FiestaST
Honorary Master
Ignition GT review of the new MU-X
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The Isuzu Thread
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FiestaST
Honorary Master
AutoTrader SA review of the 2022 D-Max 1.9TD LS Auto
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Isuzu KB and D-Max (2013-2021) Buyer’s Guide
Verdict
It’s important to reiterate here that Isuzu’s RT-generation model – even in its later guises – doesn’t stand out in the leisure bakkie crowd. It simply lacks the sophistication and refinement of many of its rivals, instead majoring in practicality over luxury, for the most part.
That said, if you’re the type of bakkie owner whose vehicle is expected to work hard and play hard, the Isuzu starts to make sense as something of a middle ground. Though the engines are all rather coarse, the trade-off is virtually bulletproof reliability (when properly maintained, of course). And while the cabin is by no means the last word in luxury and technology, it’s certainly hardwearing and space in the rear of the double cab is appreciable.
Naturally, the big-name alternatives here are the likewise locally built Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, but you’d pay far more for those on the used market (particularly in the case of the Hilux). There’s also the somewhat underappreciated Nissan Navara, while the Volkswagen Amarok offers the allure of V6 turbodiesel grunt and SUV-like driving manners (but, again, it will cost you considerably more to purchase). We’d also be remiss if we didn’t mention the highly capable but often-overlooked Mitsubishi Triton here.
Those seeking a single-cab workhorse already know the KB and D-Max are arguably the best choices out there. But it’s not nearly as cut and dried for this generation of Isuzu bakkies when it comes to double cabs in the leisure space. Yet, as we’ve outlined above, there are significant potential advantages – chiefly in the reliability department – that come with sacrificing some powertrain refinement and a handful of premium touches. In that respect, the Isuzu is as honest and straightforward an offering as you’ll find in this space. And there’s certainly a market for that.
www.cars.co.za
Verdict
It’s important to reiterate here that Isuzu’s RT-generation model – even in its later guises – doesn’t stand out in the leisure bakkie crowd. It simply lacks the sophistication and refinement of many of its rivals, instead majoring in practicality over luxury, for the most part.
That said, if you’re the type of bakkie owner whose vehicle is expected to work hard and play hard, the Isuzu starts to make sense as something of a middle ground. Though the engines are all rather coarse, the trade-off is virtually bulletproof reliability (when properly maintained, of course). And while the cabin is by no means the last word in luxury and technology, it’s certainly hardwearing and space in the rear of the double cab is appreciable.
Naturally, the big-name alternatives here are the likewise locally built Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, but you’d pay far more for those on the used market (particularly in the case of the Hilux). There’s also the somewhat underappreciated Nissan Navara, while the Volkswagen Amarok offers the allure of V6 turbodiesel grunt and SUV-like driving manners (but, again, it will cost you considerably more to purchase). We’d also be remiss if we didn’t mention the highly capable but often-overlooked Mitsubishi Triton here.
Those seeking a single-cab workhorse already know the KB and D-Max are arguably the best choices out there. But it’s not nearly as cut and dried for this generation of Isuzu bakkies when it comes to double cabs in the leisure space. Yet, as we’ve outlined above, there are significant potential advantages – chiefly in the reliability department – that come with sacrificing some powertrain refinement and a handful of premium touches. In that respect, the Isuzu is as honest and straightforward an offering as you’ll find in this space. And there’s certainly a market for that.
Isuzu KB and D-Max (2013-2021) Buyer's Guide
Looking at buying a used Isuzu KB or D-Max? Here's everything you need to know about the range and what to look out for.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Isuzu D-Max AT35 under consideration for SA, see it at Auto Week
Isuzu Motors South Africa is set to show off the latest-generation Arctic Trucks AT35 D-Max at the SA Auto Week, a business-to-business event that will be staged at Kyalami by the Automotive Business Council from 24 to 30 October.
However it’s not necessarily just for show as the carmaker has confirmed that the high-riding bakkie is under consideration for South Africa, although there is no word on timing or pricing as yet.
The previous-generation AT35 was imported to South Africa in limited numbers back in 2019.
The 2022 version is based on the latest-generation Isuzu D-Max double cab, and Arctic Trucks describes it as a professionally re-engineered vehicle that incorporates significant enhancements to the body, frame, drivetrain, suspension, wheels and tyres, whilst retaining Isuzu’s warranty.
