After the changes last year and Isuzu taking over the manufacturing plant in Port Elizabeth, the old faithful KB has received a welcome upgrade along with a name change to D-Max as used in other markets.
Exterior changes are minor with a far more aggressive frontal treatment and an upgraded and far more modern interior and fascia.
What is particularly noticeable however, are changes to the rear suspension, giving a far more relaxed and comfortable ride when cruising unladen. Considering the fact that most double cab bakkies have become default luxury family cars, this is very welcome.
Another change is the fitting of a 6 speed gearbox in both manual and automatic versions in place of the previous 5 speed versions. Both provide smooth driving and changes, and far more relaxed cruising. Personally, I have reached a stage where I do not want to drive manual vehicles in ANY traffic situations and although the manual is relatively light and easy to operate (especially for such a large vehicle), I requested the automatic immediately after testing the manual.
Testimony to the efficiency of modern automatics is the fact that the auto actually returned slightly better fuel economy over the period of a week that I had each vehicle.
Although the cab provides most of the luxuries that you would associate with a modern luxury car, the D-Max does'nt seem to have lost any of the legendary toughness of its forefathers and its easy to see why the Isuzu is so beloved by farmers in SA.
Both versions use the familiar 3L 4 cylinder diesel motor giving 130kW and 380Nm and 4x4 drivetrains.
The manual is priced at R600 700 and the auto at R615 500 for the top spec LX versions. A 5 year/ 90 000km service plan is included.
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