making efforts to understand the market and our customers."

www.news24.com

Isuzu has a Huntsman package for its D-Max bakkie we need here in SA | Life

Isuzu's new Huntsman Accessory package for all double cab models, is ideally suited for the outdoors and professional huntsman in the UK.
www.news24.com www.news24.com

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REVIEW: What it’s like to drive the new Isuzu D-Max

In a nutshell, the new Isuzu D-Max is a much-improved on-road vehicle, perhaps not class-leading but certainly decent, but it feels tough as nails when the going gets rough. We certainly like it, but the newcomer does have its work cut out with the new Ford Ranger on the horizon.

ISUZU D-MAX PRICING (April 2022)

Single Cab

1.9 Ddi HR – R401 700

1.9 Ddi HR L – R421 000

1.9 Ddi HR L A/T – R439 200

1.9 Ddi 4x4 L – R506 200

1.9 Ddi 4x4 L A/T RHD – R528 800

Extended Cab

1.9 Ddi HR - R433 600

1.9 Ddi HR L - R448 500

1.9 Ddi HR LS - R477 000

1.9 Ddi HR LS A/T - R496 200

3.0 Ddi HR LSE A/T - R595 100

3.0 Ddi 4x4 LSE A/T - R670 300

Double Cab

1.9 Ddi HR L – R498 900

1.9 Ddi HR L A/T – R517 100

1.9 Ddi HR LS – R520 800

1.9 Ddi HR LS A/T – R537 500

1.9 Ddi 4x4 L – R575 900

1.9 Ddi 4x4 LS A/T RHD – R629 300

3.0 Ddi HR LSE AT – R716 400

3.0 Ddi 4x4 LS – R679 400

3.0 Ddi 4x4 LS A/T – R697 200

3.0 Ddi 4x4 LSE A/T – R771 100

3.0 Ddi V-Cross HR A/T – R760 100

3.0 Ddi V-Cross 4x4 A/T – R814700

www.iol.co.za

REVIEW: What it’s like to drive the new Isuzu D-Max

There is a lot to like about the new Isuzu D-Max but it certainly has its work cut out. Here are our initial impressions from the launch:
www.iol.co.za www.iol.co.za
 
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.

www.news24.com

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

It was Charles Garner's dream to cover 1 000 000km in his trusty 1996 Isuzu KB, but Covid-19 deprived him of that milestone. His wife shares his story.
www.news24.com www.news24.com
 
SEE | How Isuzu's headlining D-Max V-Cross massively undercuts rivalling Ranger, Hilux

• Isuzu's all-new D-Max has finally debuted in South Africa.

• The D-Max V-Cross is a new addition and the new top model in the line-up.

• At R814 700, the D-Max V-Cross double cab 4x4 automatic undercuts its direct rivals on price.

Isuzu South Africa finally launched its all-new D-Max in the country, giving heed to locals' excitement towards this new bakkie. Since news of this all-new model broke, it's been almost the only thing bakkie fans have been talking about, and we can only imagine it dominating the talk around the braai as to how good the new bakkie will be to the likes of the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux.

Following the launch, we can safely say that the new, seventh-generation D-Max is a significant departure from the model it replaces, and it's wholly better in every way possible. It took some doing, but Isuzu improved its reputable and respectable workhorse.

While impressive, the real question comes when looking at the top model's pricing. The D-Max V-Cross automatic 4x4 is aggressively priced at R814 700. And though some might squirm at the thought of this Isuzu hitting the R800k notes, it is not such a bad thing. If anything, Isuzu SA may have just gotten the pricing right against the V-Cross' direct rivals.

www.news24.com

SEE | How Isuzu's headlining D-Max V-Cross massively undercuts rivalling Ranger, Hilux | Life

The all-new Isuzu D-Max is now available in South Africa, but bakkie buyers could be in for a pleasant surprise if the top V-Cross model is on their shopping list.
www.news24.com www.news24.com
 
New 2022 Isuzu D-Max AT35 priced from £47,999

Arctic Trucks beefs up Isuzu’s range-topping pick-up with fatter tyres and tougher suspension

Isuzu has confirmed the pricing for the radical D-Max AT35 off-road pick up truck, ahead of sales beginning next week.

