Isuzu recently celebrated its 45th anniversary of producing bakkies on local soil, and it is marking the occasion with a new limited-edition model for the widely loved D-Max.
Fittingly, the newcomer is known as the D-Max 45 in reference to the carmaker’s big milestone, and it adds several exclusive features to the double cab that fans are sure to appreciate.
The 45 is based on the penultimate LSE trim level and is the second-most expensive Isuzu bakkie after the flagship V-Cross (excluding the halo-model Arctic), asking buyers to part ways with R906,100.
What you get
Since the 45 is based on the LSE, you can expect to find the brand’s 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine under the hood.
This powerplant generates a total of 140kW and 450Nm, which makes contact with the road through a part-time four-wheel-drive system with a rear differential lock.
Gear changes are handled by a six-speed automatic box, and the bakkie manages to achieve a fuel economy of 7.9l/100km.
The Isuzu can also tow up to 3,500kg, and haul 995kg in the rear bed.
As for the 45’s special traits, it gets a unique gloss-black grille, 18-inch black alloy wheels with silver rings on the centre caps, unique decals, and an exclusive 45-year commemorative badge on the tailgate.
It also comes with automatic LED headlights, skid plates, mud flaps, side steps, a spray-in bedliner, and an assisted tailgate.
The most distinctive part of the package, however, has to be a bespoke Rhinoman X-pedition canopy painted in black with red detailing.
There are also five paint schemes to choose from: Biarritz Blue, Desert Orange, Islay Grey, Mercury Silver, and Splash White.
Inside, the double cab has Bundu Basher rubber floor mats and partial leather upholstery, and a new wireless charging pad where you can place your phone when it is connected to the 9-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
This is on top of the nice-to-haves found on the LSE such as a multifunction steering wheel, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, and eight speakers.
Furthermore, the D-Max comes with an extensive suite of assistance and safety items comprising ABS with brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, trailer-sway control, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, front driver and passenger airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, and a far-side airbag between the front seats.
As for its after-sale support, buyers can expect a standard 5-year/120,000km warranty and roadside assistance plan as well as a 5-year/90,000km service plan.
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