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Hello! We thought we’d be reporting to you that the @isuzusa KB gets mild interior and exterior styling tweaks, and safety equipment upgrade. Well, forget that, the BIG news is that the KB is to be known as the Isuzu D-Max. It already has this name in other markets. Thoughts? We are still processing it… #isuzu #isuzudmax #dmax #kb #bakkie #pickup #ute #car #sales #monday #mpumalanga #travel #tourism #nelspruit

A post shared by The Car People (@khulekani_on_wheels) on Oct 29, 2018 at 6:00am PDT

Recently we travelled to Mpumalanga to attend the launch of the refreshed Isuzu KB. Oops, I mean D-Max. As part of the launch, Isuzu informed us that there would be no more KB but the iconic bakkie would be known as the D-Max from now onwards. This naming convention is in line with international markets. So, other than gaining a new name, the D-Max also gains new updates to its top end versions.

Some background

As we know that the KB name is held in high regard in South Africa, it is important to let you know where the D-Max name comes from. Isuzu says, “The D-MAX name originated in Thailand, with the ‘D’ originally referring to the 2000 model year Isuzu bakkie which boasted the flush “Dragon Eyes” headlamp design. It also represents Isuzu’s proud legacy in the production of diesel engines, the use of industry-defining direct injection, as well as ground-breaking design and durability. ‘Max’ signifies Isuzu’s maximum approach to design, size, comfort, technology, performance, safety, durability and line-up.”

BOOM. 💥💥💥The @isuzusa KB becomes the Isuzu D-Max. The KB is already know as the D-Max in other markets. pic.twitter.com/JvpjgLTDfX

— Khulekani on Wheels (@khuleonwheels) October 29, 2018

New looks for top models

The major changes in the refreshed 3.0 litre D-Max LX are a large chrome radiator grille that dominates the front facia, along with new tapered chromed accents extending across the full length of the L-shaped headlight clusters. In addition to the new projector-type Bi-LED headlamps and LED daytime running lights introduced on the extended and double cab models, there are restyled fog lamp bezels framed by chromed vertical accents. The 3.0 litre LX is available in single, extended and double cab body styles.

Inside, the 3.0 litre LX models gain new soft-touch panels for the instrument cluster binnacle. The utility box lid is now embellished with the ‘Isuzu D-MAX logo’. A high-quality grain material is also used on the dashboard and door trims. To ensure a theme of quality is maintained, a there is a piano black finish on the air vent grilles and window switches. In contrast, the door handles, locking knob, and air vent knobs are finished in chrome.

Welcome to the inside of the @isuzusa D-Max cabin which gains soft touch materials, more chrome and an optional Alpine infotainment system that we are familiar with from the Isuzu mu-X SUV. It links to Apple CarPlay and AndroidT Auto, and works pretty well. #withyoualltheway pic.twitter.com/VW3Rx0kVTg

— Khulekani on Wheels (@khuleonwheels) October 30, 2018

Sleek infotainment

To keep up with the moving times, Isuzu has dropped the 6.5-inch infotainment system used in the previous model and introduced in its place the latest-generation Isuzu infotainment system that incorporates an eight-inch full colour touch screen that integrates the display for the rear-view camera, and facilitates Bluetooth hands-free cell phone use and audio streaming.

Customers also have the option of selecting the more upmarket Alpine infotainment system that first debuted on the Isuzu mu-X SUV. The Alpine infotainment system has a high-mounted nine-inch screen that is Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) ready, and additionally provides access to built-in navigation, as well as USB, Aux and HDMI video inputs. This infotainment system also links Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, once it is made available in South Africa. This allows phone functions and apps to be accessed on the display, or via a paired smartphone’s voice recognition software.

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We getting ready to drive the refreshed @isuzusa D-Max (formerly known as the KB). The LX model gains more chrome on the restyled grille that extends to the LED lights and it also gets restyled fog lamps. This makes the LX stand out even more. Inside the LX cabin gains soft touch materials, more chrome and an optional Alpine infotainment system that we are familiar with from the Isuzu mu-X SUV. It links to Apple CarPlay and AndroidT Auto, and works pretty well. #isuzu #isuzudmax #dmax #kb #bakkie #pickup #ute #car #sales #tuesday #chooseday #beauty #krugernationalpark #kruger #mpumalanga #travel #tourism #nelspruit

A post shared by The Car People (@khulekani_on_wheels) on Oct 29, 2018 at 10:49pm PDT

Added safety

The Isuzu D-Max gains Isuzu’s Brake Override System (BOS) for the first time. The system restricts accelerator input if the brake pedal is applied simultaneously, thereby reducing stopping distances in an emergency. Isuzu has also improved the standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control by adding Trailer Sway Control (TSC) that detects and minimises the effect of a trailer or caravan beginning to sway from side-to-side.