The AT35, which is based on Isuzu’s range-topping D-Max V-Cross, is offered in just one trim but with the choice of two gearboxes: manual at £47,999 or automatic at £49,999. This is paired with a 162bhp turbocharged diesel engine, which can deliver up to 360Nm of torque - the same powerplant as found in all D-Max models.

Yet, this is where the similarities with the V-Cross end. Off-road specialist Arctic Trucks has given the AT35 an overhaul, which the firm says will allow the truck to “handle the most challenging landscapes with ease”.

www.autocar.co.uk

New 2022 Isuzu D-Max AT35 priced from £47,999 | Autocar

Arctic Trucks beefs up Isuzu’s range-topping pick-up with fatter tyres and tougher suspension
www.autocar.co.uk www.autocar.co.uk
 
The new Isuzu Arctic Trucks AT35 will devour your nearest ice sheet

Not literally, we hope. But bigger dampers and more ground clearance make for serious off-roading credentials

Oh yes, it’s yet another ultra-engineered, off-roading bonanza from everyone’s favourite Icelandic adventure specialists, Arctic Trucks.

The Isuzu AT35 pickup is back, once again based on the D-Max but heavily reconfigured ‘to handle the most challenging landscapes with ease’, according to its creators.

It gets its name from the 35-inch all-terrain tyres, which are fitted to 17-inch alloys and require minor surgery to the chassis and bodywork to accommodate the design.

The ride height has been raised by more than 50mm on both axles for ground clearance of 266mm at the front and 290mm at the rear. Front and back approach and departure angles come in at 35 and 29 degrees respectively. You’re welcome, stats fans.

The suspension has of course been overhauled, with a Bilstein system of springs and dampers to deal with everything from ice-scapes to tundra.

Other additions include extended, colour-coded wheelarches, profile side steps, strengthened mud flaps (not a part we thought could ever need extra strength) and a two-inch receiver hitch at the back.

Inside there’s a nine-inch multimedia system that runs Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the leather interior gets various bits of AT branding to complete the look. There’s a ‘premium’ carpet mat set too; not sure that’s a good thing when kicking off snow-covered boots when it’s -20 degrees and blowing a gale outside.

www.topgear.com

The new Isuzu Arctic Trucks AT35 will devour your nearest ice sheet

Not literally, we hope. But bigger dampers and more ground clearance make for serious off-roading credentials
www.topgear.com www.topgear.com
 
Isuzu based EarthCruiser comes with V8 and freedom to go anywhere

Overland vehicle manufacturers EarthCruiser have switched to the Isuzu NPR Series Class 4 platform on some of their latest creations, replacing the previous Fuso based models from before. The latest Isuzu based EarthCruiser 4×4 will also boast a GM sourced V8 which should give it the power to go anywhere.

EarthCruiser have stated that the latest creation is “the most agile and capable vehicle in its class” with significant upgrades to the platform and a proprietary 4×4 drivetrain. The seasoned overlanding vehicle manufacturers further state that the Isuzu platform is the ideal size for an adventure vehicle of its class while still providing respectable performance and reliability.

Moving onto the 6.6-litre V8 powertrain which is produced by General Motors. Peak outputs from the motor of 260 kW and 576 N.m and seasoned use in GM’s range of heavy duty pickup trucks made it a logical option for the project. The motor was selected and coupled to EarthCruiser’s own four-wheel-drive system and gearing which is able to deliver high low-end torque making the latest creation opportune for venturing off the beaten path.

www.carmag.co.za

Isuzu based EarthCruiser comes with V8 and freedom to go anywhere

Overland vehicle manufacturers EarthCruiser have switched to the Isuzu NPR Series Class 4 platform on some of their latest creations, replacing the previous Fuso based models from before. The latest Isuzu based EarthCruiser 4x4 will also boast a GM sourced V8 which should give it the power to go...
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za

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