EVERYTIME whenever I visit my home in Bokone Bophirima, it has become a norm to pass a ‘waterhole’ in Ventersdorp packed with bakkies – a sign that indeed SA is a country of bakkies.
Yes, most of the owners of those bakkies are farmers who make sure yours truly has had a meal everyday, and others are locals with penchant for the love of a FX4.
In comes the revamped Isuzu D-Max VCROSS 3.0 TD unit that serves up 140kw/450Nm, whom after a test drive the average consumption (diesel), stood at 11.1L/100km.
Built for rugged performance to handle rough and off-roads, including what we’re facing now- climate change, it carried itself so well, to such an extent of inviting myself to show-off this legendary VCROSS, but my conscience would not allow.
Igwaja loosely translated ‘a rabbit’ because of its design, the locals had a field day taking snaps without my approval- bloody agents!
The exterior boast an aggressive bumper design, tough cladding for the wheel arches, a rear styling bar, manual roller shutter for loading, 18-inches diameter – a ‘head-turner’ as whistles and clapping overshadowed what was meant to be a Good Friday (Freitaga wa tidimalo) as churches were packed to capacity.
As for interior- I was welcomed by the black leatherette seats, adjustable seat for the driver, nine inch infotainment system, reverse camera, eight-airbags, and compatibility with Android and Apple Play- which my son used the minute he stepped inside, to such an extent we did not engage much- this boys’ of today.
Advanced driver assist systems like lane departure warning, forward collision alert, and blind spot monitoring are also included.
Enjoyed the light steering wheel (my cuzz referred to it as a sport handler), cabin insulation is top, and so was the ride, having to negotiate my way through potholes and mud- thanks to rain usually popular this time of the season- good for farmers!
During the drive, I could sense power is transmitted via a six speed auto, with four wheel drive engaged via a simple rotary dial on fascia.
The 3.0 TD comes equipped with a robust 4 wheel drive system, high ground clearance and advanced traction features to help with navigating the stickiest conditions in mzansi, hence its various driving modes: 4H for general muddy conditions or 4L for deeper mud that requires more torque.
It retails for R934. 900
And its locally produced at Gqheberha- Eastern Cape plant.
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (8)
Diesel 1-10 (7)
Image SLM (The Isuzu D-Max VCROSS 3.0 TD proved to be a head-turner during Good Friday.)
