Isuzu is expanding and improving its highly successful D-Max bakkie series in South Africa with the launch of new models while also providing new features to the existing line-up.
The carmaker is introducing five new single-cab models, while the extended- and double-cab units are benefitting from a number of additions intended to grant an improved layer of safety, comfort and convenience.
Upgrades for existing models
Starting with existing units, the extended-cab and double-cab workhorse L trim level will now come with side steps as standard to make it easier to enter the cabin.
The LSE extended-cab’s B-pillars have received a new blackout treatment to give it a flashier look, and it and the double-cab now come with partial leather upholstery with eight-way electronically-adjustable front seats.
Furthermore, the far-side airbags, which were previously exclusive to the flagship V-Cross and protect occupants’ heads from hitting one another in a crash, are now standard on the LSE as well.
The LSE, V-Cross, and even the halo-model Arctic units are also benefitting from a new remote engine start system with a passive entry & start (PESS) function, which can activate the engine when the owner is 20 metres away, allowing the engine to warm up and activate the climate controls to cool or heat the cabin before anyone enters.
The system automatically locks the doors upon activation and has a default running time of 10 minutes, though this can be extended by another 10 minutes by repeating the remote start procedure or by changing the settings on the driver’s display.
New single cabs
The D-Max single cab series has welcomed five new models to its family with the introduction of the LS trim level, which offers a level of style and comfort above that of the utilitarian L units.
The LS features 17-inch alloy rims in place of steel ones, and has colour-coded finished on the front fascia, mirror covers and door handles.
The side mirrors are power-adjustable, and driving in murky conditions has been improved with the fitment of halogen fog lights.
Other items on the single cab include cruise control, a 7.0-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, manual aircon, a multifunction steering wheel, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, hill start assist, hill descent control, trailer sway control, and dual front airbags.
Regarding the available powertrains, there are three units with the 1.9-litre turbocharged diesel plant that puts out 110kW and 320Nm.
The base model is rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and can be had with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, though the 4×4 version is only sold with the latter.
The manual has an average fuel consumption of 7.1l/100km, while the automatic results in a slightly higher 7.4l/100km.
There are also two new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel variants, which is an engine that was previously unavailable on the single cab.
This produces 140kW and 450Nm and is mated to a six-speed auto box, which connects to either the rear or all four wheels depending on the model chosen.
The RWD version achieves an average fuel usage of 7.6l/100km, which is raised to 7.8l/100km on the 4WD units.
The South African pricing for the expanded Isuzu D-Max single-cab series is listed below:
- Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Single Cab – R442,800
- Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Single Cab L – R461,900
- Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Single Cab L Auto – R479,900
- Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Single Cab LS – R516,500 (new)
- Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Single Cab LS Auto – R538,400 (new)
- Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Single Cab L 4×4 – R568,500
- Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Single Cab L 4×4 Auto – R586,500
- Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD Single Cab LS Auto – R590,800 (new)
- Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Single Cab LS 4×4 Auto – R618,800 (new)
- Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD Single Cab LS 4×4 Auto – R665,400 (new)
This includes a a 5-year/120,000km warranty and a 5-year/90,000km service plan.
Join the discussion