2018 Isuzu KB300

By Lawrence Minnie

The Isuzu KB is the vehicle of choice for those who can recognize a good combination of capability, toughness, luxury and style. We joined Isuzu on the launch of their latest release, and this is what we discovered in the hot as hell outback of South Africa.

Quiet confidence in the Kruger Park

If you were to visit any of the major commercial shows in South Africa such as NAMPO or Electra Mining, a quick stroll through the parking area will tell you one thing: The Isuzu KB is the vehicle of choice for those who know a good combination of capability, toughness, luxury and style when they see it.

The Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger dominate in the sales charts, but Isuzu knows what their customers want and continue to give them just that, while adding a few items that city life inevitably brings to double cabs.

Although GM may have departed our shores, Isuzu is still here, and from what we can tell, they’re doing very well in the commercial sector. The latest incarnation of the KB comes with a new name, new transmission and a few new advancements, so we joined in on the launch of their latest release to see what the updated Isuzu bakkie is all about.

What’s changed?

On the surface, not much. But, look a little bit closer, and you can see the tell-tale signs that this machine has been fettled a bit.

From the front, the newly renamed D-Max gets a new set of Bi-Xenon headlights, a new bumper, and new fog lamp surrounds to give the effect of dragon shaped “eyes”.

Down the side, there is some new model designation badging, and a bit of chrome trim.

At the rear, the D Max gets a tow bar integrated into the new rear bumper, and the enterprising engineers at Isuzu have thought of a unique piece, with the addition of a third hinge for the tailgate.

For the interior Isuzu had done some consumer homework, and listened to the suggestions the received. There are now soft touch contact surfaces on the dash and door cards, as well as some chrome detailing and D Max badging scattered around the interior.

The top of the range model gets a 9-inch Alpine infotainment system, while lower spec models get a smaller Clarion system.

Besides the announcement of the new nomenclature, Isuzu also announced their partnership with 4x4Mega World, to manufacture and supply official 4x4 accessories to Isuzus on the dealership floor. These accessories are manufacturer approved, and fully compliant with Isuzu’s warranty terms.

The Drive

There’s not much to say about it. It is still very much the same reliable, durable, and capable Isuzu that consumers love. The addition of new 6 speed automatic or manual transmissions hasn’t changed much in the drivability stakes, but has smoothed out the power delivery. The choice falls heavily to the manual option for the better drive on tar, but on the low speed, bumpy, rutted roads inside the Kruger Park, the automatic is the way to go.

Verdict

The Isuzu KB…. Sorry… D-Max, is a much-loved icon in our market, so changing its name won’t sway the hundreds of fleet buyers who refresh their fleets every month. The refreshes and advancements are a welcome addition and the drive is still as good as ever.

Models and Pricing

D-MAX 300 4X4 DOUBLE CAB LX - 6-SPEED MANUAL	R 591 800,00
D-MAX 300 4X4 DOUBLE CAB LX - 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC	R 606 400,00