The new Isuzu D-Max AT35 boasts a strengthened chassis as well as raised Bilstein Performance Suspension and 35” All-Terrain tyres. The new suspension system raises the ground clearance by a further 50mm over the standard D-Max. As a result the AT35 boasts approach, departure and breakover angles of 35°, 29° and 34° respectively.
Isuzu Motors South Africa is set to show off the latest-generation Arctic Trucks AT35 D-Max at the SA Auto Week, a business-to-business event that will be staged at Kyalami by the Automotive Business Council from 24 to 30 October.
However it’s not necessarily just for show as the carmaker has confirmed that the high-riding bakkie is under consideration for South Africa, although there is no word on timing or pricing as yet.
The previous-generation AT35 was imported to South Africa in limited numbers back in 2019.
The 2022 version is based on the latest-generation Isuzu D-Max double cab, and Arctic Trucks describes it as a professionally re-engineered vehicle that incorporates significant enhancements to the body, frame, drivetrain, suspension, wheels and tyres, whilst retaining Isuzu’s warranty.
The new Isuzu D-Max AT35 boasts a strengthened chassis as well as raised Bilstein Performance Suspension and 35” All-Terrain tyres. The new suspension system raises the ground clearance by a further 50mm over the standard D-Max. As a result the AT35 boasts approach, departure and breakover angles of 35°, 29° and 34° respectively.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
New Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 Looking Likely for SA
Isuzu Motors South Africa will display the new D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 at an upcoming event in Gauteng, suggesting a local launch is on the cards…
It’s looking more and more likely the new Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 will launch in South Africa in the relatively near future, with the Japanese firm’s local arm set to display the upgraded bakkie at the 2022 SA Auto Week in Gauteng.
Though the official line from Isuzu Motors South Africa is that the D-Max AT35 is “still under consideration” for the local market, the fact it will be shown at the inaugural Naamsa SA Auto Week – which will take place at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in the final week of October – is a strong indication the re-engineered off-roader will soon join the range.
It’s not yet clear whether Isuzu Motors SA will again assemble the D-Max AT35 at its Struandale facility or instead outsource the task to a third party. At this stage, it seems unlikely the company would opt to import this uprated derivative.
www.cars.co.za
Isuzu Motors South Africa will display the new D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 at an upcoming event in Gauteng, suggesting a local launch is on the cards…
It’s looking more and more likely the new Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 will launch in South Africa in the relatively near future, with the Japanese firm’s local arm set to display the upgraded bakkie at the 2022 SA Auto Week in Gauteng.
Though the official line from Isuzu Motors South Africa is that the D-Max AT35 is “still under consideration” for the local market, the fact it will be shown at the inaugural Naamsa SA Auto Week – which will take place at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in the final week of October – is a strong indication the re-engineered off-roader will soon join the range.
It’s not yet clear whether Isuzu Motors SA will again assemble the D-Max AT35 at its Struandale facility or instead outsource the task to a third party. At this stage, it seems unlikely the company would opt to import this uprated derivative.
New Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 Looking Likely for SA
Isuzu Motors SA will display the new D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 at an upcoming event in Gauteng, suggesting a local launch is on the cards…
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Move over Raptor, the Isuzu AT35 is here and may join the local market
www.carmag.co.za
Move over Raptor, the Isuzu AT35 is here and may join the local market
A D-MAX on steroids is a good summary of the Isuzu AT35. The automaker will be displaying their bakkie brute in South Africa from next week with the Japanese automaker potentially gaging interest from the local market.
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Isuzu MU-X Given Mild Update for 2023
The enhancements are for the Australian-spec Isuzu MU-X, but we expect similar changes to the South African-spec version of the 7-seater bakkie-based SUV.
Given the imminent change in the bakkie-based 7-seater market after the arrival of the brand-new Ford Everest and a potential upgrade in the Toyota Fortuner, its understandable that the best-of-the-rest are scrambling.
The Isuzu MU-X may be overshadowed in terms of sales, but its still a capable, practical and well thought-out vehicle. For 2023, Isuzu Australia has given its MU-X range some enhancements to help it keep pace with the current segment changes.
It is expected that Isuzu South Africa will follow a similar strategy, seeing as both markets source their MU-X units from the same plant in Thailand.
