The Isuzu Thread

Isuzu South Africa boosts D-Max bakkie and truck production by 21%

When the production shift ended on March 31, Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) closed its financial year with a notable increase in output at its Eastern Cape Struandale facility.

The company recorded a 21% year-on-year rise in production volumes, building more than 27,400 Isuzu D-Max bakkies alongside over 3,800 Isuzu Trucks for markets across Africa.

Sustained demand drives growth

Isuzu states that the increase reflects sustained demand rather than a temporary spike.

IMSAf has aligned production with market requirements while maintaining output across both its light commercial and truck ranges.

Alongside higher volumes, Isuzu retained its position as South Africa’s top medium and heavy commercial vehicle brand for a 13th consecutive year, underlining its strong presence in the local trucking sector.

Consistency and execution

According to Dominic Rimmer, executive vice president for Manufacturing and Product Engineering at IMSAf, the results are tied to operational discipline and workforce capability.

“Every vehicle that leaves our production line represents a promise kept to our customers,” said Rimmer.

“We aren’t just chasing volumes, we are expanding responsibly to move the world for those who keep our economies moving.”

He added that the performance reflects the collective effort of the workforce, supported by established systems and production processes.

 
Updated Isuzu D-Max ‘coming soon’ to SA

Isuzu South Africa has revealed the updated D-Max bakkie is ‘coming soon’ to our market.

Unveiled in 2023, the facelifted current-generation Isuzu D-Max is scheduled to arrive in South Africa “soon”, as revealed by the Japanese automaker on its local website. However, on a dedicated page, where customers can enter their details to remain updated on the fresh-faced model’s official launch, the firm states that the revised third generation “is not just a facelift”, with the updates signifying “more than a new look”. Indeed, the company says the upcoming variant is “a smarter, tougher drive that stays true to its roots, while moving forward where it counts” – an “evolution of proven capability”.

As a reminder, in September 2025, Isuzu announced the introduction of a 120 kW/400 N.m 2.2-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine option – the latter replacing the 110 kW/350 N.m 1.9-litre turbodiesel unit in select overseas markets – to its D-Max and MU-X portfolios. However, while this more powerful (than the latter) oil-burner is available in Australia, a market that largely mirrors ours, Isuzu SA has told us that our market won’t receive the 2.2-litre engine in the foreseeable future.

www.carmag.co.za

Updated Isuzu D-Max ‘coming soon’ to SA

Isuzu South Africa has revealed the updated D-Max bakkie is ‘coming soon’ to our market. Here's what we know...
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za
 
Isuzu D-Max (2026) Price & Specs

The facelifted Isuzu D-Max has finally launched in South Africa and we have pricing. Here’s what this refreshed SA-built bakkie will cost you…

- Facelifted D-Max finally launches in SA
- No sign of new 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine
- Portfolio again comprises 32 derivatives
- X-Rider DC to be offered with 3.0TD motor
- New 4×4 variants in extended-cab line-up
- Single-cab range’s starting price cut R23k

It’s been a long time coming, but the facelifted Isuzu D-Max has finally launched in South Africa. And we can now confirm pricing for this refreshed locally built bakkie.

As a reminder, the facelifted RG-series D-Max was revealed in Thailand way back in October 2023. While that market (and many others that source this model from Thailand, such as Australia) has had the refreshed bakkie for a couple of years already, South Africa stuck with the pre-facelift version, built at Isuzu Motors SA’s local factory in Struandale.

Now, however, the facelifted Isuzu D-Max has finally started rolling off the line in the Eastern Cape. According to our information, the updated range again comprises as many as 32 derivatives (excluding the “Gen 6” prolonged-lifecycle derivatives, that is), though there are more extended-cab variants and fewer double-cab derivatives.

In addition, there’s no sign of the new “RZ4F” 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine (120 kW/400 Nm) and 8-speed automatic transmission, with the local market instead sticking with the 1.9-litre (110 kW/350 Nm) and 3.0-litre (140 kW/450 Nm) oil-burning motors. That’s despite the fact the Struandale facility imports its D-Max engines and transmissions from Thailand rather than producing powertrains locally.

