Isuzu celebrates 45 years of building bakkies

Isuzu has been producing bakkies in South Africa for the past 45 years, and to celebrate this auspicious milestone, it has introduced the limited-edition D-MAX 45 to the market.

Based on the seventh-generation D-MAX range, and specifically the 3.0 Ddi Double Cab LSE 4×4 Automatic derivative, the D-MAX 45 will be released in limited numbers from the end of July 2024. It will be available with an exclusive range of accessories and features.

Packed with features

Under the bonnet of the D-MAX 45 lurks Isuzu’s proven 3.0-litre Ddi intercooled turbodiesel engine which produces 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque. This is combined with a six-speed automatic transmission and a part-time four-wheel drive system with a standard differential lock to conquer more challenging terrain.

However, the D-MAX 45 stands out from the standard LSE models it is based on thanks to a gloss black front grille with contrasting lower fog lamp facia accent garnish, 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels with silver ring centre caps, and a black Rhinoman X-pedition canopy. The tailgate continues the theme with a black ISUZU decal, as well as a special 45-year commemorative badge that signals this model’s exclusive status.

Easy access to the load compartment is facilitated by the inclusion of the tailgate assist feature, while a spray-on bedliner ensures that a variety of goods can be carried without scratching the load bed.

The upmarket interior, which includes the LSE’s partial leather seat trim, benefits from the addition of Bundu Basher rubber floor mats, which makes it ideal for dusty and muddy off-road adventures.

A wireless charger is included to keep your compatible smartphone charged at all times. This complements the standard 9-inch touchscreen multimedia system with integrated wireless Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto.

In terms of safety features, the D-MAX 45 has everything you would find in LSE models. This includes driver and passenger front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, a driver’s knee airbag and the far-side airbag between the front seats.

Active safety features include ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist System (BAS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control, Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Trailer Sway Control.

Building on a proud legacy

The D-MAX 45 pays tribute to Isuzu’s long and proud legacy of manufacturing its bakkie range in South Africa, which commenced with the first KB in 1979.  However, this was preceded by the introduction of the KB40 a year earlier as an imported model, which was soon to become one of the country’s top-selling bakkies.

The Isuzu bakkie range is credited with numerous trendsetting innovations over the years, including becoming the first pick-up to feature rack-and-pinion steering and independent front suspension, all the way back in 1981. This was the same year that the second-generation model was launched, known as the KB25 LWB and KB41.

The third-generation KB debuted in 1989 as the first of a new body shape built by Delta Motor Corporation, which had taken over the Isuzu brand from General Motors.  Having already sold more than 80 000 units by this stage, this range comprised of the KB160 Base and Fleetside, the KB230 and KB250D in short-wheelbase, long-wheelbase and upmarket LE specification, plus four-wheel drive versions.

In 1993 the Turbo Blazer version of the KB was launched. Developed locally by the engineering centre team, it was the first time a South African manufacturer offered a turbocharged petrol-engined bakkie.

In the same year Isuzu followed this up by creating the double cab segment with the introduction of the four-door version of the KB260 LE 4×4 and KB280DT – an industry first that set the groundwork for what is now one of the most popular segments of the new vehicle industry in South Africa.

In 1997 the fourth-generation Isuzu KB was launched, and the KB became the top-selling one-tonne bakkie in the country, a position it held for two consecutive years. Having returned to South Africa, General Motors invested R500-million into tooling and facilities for the fifth-generation Isuzu KB, which was launched in 2004.

On 1 January 2018, Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSA) was established as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited – the first outside of Japan – employing 1 000 South Africans directly and 25 000 people across the value chain. The KB name was subsequently dropped in favour of D-MAX to align with Isuzu’s global naming conventions. In 2019 Isuzu consolidated its bakkie and truck operations, relocating to the IMSA headquarters in Struandale, Gqeberha. Later that year it was announced that Isuzu Motors Limited would be investing R1.2-billion in the South African operations for the seventh-generation D-MAX.

Production of the all-new model range commenced in 2022 in both left-hand drive and right-hand drive configurations for export markets. In addition to an extensive range of seventh-generation models, Isuzu continued production of selected GEN 6 models, thus offering a more affordable alternative in the bakkie segment.

Rands and cents

The D-MAX 45 3.0 Ddi D/Cab 4×4 AT comes with a price tag of R906 100. This includes a comprehensive five-year/120 000km warranty and roadside assistance, as well as a five-year unlimited distance anti-corrosion warranty as standard. A five-year/90 000km service plan is included in the purchase price, with service intervals scheduled every 15 000km or annually, whichever comes first. Through Isuzu Mobility, customers have the option of extending the standard service plan up to a maximum of six years or 200 000km. Alternatively, the service plan can be upgraded to a full maintenance plan that covers the vehicle for planned and unplanned maintenance up to six years/200 000km.

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