From commercial to family, bakkies continue to make inroads from marketing point of view.
As such, since Isuzu SA took operations at the Port Elizabeth plant (it merged production of bakkies and trucks) the company’s gone on to win 2nd place in the Brand of the Year category at the 2019/20 #CarsAwards – powered by WesBank.
Simply put: customer satisfaction is at an all-time high.
To put that into effect, we took advantage of the Extended Cab- D MAX 250 auto (FLEX DOOS) for a test, though there were challenges, it was worth it.
Isuzus still have a reputation for being tough – so tough, in fact, that the word leisure isn’t often used to describe any other derivative than the top-of-the-range automatic versions.
From Jozi to Klerksdorp to visit family members with my Gran, it went smooth, particularly being an auto. She slept throughout and only woke up when nature called.
Yes, it is spacious that means for those with full-figures they’re most welcome!
She felt safe due to its Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist and Anti-lock Braking system to deal with any terrain.
According to Isuzu’s research, it shows that South African bakkie owners generally travel longer distances than in other markets (and at higher speeds). The road conditions in South Africa also vary more than in most developed countries.
The tyre is said to complement the damping of the bakkie in such a way as to provide a soft-yet-reassuring ride quality – even when operating at higher speeds. You can really tell the bakkie’s suspension tuning has been tweaked for our “uniquely South African” road network.
Yes, Bokone Bophirima province is synonymous with potholes and for the D MAX test, this was smooth-sailing, whilst driving at speed of around 120 kph, the transmission felt well-calibrated, with sufficiently prompt responses when it was required to kick down and overtake.
The tried-and-trusted 100 kW/320 Nm turbodiesel engine is quite well-matched with the 5-speed automatic transmission, having claimed average fuel consumption derivatives at a very respectable 8.1 L/100 km.
Extended Cab- D MAX 250 auto comes with towing capacity of 2100-3500kg and aerodynamically crafted front-end design which is bolder and more striking than ever before.
Bakkies and SA’s are in the same WhatsApp group- so goes the adage!
All new Isuzu bakkies sold come standard with a 5-year or 120,000km warranty coverage.
It retails for R440. 600
Image (The Extended Cab- DMAX 250 auto are celebrated for being tough and loyal to South Africans).