What does the facelifted Isuzu D-Max cost in SA?

SINGLE-CAB DERIVATIVE PRICE

D-Max 1.9TD Single Cab LR 6MT 4×2 R433 860 (new derivative)
D-Max 1.9TD Single Cab HR 6MT 4×2 R463 860 (up R6 860)
D-Max 1.9TD Single Cab L 6MT 4×2 R483 650 (up R7 150)
D-Max 1.9TD Single Cab L 6AT 4×2 R502 230 (up R7 430)
D-Max 1.9TD Single Cab L 6MT 4×4 R585 200 (unchanged)
D-Max 1.9TD Single Cab L 6AT 4×4 R603 600 (unchanged)
D-Max 3.0TD Single Cab L 6AT 4×4 R689 090 (up R10 190)

EXTENDED-CAB DERIVATIVE PRICE

D-Max 1.9TD Extended Cab 6MT 4×2 R533 690 (up R28 990)
D-Max 1.9TD Extended Cab L 6AT 4×2 R553 690 (new derivative)
D-Max 1.9TD Extended Cab LS 6MT 4×2 R561 190 (up R9 390)
D-Max 1.9TD Extended Cab L 6MT 4×4 R583 690 (new derivative)
D-Max 1.9TD Extended Cab LS 6AT 4×2 R584 340 (up R8 640)
D-Max 1.9TD Extended Cab LS 6AT 4×4 R634 340 (new derivative)
D-Max 3.0TD Extended Cab LSE 6AT 4×2 R700 760 (up R10 360)
D-Max 3.0TD Extended Cab LSE 6AT 4×4 R785 720 (up R11 620)

DOUBLE-CAB DERIVATIVE PRICE

D-Max 1.9TD Double Cab L 6MT 4×2 R574 010 (up R6 810)
D-Max 1.9TD Double Cab L 6AT 4×2 R593 880 (up R8 780)
D-Max 1.9TD Double Cab LS 6MT 4×2 R611 730 (up R10 230)
D-Max 1.9TD Double Cab LS 6AT 4×2 R633 290 (up R10 590)
D-Max 1.9TD Double Cab X-Rider 6MT 4×2 R668 990 (up R9 890)
D-Max 1.9TD Double Cab L 6MT 4×4 R670 800 (unchanged)
D-Max 1.9TD Double Cab X-Rider 6AT 4×2 R690 810 (up R10 210)
D-Max 1.9TD Double Cab LS 6AT 4×4 R717 700 (up R12 000)
D-Max 1.9TD Double Cab X-Rider 6AT 4×4 R776 890 (up R11 490)
D-Max 3.0TD Double Cab LS 6MT 4×4 R791 200 (up R11 700)
D-Max 3.0TD Double Cab X-Rider 6AT 4×2 R792 470 (new derivative)
D-Max 3.0TD Double Cab LS 6AT 4×4 R810 960 (up R13 290)
D-Max 3.0TD Double Cab X-Rider 6AT 4×4 R844 470 (new derivative)
D-Max 3.0TD Double Cab LSE 6AT 4×2 R850 880 (up R12 580)
D-Max 3.0TD Double Cab V-Cross 6AT 4×2 R898 380 (up R13 280)
D-Max 3.0TD Double Cab LSE 6AT 4×4 R900 310 (up R13 310)
D-Max 3.0TD Double Cab V-Cross 6AT 4×4 R948 930 (up R14 030)

The prices above include Isuzu’s 5-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan.

 
Updated Isuzu D-Max: SA price and specs

We’ve unearthed pricing for the updated Isuzu D-Max ahead of its official SA launch. See pricing below…

Officially unveiled in October 2023, the updated Isuzu D-Max is set to launch in South Africa soon, as we reported in April 2026. Now, ahead of its local introduction, we’ve unearthed pricing for the revised range. Built at Isuzu’s Struandale production facility in the Eastern Cape, the refreshed D-Max lineup comprises 30 models, sold alongside a single pre-facelifted Extended Cab derivative and a duo of pre-facelifted single-cabs. A trio of ‘Gen 6’ prolonged-lifecycle single-cab derivatives are also available.

