Isuzu KB bakkies refreshed and renamed D-MAX

By Colin Windell

Isuzu has kicked the KB name into touch and rebadged the refreshed bakkie range as D-MAX to bring it into line with naming convention around the world.

KB gets KO’d

Following the trend set back in 2000 when the ‘D’ name was first introduced on an Isuzu bakkie (in Thailand), the local range has been renamed D-MAX in line with the global nomenclature – getting a refresh and spec level update at the same time.

Now known as the Isuzu D-MAX, the Isuzu bakkie range spans an extensive portfolio comprising of 30 models for South Africa and 13 models for export markets, with the top-spec derivatives gaining a more luxurious execution that reflects the more sophisticated requirements of top-end buyers in this segment.

The D-MAX name originated in Thailand, with the 'D' originally referring to the 2000 model year Isuzu bakkie which boasted the flush ‘Dragon Eyes’ headlamp design. 'Max' signifies Isuzu's maximum approach to design, size, comfort, technology, performance, safety, durability and line-up.

"We are proud to announce the introduction of the enhanced Isuzu bakkie along with the adoption of the D-MAX name for the Isuzu bakkie portfolio, this aligns us to the brand identity of the broader company and ensures that our product naming conventions are consistent with the global approach." says Craig Uren, Executive Officer Sales, Service and Marketing.

"We are also delighted to introduce the all-new six-speed manual and automatic transmissions on the 3,0-litre LX models that improve overall performance, efficiency and refinement when compared to the previous five-speed units, while building on Isuzu's proven reputation for reliability and durability," says Dominic Rimmer, Executive Technical Services. 

Visually, the biggest styling changes for the refreshed Isuzu D-MAX make their debut on the range-topping 3,0-Litre LX models, available in single, extended and double cab body styles. Central to the new look is a chromed radiator grille that dominates the front facia, along with new tapered chromed accents extending across the full length of the sleeker L-shaped headlight clusters.

In combination with the new projector-type Bi-LED headlamps and LED daytime running lights introduced on the extended and double cab models, there are restyled foglamp bezels framed by chromed vertical accents that give the LX a distinctive and aggressive character.

The occupants also benefit from the fitment of the latest-generation infotainment system, incorporating an eight-inch full colour touch screen that replaces the 6,5-inch version used in the previous model. The fully featured system incorporates the display for the rear-view camera, and facilitates Bluetooth hands-free cellphone use and audio streaming.

Isuzu customers are also now able to select as an option, the all-new premium Alpine infotainment system that first debuted on the Isuzu mu-X sport utility vehicle (SUV). The Alpine infotainment system boasts a high-mounted nine-inch screen that is Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) ready and additionally provides access to built-in navigation, as well as USB, Aux and HDMI video inputs.

One of the most significant new features of the 2018 Isuzu D-MAX range is the introduction of an all-new six-speed gearbox on the 3,0-Litre LX derivatives, replacing the five-speed versions used on the outgoing models.

The D-MAX offers the same six-speed transmission that recently debuted in the Isuzu mu-X SUV that incorporates a sequential sport model.

On the safety front, the ABS brakes on all D-MAX LX models are now equipped with Isuzu's Brake Override System (BOS) for the first time. The system restricts accelerator input if the brake pedal is applied simultaneously, thereby reducing stopping distances in an emergency.

The standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control has also been bolstered with the addition of Trailer Sway Control (TSC) that detects and minimises the effect of a trailer or caravan beginning to sway from side-to-side.

However, the workhorse variants have not been forgotten and there is a total of 16 single cab derivatives including the addition of the new Dropside Base models, which can be specified with either a factory-fitted flat load deck or in Dropside configuration.

The Dropside Base models can be ordered in 2,5-Litre LEED Base or Fleetside specification, powered by a 2,5-litre turb-odiesel engine that produces 58 kW and 176 Nm. There is also the high-spec 2,5-litre HO Fleetside Safety model that employs the high-output common rail turbo-diesel engine with 100 kW and 320 Nm on tap, along with a raft of safety features including anti-lock braking, ESC, HSA and driver and passenger air bags.

The extended cab models include the 2,5-Litre Hi-Rider, two 3.0 LX models with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes, as well as a 3,0-litre 4X4 LX manual.

A new 2,5-Litre HO Base model joins the double cab range as an entry-level proposition that is perfectly suited to hard-working commercial applications. It is complemented by the existing Hi-Rider and striking X-Rider models in 4X2 or 4X4, as well as the LE version.

Isuzu Complete Care comes standard with every new Isuzu D-MAX along with a 5-year/120 000 km warranty and roadside assistance, as well as a five-year unlimited distance anti-corrosion warranty.

In addition, a 5-year/90 000 km service plan is included in the purchase price, with service intervals scheduled every 15 000 km or annually, whichever comes first.

Model Line-up and Pricing

ISUZU DMAX DIESEL	PRICING
SINGLE CAB
D-MAX 250C SINGLE CAB BASE	R 256 100,00
D-MAX 250C CHASSIS CAB BASE	R 246 200,00
D-MAX 250CDROPSIDE BASE	R 284 800.00
D-MAX 250C SINGLE CAB FLEETSIDE	R 280 000,00
D-MAX 250C CHASSIS CAB FLEETSIDE	R 270 200,00
D-MAX 250C DROPSIDE FLEETSIDE	R 308 700.00
D-MAX 250 HO SINGLE CAB FLEETSIDE	R 299 900,00
D-MAX 250 HO CHASSIS CAB FLEETSIDE	R 290 000,00
D-MAX 250 HO DROPSIDE FLEETSIDE	R 328 600,00
D-MAX 250 HO SINGLE CAB FLEETSIDE (Safety)	R 310 500,00
D-MAX 250 HO CHASSIS CAB FLEETSIDE (Safety)	R 300 600.00
D-MAX 250 HO DROPSIDE (Safety) w/ESC	R 339 200.00
D-MAX 250 HO SINGLE CAB LE	R 353 500,00
D-MAX 250 HO 4X4 SINGLE CAB HI-RIDER	R 399 600,00
D-MAX 300 SINGLE CAB LX - 6-SPEED MANUAL	R 413 800,00
D-MAX 300 4X4 SINGLE CAB LX - 6-SPEED MANUAL	R 477 900,00
EXTENDED CAB
D-MAX 250 HO EXTENDED CAB HI-RIDER	R 358 000,00
D-MAX 300 EXTENDED CAB LX - 6-SPEED MANUAL	R 450 700,00
D-MAX 300 EXTENDED CAB LX - 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC	R 465 200,00
D-MAX 300 4X4 EXTENDED CAB LX - 6-SPEED MANUAL	R 513 700,00
DOUBLE CAB
D-MAX 250 HO DOUBLE CAB BASE	R 332 500,00
D-MAX 250 HO DOUBLE CAB HI-RIDER	R 387 800,00
D-MAX 250 HO DOUBLE CAB LE	R 437 200,00
D-MAX 250 HO 4X4 DOUBLE CAB HI-RIDER	R 435 500,00
D-MAX 300 DOUBLE CAB LX - 6-SPEED MANUAL	R 522 100,00
D-MAX 300 DOUBLE CAB LX - 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC	R 537 100,00
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
D-MAX 250 HO DOUBLE CAB X-RIDER	R 424 400,00
D-MAX 250 HO 4X4 DOUBLE CAB X-RIDER	R 472 500,00