Isuzu is celebrating 45 years of bakkie production in South Africa, and with such a rich local history, we set out to find a fitting destination to mark this milestone! Our journey took us to Barberton, a historic mining town celebrating 140 years since it was officially declared a town. Named after Graham Barber, the man who first discovered the area’s gold-bearing reefs, Barberton was once synonymous with gold so abundant it was said they had to “chip the rock out of the gold”. Today, Barberton is a small mining town, struggling to regain its former glory. Yet, its past shines brightly through South Africa’s first double-story building south of the Vaal River, the country’s first swimming pool, and other landmarks.
Barberton’s history runs deep, from housing the country’s first stock exchange to being the home of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, the author of Jock of the Bushveld. Fitzpatrick’s loyal terrier-cross, Jock, roamed the Lowveld during that era, making Barberton a fitting place for our test of the Isuzu D-Max 45 edition.
Before sharing our experiences in Barberton, I must mention that Isuzu has been part of my family since childhood. My granddad owned a farm just outside Brits in the Northwest, where the family would gather at least twice a month. It was there that I first drove – and fell off – an Isuzu KB single cab. Later, my dad bought the same bakkie for his business, and it remained a part of our family for almost 20 years.
We set out on a surprisingly cold weekend in September, hoping to catch a glimpse of snow, as much of the country was experiencing a rare cold spell. As we headed east, the rain cleared, but with it went our chances of snow. Our drive in the Isuzu D-MAX 45 was comfortable and smooth despite the busy roads. The D-MAX 45 is based on the seventh-generation D-MAX, specifically the 3.0 Ddi Double Cab LSE 4×4 Automatic. This limited-edition bakkie, released at the end of July 2024, is equipped with exclusive accessories and features that lend further prestige to this renowned model.
One standout feature of the D-MAX 45 is its lockable steel canopy, perfect for securing luggage in the load bin. With the rain fading as we approached Barberton, we didn’t get the snow we hoped for, but the stunning scenery – the escarpment edge resembling the rugged Scottish Highlands – more than made up for it. Arriving around 13:00, we were too early to check in at Bubez Guest House, so we ventured up the Makhonjwa Mountains along the Bulembu Pass.
This route takes you through the Makhonjwa Geotrail, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains encompass 40 percent of the Barberton Greenstone Belt, one of the world’s oldest geological structures. This area, dating back 3.6 to 3.25 billion years, offers remarkable insights into early earth conditions, meteorite impacts, and the beginnings of life.
During this period, the moon was much closer to earth, resulting in tides hundreds of metres high. With each tide, the valleys of the mountains became vast waterways, leaving geological evidence still visible high above sea level today. These unique formations, protected and celebrated, are also what drew miners to the region. Encased by granite and preserved under sedimentary layers, this geological record provides invaluable information about our planet’s early oceans, atmosphere, and continent formation. The Makhonjwa Mountains offer an extraordinarily well-preserved glimpse into the ancient world, telling a partially explored story of earth’s beginnings.
Driving up the steep Bulembu Pass in the D-MAX 45 was effortless. The six-speed automatic gearbox shifted precisely when needed, and there was no gear hunting as we climbed toward the Eswatini border. Returning to Bubez Guest Lodge around 16:00, we were welcomed by Lionel, the owner, who showed us to our room. It was cosy and clean, and stepping onto the shared balcony, we enjoyed sweeping views of Barberton.
The next morning, we met up with Wynand from Dusty Tracks to explore the mountains further. Our destination was Eureka City, a historic site nestled near Sheba Mine. Wynand’s extensive knowledge of the area’s mining history made the journey even more fascinating.
Eureka City, established in 1885 after the discovery of the Golden Quarry, was once a bustling settlement for gold diggers and fortune hunters. At its peak in 1886, Eureka City boasted three shops, three hotels, a bakery, a chemist, a racecourse, a music hall, and several bars catering to the 700 diggers in the area. Today, only the ruins of the Queen of Sheba Hotel remain.
As we ascended Makhonjwa Mountain, the views were breathtaking, stretching for miles. Since this is a nature reserve, we also spotted zebras and baboons along the way. Reaching one of the lookout points, we stepped out to absorb the scenery. The rough terrain requires a capable 4×4, and the D-MAX 45 handled it with ease. When we engaged the diff-lock, even the rocky trails couldn’t stop our sturdy orange Nogwaja.
One memorable stop was the Golden Quarry, discovered by Edwin Bray in 1885. In its first 18 months, this mine produced over 18 tonnes of gold. Standing inside the massive cavern they had excavated, it was easy to imagine the determination of those early miners. I wasn’t entirely comfortable on the fragile-looking bridge over the deep tunnel, so I quickly retreated to more solid ground. We then descended to Sheba Mine, South Africa’s oldest gold mine, further immersing ourselves in the area’s rich history.
After a long, cold day, we headed back to Barberton and dined at Palate Namaste Restaurant, probably the town’s only restaurant. The menu was diverse, featuring traditional African dishes, steak, and pizza. My pizza was excellent and reasonably priced, the perfect end to an eventful day. We returned to Bubez to relax on the balcony, coffee in hand, enjoying the view over Barberton.
On our last morning, we met Andrea from Barberton Adventures to explore one final mine outside Barberton. This mine, closed relatively recently, was easier to navigate compared to the ancient Golden Quarry. After exploring the mine, we tried our hand at panning for gold in a nearby stream.