Locally, the updated D-Max lineup retains the 1.9- and 3.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engines offered with the outgoing range. As a reminder, the 1.9-litre unit produces 110 kW and 350 N.m of torque, with the long-standing 3.0-litre oil-burner churning out a healthier 140 kW and 450 N.m. The new 120 kW/400 N.m 2.2-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel, which replaced the 1.9-litre motor in overseas markets, remains unconfirmed for SA.

2026 Isuzu D-Max price in SA

Pricing for the updated D-Max lineup kicks off from R433 860 for the entry-level single-cab. The D-Max Extended Cab is priced from R533 690, and the double-cab from R574 010. Pricing includes a five-year/90 000 km service plan and a five-year/120 000 km warranty.

Single Cab

Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Single Cab LR MT 4×2 – R433 860
Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Single Cab HR MT 4×2 – R463 860
Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Single Cab L MT 4×2 – R483 650
Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Single Cab L AT 4×2 – R502 230
Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Single Cab L MT 4×4 – R585 200
Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Single Cab L AT 4×4 – R603 600
Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD Single Cab L AT 4×4 – R689 090

Extended Cab

Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Extended Cab MT 4×2 – R533 690
Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Extended Cab L AT 4×2 – R553 690
Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Extended Cab LS MT 4×2 – R561 190
Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Extended Cab L MT 4×4 – R583 690
Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Extended Cab LS AT 4×2 – R584 340
Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Extended Cab LS AT 4×4 – R634 340
Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD Extended Cab LSE AT 4×2 – R700 760
Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD Extended Cab LSE AT 4×4 – R785 720

Double Cab

Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Double Cab L MT 4×2 – R574 010
Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Double Cab L AT 4×2 – R593 880
Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Double Cab LS MT 4×2 – R611 730
Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Double Cab LS AT 4×2 – R633 290
Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Double Cab X-Rider MT 4×2 – R668 990
Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Double Cab L MT 4×4 – R670 800
Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Double Cab X-Rider AT 4×2 – R690 810
Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Double Cab LS AT 4×4 – R717 700
Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Double Cab X-Rider AT 4×4 – R776 890
Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD Double Cab LS MT 4×4 – R791 200
Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD Double Cab X-Rider AT 4×2 – R792 470
Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD Double Cab LS AT 4×4 – R810 960
Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD Double Cab X-Rider AT 4×4 – R844 470
Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD Double Cab LSE AT 4×2 – R850 880
Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD Double Cab V-Cross AT 4×2 – R898 380
Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD Double Cab LSE AT 4×4 – R900 310
Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD Double Cab V-Cross AT 4×4 – R948 930

www.carmag.co.za

Updated Isuzu D-Max: SA price and specs

We've unearthed pricing for the updated Isuzu D-Max ahead of its official South African launch. See pricing below...
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za
 
How the Isuzu D-Max achieves excellence through rigorous testing

The soon-to-be-launched 2026 Isuzu D-Max recently completed more than 400,000 kilometres of durability testing across Africa, with Isuzu Motors South Africa putting the bakkie through a range of demanding conditions aimed at replicating real-world usage.

Built at the company’s assembly plant in Gqeberha, the latest D-Max underwent extensive validation testing that included corrugated gravel roads, extreme heat, high-altitude driving and sub-zero cold chamber evaluations.

Testing for African conditions

According to Isuzu, the validation programme included multiple derivatives and powertrains, including 3.0-litre and 1.9-litre Crew Cab 4x4 models.

Testing also covered locally sourced components introduced as part of the programme.

A major part of the process was the company’s 88,000 km Vehicle Durability Test, which Isuzu said is designed to simulate a full vehicle lifecycle.

More than 60% of the route consisted of gravel roads, while over 30% was completed on tarred surfaces.

After each test cycle, vehicles were stripped down for inspection by engineering teams to assess wear patterns, identify potential failure points and implement corrective measures where necessary.

“The Vehicle Durability Test remains a critical part of our validation process,” said Rob Whittaker, executive chief engineer, manufacturing and product engineering at IMSAf.

