Isuzu launches limited-edition D-Max 45 in South Africa – Pricing

Isuzu has been producing bakkies in South Africa for an incredible 45 years, and the carmaker is celebrating this achievement with the launch of an exclusive new D-Max.

Based on the LSE trim level, the 45 is the penultimate model in the bakkie’s line-up behind the flagship V-Cross (excluding the halo-model Arctic).

The D-Max 45 will be available in limited numbers from the end of July 2024, though the company has not disclosed the number of units it will produce.

An exclusive new bakkie

The new special-edition Isuzu is part of the seventh-generation D-Max series, which is manufactured in South Africa at Isuzu’s factory outside Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.

“The Isuzu D-Max, and the KB before it, have enjoyed a long and proud legacy in South Africa, and were responsible for creating and popularising the double-cab bakkie segment which is now the mainstay of the local industry,” said Kevin Fouche, Department Executive: Product Planning and Programme Management at Isuzu Motors South Africa.

The D-Max 45 uses the LSE grade as its foundation, taking advantage of the brand’s 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine to produce a total of 140kW and 450Nm.

This is paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox, leading to an average fuel consumption of 7.9l/100km.

Connecting the bakkie to the tarmac is a part-time four-wheel-drive system, which benefits from a differential lock when tackling more challenging terrain.

Where the 45 sets itself apart is in its visuals, as it features a unique front end with a gloss black grille and contrasting lower fog lamp accents.

It sits atop bespoke 18-inch gloss-black alloy rims with silver rings around the centre caps, and the gloss-black theme is continued at the back with the Isuzu decal found on the tailgate.

There is also a special 45-year commemorative badge at the rear to mark the D-Max’s exclusive status.

The load bin is coated in a spray-in bedliner to offer protection from a variety of cargo, and easy access to the back is ensured through the inclusion of a tailgate assist function.

By far the biggest addition to the exterior, however, is a practical Rhinoman X-pedition canopy finished in black with red decals.

Customers have a choice of five different paint schemes, namely Biarritz Blue, Desert Orange, Islay Grey, Mercury Silver, and Splash White.

Shifting to the interior, you’ll find a set of durable Bundu Basher rubber floor mats and partial leather upholstery for the seats.

Another addition is a phone charging pad, which is intended to complement the 9-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 45 also boasts an extensive suite of safety fitments including ABS with brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, and trailer-sway control.

This is in addition to front driver and passenger airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, and a far-side airbag between the front seats.

The rest of the equipment sheet is the same as that of the LSE, meaning owners can expect automatic LED headlights, skid plates, mud flaps, side steps, a multifunction steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, and eight speakers.