My first pan revealed a tiny nugget – just enough to buy a happy meal, perhaps, but proof of Barberton’s enduring golden charm.
Barberton is steeped in history, from being the first town north of the Vaal River to feature a double story building to hosting Sir Percy Fitzpatrick. Hearing Barberton’s stories from guides like Wynand and Andrea was fascinating. With countless 4×4 routes and historical sites, Barberton offers plenty of reasons for a return trip – and I’ll definitely be back!
The Isuzu D-MAX 45
In honour of 45 years of producing tough, reliable bakkies in South Africa, Isuzu has introduced the limited-edition D-MAX 3.0TD double cab LSE 4×4 45, a model that builds on the popular LSE with special upgrades to celebrate the milestone. Launched three years after the third generation’s global reveal in 2019, this model marks Isuzu’s enduring legacy, combining practicality and style. Here’s our review of how the D-MAX 45 performs and what it brings to the table.
Exterior styling: A tough, purposeful look
The D-Max 45’s exterior stands out with bold, unique styling. The addition of a black front grille from the X-Rider, gloss black 18-inch wheels, and a Rhinoman Xpedition canopy give the bakkie an aggressive, rugged look. The D-MAX is already among the best-looking double cabs on the market, managing to appear both utilitarian and refined enough to suit any lifestyle. While the V-Cross and AT35 models may be slightly more visually striking, the 45 still holds its own and is sure to turn heads on- and off-road.
At just over R36 600 more than the regular LSE model, the price for the 45’s extra features may feel steep for some, especially as the canopy and some accessories may not be universally appealing. However, the special D-MAX 45 badge on the tailgate and unique styling accents certainly make this model a stand-out tribute to Isuzu’s legacy.
Interior: Comfort with a few drawbacks
The D-Max 45’s interior is well-appointed for a bakkie in its price range, with durable materials that balance utility and comfort. The layout offers leather accents and hard-wearing plastics, though the gloss black trims in high-touch areas can quickly appear marked, as seen in our test vehicle with just 1 500km on the clock. This glossy finish is likely to age poorly, which detracts slightly from the D-MAX’s overall appeal as a rugged, long-term companion.
While the infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the startup delay of over a minute was frustrating, especially when frequently hopping in and out of the vehicle. Physical buttons and straightforward ergonomics, however, make the controls easy to navigate – a boon for drivers who prefer simplicity over touch-screen complexity.
The D-MAX offers excellent practicality with a payload capacity of 995kg, a 3 500kg braked towing limit, and a wading depth of 800mm. Ground clearance stands at 232mm, with approach, break-over, and departure angles well-suited for tackling challenging terrains. Rear passenger space has also seen improvements, making the D-MAX a viable option for family adventures.
Drivetrain: Reliable power with off-road potential
Under the bonnet, the D-MAX 45 is powered by Isuzu’s well-established 3.0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which produces 140kW and 450Nm of torque. This power is managed through a six-speed automatic gearbox and selectable four-wheel drive, including low-range for serious off-roading. Known as the 4JJ3-TCX, this new development of the brand’s popular engine incorporates so-called BluePower technology for added efficiency and durability, while the variable-geometry turbocharger helps improve response across the rev range.
The engine’s performance is solid, feeling stronger than its numbers might suggest. There’s a touch of lag from idle, but once moving, the power delivery is consistent, making the D-MAX a confident performer both on the road and off. When the trail gets rough, the drivetrain’s flexibility in both 4H and 4L modes lets the D-MAX crawl over obstacles and handle sand or loose gravel with ease. While the motor may sound gruff, especially under load, the power delivery is reliable and suitable for demanding environments.
On-road comfort: Better with a load
Isuzu’s suspension does an adequate job of soaking up the bumps, especially on gravel roads, but the low-speed ride feels busy, with more road feedback than is ideal for regular commutes. Loading items in the bed, as we did, does improve the ride somewhat, making it smoother and settling the rear-end bounce typical of unloaded bakkies. Fuel efficiency came in at 9.3 litres/100km during our test week, slightly above Isuzu’s claim of 7.9 litres/100km, but still respectable given the D-MAX’s robust performance.
Safety features
Safety is another highlight, with the D-MAX scoring a five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2022. It achieved high marks for both adult and child occupant protection and has a suite of safety assistance features, giving drivers and passengers peace of mind. The 45 edition includes standard features like lane-departure warning, anti-lock braking, and stability control, which ensure its readiness for both urban and off-road adventures.
Legacy and pricing
Priced at R906 100, the D-MAX 45 sits slightly below the more premium V-Cross and R36 600 above the regular LSE model. While the 45’s extras may not appeal to everyone, the commemorative badge and unique add-ons will likely attract enthusiasts looking to celebrate Isuzu’s 45-year history in South Africa. Its major rivals, such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and VW Amarok, provide stiff competition, but the solid build and off-road credentials of the D-MAX give it a strong edge.
Verdict: A worthy tribute to Isuzu’s legacy
As a limited-edition celebration of 45 years of Isuzu in South Africa, the D-MAX 45 is a compelling option for those who want a unique take on a well-loved model. Its rugged design, reliable drivetrain, and practical features make it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts or fans of the Isuzu brand. Overall, the D-MAX 45 serves as a fitting tribute to Isuzu’s legacy, combining the brand’s history of innovation with a model that’s ready for today’s lifestyle demands.