“It is where components are tested to failure, allowing us to refine and strengthen the product before it reaches the customer.”

 
Isuzu MU-X enhanced for 2026: engine upgrades and more features

A year after receiving a significant facelift, the Isuzu MU-X has been given a series of minor enhancements, with the 1.9-litre entry-level engine receiving upgrades and the range-topping trim grade gaining extra features.

According to Isuzu, the 1.9-litre turbodiesel powerplant, which is only available with the LS spec grade, has undergone refinements aimed at improving fuel consumption and providing smoother power delivery. Outputs remain at 110kW and 350Nm, while the 3.0-litre turbodiesel, with 140kW and 450Nm, remains unchanged.

On the specification front, all MU-X derivatives now feature Headlamp Welcome Lights as standard, which illuminate the low-beam and parking lamps when the vehicle is unlocked with the remote key fob.

Furthermore, the range-topping Onyx XT model is now fitted with Adaptive Cruise Control, as well as Traffic Sign Recognition and an Intelligent Speed Limiter. This range-topping grade also receives a dedicated USB port integrated with the stereo camera system.

As before, the Isuzu MU-X features a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a seven-inch multi-information display.

 
WTF is the point of having a MASSIVE (MyBB™️) model range of 32 derivatives from just THREE different base platforms - Single Cab, Extended Cab & Double Cab?

This is what SHOULD be available - 20 models is MORE than enough to cater for ALL requirements:

Single Cab

Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Single Cab LR MT 4×2 – R433 860
Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Single Cab HR MT 4×2 – R463 860

Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Single Cab L AT 4×2 – R502 230
Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Single Cab L MT 4×4 – R585 200

Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Single Cab L AT 4×4 – R603 600
Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD Single Cab L AT 4×4 – R689 090

Extended Cab

Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Extended Cab LS MT 4×2 – R561 190
Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Extended Cab LS AT 4×2 – R584 340

Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Extended Cab LS AT 4×4 – R634 340

Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD Extended Cab LSE AT 4×2 – R700 760
Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD Extended Cab LSE AT 4×4 – R785 720

Double Cab

Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Double Cab LS MT 4×2 – R611 730
Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Double Cab LS AT 4×2 – R633 290
Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Double Cab X-Rider MT 4×2 – R668 990
Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Double Cab X-Rider AT 4×2 – R690 810

Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Double Cab X-Rider AT 4×4 – R776 890

Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD Double Cab LSE AT 4×2 – R850 880
Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD Double Cab V-Cross AT 4×2 – R898 380

Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD Double Cab LSE AT 4×4 – R900 310
Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD Double Cab V-Cross AT 4×4 – R948 930

:whistling:
 
Isuzu MU-X handed updates: price and specs

Isuzu South Africa has announced it has handed the local MU-X lineup several updates. See pricing below…

Following Isuzu revealing pricing for the updated D-Max model lineup, the local arm of the Japanese automaker has announced the introduction of several upgrades to the current-generation MU-X. The revised range receives a more comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and “refined” 1.9-litre turbodiesel powertrain – the latter sitting alongside the robust 3.0-litre unit.

The updated MU-X now features headlamp welcome lights as standard across the range. LSE and Onyx XT variants are equipped with a 360-degree surround-view camera system, while the latter, flagship model gains adaptive cruise control, speed limiter, and traffic sign recognition. The Onyx XT also features a dedicated USB port integrated with the stereo camera system.

Isuzu has stated that the 1.9-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which powers the entry-level LS variant, has undergone further refinement; said to offer smoother power delivery and improved fuel efficiency. The 1.9-litre mill retains its maximum power and torque outputs of 110 kW and 350 N.m, exclusively sent to the road via a 4×2 drivetrain. The 3.0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which churns out a healthier 140 kW and 450 N.m, remains unchanged. While both powertrains are exclusively mated with a six-speed automatic transmission, the latter oil-burner can be had with both 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains.

Updated Isuzu MU-X price in SA

Thanks to the folks at duoporta, we can confirm the 2026 Isuzu MU-X is priced from R752 300 for the entry-level 1.9TD LS, while the flagship 3.0TD Onyx XT 4WD retails from R1 026 800. Included in the price are a five-year/120 000 km warranty and a six-year/90 000 km service plan.

