Isuzu’s much-anticipated new D-Max has made landfall in South Africa, with the entry-level double cab model going for a smidge under R500,000.
The D-Max has long been one of the best-selling bakkies in South Africa, so there are undoubtedly many fans eager to get their hands on one.
While more shipments are on their way to our showrooms, we take a look at what you get when buying the newest, cheapest Isuzu D-Max double cab.
Features
In entry-level guise, the D-Max Double Cab L is clearly the workhorse of the four-door family and it gets the equipment to match.
Around the outside, this trim is identifiable through black plastic bumpers at the front and back along with matching door handles, as well as 17-inch steel wheels.
Inside, the functional spirit continues through the fitment of cloth seats and a urethane steering wheel, a manual aircon, and an AM/FM radio with Bluetooth support playing through four speakers.
The bakkie further offers a handful of niceties to make it more attractive to lifestyle-focused buyers, such as keyless entry and audio controls on the steering wheel – alongside trailer-sway control, ABS with brake assist, hill start and descent assist, and two airbags.
If you’re satisfied with these features but don’t like the utilitarian look of this D-Max, you’ll be happy to find out it can also be had with 17-inch alloy wheels with matching hub caps, a black or chrome sports bar, and a sliding rear window.
To get around the stark contrast of the black body parts you can then buy the bakkie in a dark exterior colour – like this one model featured on AutoTrader – which hides the bumpers quite nicely.
Power
Turning the wheels in this new Isuzu D-Max is a 1.9-litre, turbo-diesel engine connected to a six-speed manual gearbox that feeds power to the rear axle.
The powertrain develops 110kW and 350Nm, allowing a class-leading payload capacity of 1,120kg and a decent towing capacity of 2,100kg – if the optional tow hook is fitted.
At a combined fuel consumption of 7.3l/100km, this D-Max is also capable of driving up to 1,041km on a single tank.
Despite only being rear-wheel drive the double cab offers respectable off-road abilities, too, with the 227mm of ground clearance enabling it to wade through waters of up to 800mm deep.
An approach angle of 30 degrees, breakover angle of 22.5 degrees, and departure angle of 24 degrees further complement the bakkie’s talents.
For an additional fee, buyers of this D-Max can also install a rear-mounted differential lock if they have the need for one.
Price
The new Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Double Cab L has a South African starting price of R498,900.
Along with this, you get a 5-year/120,000km warranty, a 5-year/90,000km service plan, and 5-year/120,000km roadside assistance.
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