Visually, the updates include a revised front grille, a darker design aesthetic, LED rear combination lights and there’s a new Galaxy Blue Mica paint on offer. There are new wheel designs on offer and depending on the model, 17-, 18- and 20-inch units are on offer.
www.cars.co.za
The enhancements are for the Australian-spec Isuzu MU-X, but we expect similar changes to the South African-spec version of the 7-seater bakkie-based SUV.
Given the imminent change in the bakkie-based 7-seater market after the arrival of the brand-new Ford Everest and a potential upgrade in the Toyota Fortuner, its understandable that the best-of-the-rest are scrambling.
The Isuzu MU-X may be overshadowed in terms of sales, but its still a capable, practical and well thought-out vehicle. For 2023, Isuzu Australia has given its MU-X range some enhancements to help it keep pace with the current segment changes.
It is expected that Isuzu South Africa will follow a similar strategy, seeing as both markets source their MU-X units from the same plant in Thailand.
Visually, the updates include a revised front grille, a darker design aesthetic, LED rear combination lights and there’s a new Galaxy Blue Mica paint on offer. There are new wheel designs on offer and depending on the model, 17-, 18- and 20-inch units are on offer.
Isuzu MU-X Given Mild Update for 2023
The enhancements are for the Australian-spec Isuzu MU-X, but we expect similar changes to the South African-spec version of the 7-seater bakkie-based SUV. Given the imminent change in the bakkie-based 7-seater market after the arrival of the brand-new Ford Everest and a potential upgrade in the...
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Refreshed Isuzu D-Max bakkie revealed abroad
The latest-generation Isuzu D-Max has only been on sale in South Africa for six months, as the locally-built model faced numerous pandemic-related delays, and certain overseas markets are already getting a refreshed model.
What you see here is the 2023 model-year Isuzu D-Max for Australia, which receives various cosmetic updates inside and out, as well as functionality enhancements. It’s not clear when South Africa will receive any of these updates, but given how recently the current version was launched, it’s highly likely that Isuzu SA will hold off for a bit.
So what’s new for 2023? At the front end, the Isuzu D-Max gets a redesigned front grille, which now has a more three-dimensional design, and moving to the side, Isuzu has introduced new alloy wheel designs for the various models. The LED taillights have a new dark grey metallic trim.
The Aussie version also has three new exterior paint options, including Moonstone White Pearl, Granite Grey Metallic and Neptune Blue Mica. Not much has changed on the inside, but for the Australian market there is an updated selection of cloth and leather seat upholstery trims.
Isuzu has made some functionality enhancements too. These include a new Tailgate Assist feature, following customer feedback that the tailgate felt heavy to open and close. The gas-strut-operated system allows for easy one-hand operation of the tailgate, Isuzu says.
The latest-generation Isuzu D-Max has only been on sale in South Africa for six months, as the locally-built model faced numerous pandemic-related delays, and certain overseas markets are already getting a refreshed model.
What you see here is the 2023 model-year Isuzu D-Max for Australia, which receives various cosmetic updates inside and out, as well as functionality enhancements. It’s not clear when South Africa will receive any of these updates, but given how recently the current version was launched, it’s highly likely that Isuzu SA will hold off for a bit.
So what’s new for 2023? At the front end, the Isuzu D-Max gets a redesigned front grille, which now has a more three-dimensional design, and moving to the side, Isuzu has introduced new alloy wheel designs for the various models. The LED taillights have a new dark grey metallic trim.
The Aussie version also has three new exterior paint options, including Moonstone White Pearl, Granite Grey Metallic and Neptune Blue Mica. Not much has changed on the inside, but for the Australian market there is an updated selection of cloth and leather seat upholstery trims.
Isuzu has made some functionality enhancements too. These include a new Tailgate Assist feature, following customer feedback that the tailgate felt heavy to open and close. The gas-strut-operated system allows for easy one-hand operation of the tailgate, Isuzu says.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Juliet drives the new D-Max
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Euro NCAP crash test of the 2022 D-Max
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Sideshow Bob
Honorary Master
TheChamp
Honorary Master
You want to buy the Mux and take the fight to the Fortuner and Everest boys?
Sideshow Bob
Honorary Master
heh. If I had generational wealth, I would have gone for Isuzu. That is for sure.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master