Isuzu MU-X 1.9TD LS – R752 300
Isuzu MU-X 3.0TD LS – R852 600
Isuzu MU-X 3.0TD LSE – R886 700
Isuzu MU-X 3.0TD LS 4WD – R939 500
Isuzu MU-X 3.0TD LSE 4WD – R973 700
Isuzu MU-X 3.0TD Onyx XT 4WD – R1 026 800

www.carmag.co.za

Isuzu MU-X handed updates: price and specs

Isuzu South Africa has announced it has handed the local MU-X lineup several updates. See pricing below...
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za
 
Updated Isuzu D-Max AT35: price and specs

Showcased at the Japanese automaker’s stand at NAMPO 2026, we have unearthed pricing for the updated Isuzu D-Max AT35. See pricing below…

At NAMPO 2026, Isuzu South Africa made use of the opportunity to showcase the updated D-Max, including the flagship model pictured here – the refreshed D-Max AT35. Similar to its “standard” stablemates, the facelifted D-Max AT35 adopts several cosmetic enhancements, including a redesigned front facia, replete with new headlamp clusters incorporating fresh LED daytime-running lights. Distinguishing the beefed-up model from its siblings, the D-Max AT35 features larger wheel arches – the latter housing 17-inch AT35-specific alloy wheels, wrapped in 35-inch all-terrain tyres – and extended side steps. The Arctic Trucks derivative also gains Bilstein suspension.

The D-Max AT35 sports a 266 mm ground clearance – an increase of 34 mm over the V-Cross model – and approach, break-over and departure angles of 33, 34 and 23 degrees, respectively. The D-Max AT35’s water-fording depth is rated at 865 mm; 65 mm more than the V-Cross. However, compared to the latter variant, the D-Max AT35’s payload capacity is less – 660 vs 974 kg. The braked and unbraked towing capacities are similar, though, at 3 500 and 750 kg, respectively.

As a reminder, the AT35 is powered by Isuzu’s tried-and-tested 3.0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which produces 140 kW and 450 N.m of torque – the latter available from a low 1 600 r/min. Power is delivered to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The D-Max AT35 features a shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive setup, replete with locking rear differential.

Isuzu D-Max AT35 price in SA

Thanks to the folks at duoporta, we can confirm the updated Isuzu D-Max AT35 is priced from R1 211 910, making it R17 910 more expensive than the pre-facelifted model. As standard, pricing includes a six-year/90 000 km service plan and a warranty spanning five years or 120 000 km.

Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD double cab AT35 4×4 – R1 211 910

www.carmag.co.za

Updated Isuzu D-Max AT35: price and specs

Showcased at the Japanese automaker's stand at NAMPO 2026, we have unearthed pricing for the updated Isuzu D-Max AT35. See pricing below...
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za

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The Isuzu D-Max update – here’s what really matters

Isuzu’s D-Max update brings more options for adventure 4×4 drivers, but the core tech lags behind what’s available in the Australian market.

Any Isuzu D-Max update is big news for South African bakkie buyers. As one of the country’s most established bakkie brands, Isuzu’s model range has real legacy and impact in the local market. Just consider all the component sourcing, cost, and after-sales service support benefits that come with owning a locally built bakkie.

Toyota’s new Hilux will continue to dominate the South African bakkie market, but an updated D-Max is important. Why? Because to many buyers, alongside the Ford Ranger, it’s their preferred alternative. Yes, Chinese bakkies are gaining momentum and favour, but Isuzu remains a popular choice.

For bakkie buyers who don’t want to deal with the insurance and theft risk issues of owning the market-leading Hilux, the D-Max is the answer. But what changes has Isuzu made with the new range? And what is missing in this update before the much-anticipated all-new D-Max platform comes to market in late 2027?

Isuzu’s bakkie reputation is built on durability and diesel engines. Not sophistication. Isuzu is the world’s largest manufacturer of automotive diesel engines. And that scale means that Isuzu bakkies are renowned for their powertrain quality.

 
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