SA’s assembled Isuzu 45th edition is based on the LSE 4×4 model, and comes with black 18-inch wheels, a Rhinoman Xpedition.
Yes, the securely placed badge ‘45’ had all and sundry on toes- what was that all about- they enquired, as I parked at Spar outlet for fish & chips, and Coke my Gran’s fav package, when traveling, in a busy and hustling CBD of Potchefstroom, North West province.
Some were in awe of the colour- goldish- that prompted one Afrikaaner lady, yes, who was more concerned about the engine and torque.
Emblazoned with ‘Rhinoman’ Xpedition on its canopy, I was going to have a long trip of fielding questions from on-lookers. And I obliged, suffice to say the Gran, was unimpressed with all that, lol.
The 45th edition emanates from the third generation of Isuzu’s D-Max, formerly known as the KB, launched three years after its 2019 global reveal when the brand introduced the newcomer locally in 2022.
Since the new model has only been in SA for two years, the updated model has been delayed for the local market, with the X Rider and the 45th edition coming out before the update.
Back to the LSE 4×4 model, the exterior boast Rider’s front grille, the black wheels, the canopy at the back that opened in all angles- making it accessible and humanly possible for a cousin of mine, was seated all lone, to breathe eloquently.
On the interior, it has infotainment system Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The D-Max has been improved over its predecessor, proving its one of the best bakkie interior on the market.
It has a mixture of hard plastics and leather in strategic areas; however, it is the gloss black plastic that I find most irksome in what is a ‘lifestyle’ product. It’s refreshing to have physical buttons and simple ergonomics in the interior, making the D-Max incredibly intuitive and easy to live with, as per its tagline.
The 45th edition has a ground clearance figure of 232mm, an approach angle of 30.0 degrees, a break-over angle of 22.5 degrees and a departure angle of 18.0 degrees, a payload of 995kg, a braked towing capacity of 3 500kg, and a wading depth of 800mm.
But considering my height- that was easy to manoeuvre!
During the test, one could feel it’s a 3.0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces 140kW and 450Nm of torque.
Power is sent to a selectable four-wheel drive system via a six-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. A variable-geometry turbocharger boosts the engine, utilising the so-called “BluePower” technology and now has a lower compression ratio of 16.3:1.
It performs far better and stronger on gravel and offroads, due to its six-speed automatic gearbox.
Enjoyed testing the drivetrain regardless of whether you’re in 4H or 4L (low-range) mode; the responsiveness and ability to crawl over obstacles or power through soft sand were imposing.
As for potholes-it was seamless, needless to say cows and donkey roamed freely on open, village roads.
The general refinement and comfort are respectable in a D-Max, with some weight over the rear axle, the low-speed ride settled, and felt smooth as you’d expect from a bakkie!
Upon my arrival back in Jozi, it claimed a fuel consumption figure (diesel) of 7.9 L/100km; however, we achieved a figure of 9.3 L/100km.
As we celebrate Heritage Month in September, the LSE 4×4 model is ideal for outdoor adventure, as we also try and preserve our rhinos.
Its crash-tested by Euro NCAP in 2022, achieving a 5-star rating, including 86% for adult occupant safety, 86% for child safety, 69% for pedestrian safety and 83% for its safety assistance systems.
Retail price for D-Max 45th R906 100
The Rhinoman Expedition comes with a 5-year/120 000km warranty and a 5-year/90 000km service plan, with service intervals every 15 000km.
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (7)
Fuel 1-10 (6)
Images SLM (The Isuzu D-Max 45th anniversary edition is ready for any form of expedition).
