THE ISUZU D-Max has being powered by a revised version of 3.0-litre turbodiesel motor packing 140 kW and 450 Nm.
Yes, South Africans can be proud its been assembled in Gqeberha and it packs a punch, as I took it for a long haul to Bokone Bophirima en route to Kimberley, Northern Cape.
Being automatic it is powered under the skin, by extensive work done to the chassis and the suspension. Yes, its brash, if you may.
The D-Max boast 800 mm of wading depth, as well as a rotary transmission selector featuring 2 High, 4 High and 4 Low, as well as Hill Descent; ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Stability Control, Hillstart Assist, 8-way parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert- for 4 x 4 enthusiasts and off-road ‘junkies’ like yours truly.
The interior has a rake and reach adjust for the steering, while there’s a big focus on comfort, In terms of connectivity, there’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a modern 9-inch infotainment screen and audio system, an added features in a truck or a Van.
Isuzu was quoted as having confirmed it will invest R1.2bn into the ‘next-generation D-Max bakkie’ programme in South Africa, while an additional total local content value of R2.8 billion will be generated through the lifecycle of the programme.
And now we’re reaping the rewards planted two-years’ ago.
Pricing begins from R 571.700
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (6)
Fuel 1-10 (5)
Top image SLM (‘Dust-eater’. The Isuzu D-Max dusting it off as it hits Kimberley).