We are driving the @isuzusa D-Max in its natural habitat and it feels right at home. When are you taking your 4×4 bakkie to roads like this? #withyoualltheway pic.twitter.com/MXvg9XAABQ

— Khulekani on Wheels (@khuleonwheels) October 30, 2018

A new six-speed transmission

Isuzu has introduced a new six-speed transmission on the Isuzu D-Max 3.0 litre LX models. This replaces the five-speed transmission. Paired with Isuzu’s 3.0 litre four-cylinder intercooled turbodiesel engine, which produces 130 kW of power and 380 Nm of torque, the six-speed manual is said to benefit from optimised gear ratios and an improved shift action. Those opting for the automatic D-Max 3.0 litre LX models will find the same six-speed transmission that recently debuted in the Isuzu mu-X SUV.

We drove both the manual and the automatic at launch. Both felt smooth and to make the most of extra gear. This made the car quieter as it did not feel like it was searching for an extra gear as may have been the case in the previous model. Fuel consumption seemed noticeably lower hovering around 8.0l/100km.

We’ve enjoyed driving the refreshed @isuzusa D-Max LX in Mpumalanga: exterior and interior updates ✅ smooth new 6 speed manual and auto transmission ✅ fuel efficient ✅. Full launch report and impressions to follow. #withyoualltheway pic.twitter.com/2ktJesOfTL

— Khulekani on Wheels (@khuleonwheels) October 30, 2018

Solutions for booming business

The Isuzu D-Max one-ton bakkie range has been revised and now forms part of 30 D-Max models for South Africa and 13 models for export markets. A total of 16 single cab derivatives are available, including the addition of the new Dropside Base models which can be specified with either a factory-fitted flat load deck or in Dropside configuration.

The Dropside Base models can be ordered in 2.5 litre LEED Base or Fleetside specification, powered by the Isuzu 2.5 litre turbodiesel engine that produces 58 kW and 176 Nm. There is also the high-spec 2.5-Litre HO Fleetside Safety model with a turbodiesel engine with 100 kW and 320 Nm. This model does not compromise on safety and comes with a number of safety features including ABS, ESC, HSA, and driver and passenger airbags.

A new 2.5-Litre HO Base model joins the double cab range as an entry-level proposition that is suited to business clients.

Isuzu D-Max  model line-up and pricing

Single Cab

D-Max 250C Single Cab Base R256,100
D-Max 250C Chassis Cab Base R246,200
D-Max 250C Dropside Base R284,800
D-Max 250C Single Cab Fleetside R280,000
D-Max 250C Chassis Cab Fleetside R270,200
D-Max 250C Dropside Fleetside R308,700
D-Max 250 HO Single Cab Fleetside R299,900
D-Max 250 HO Chassis Cab Fleetside R290,000
D-Max 250 HO Dropside Fleetside R328,600
D-Max 250 HO Single Cab Fleetside (Safety) R310,500
D-Max 250 HO Chassis Cab Fleetside (Safety) R300,600
D-MAX 250 HO Dropside (Safety) W/ESC R339,200
D-Max 250 HO Single Cab Le R353,500
D-Max 250 HO 4×4 Single Cab Hi-Rider R399,600
D-Max 300 Single Cab Lx – 6-Speed Manual R413,800
D-Max 300 4×4 Single Cab Lx – 6-Speed Manual R477,900

Extended Cab

D-Max 250 HO Extended Cab Hi-Rider R358,000
D-Max 300 Extended Cab Lx – 6-Speed Manual R450,700
D-Max 300 Extended Cab Lx – 6-Speed Automatic R465,200
D-Max 300 4×4 Extended Cab Lx – 6-Speed Manual R513,700

Double Cab

D-Max 250 HO Double Cab Base R332,500
D-Max 250 HO Double Cab Hi-Rider R387,800
D-Max 250 HO Double Cab LE R437,200
D-Max 250 HO 4×4 Double Cab Hi-Rider R435,500
D-Max 300 Double Cab LX – 6-Speed Manual R522,100
D-Max 300 Double Cab LX – 6-Speed Automatic R537,100
D-Max 300 4×4 Double Cab LX – 6-Speed Manual R591,800
D-Max 300 4×4 Double Cab LX – 6-Speed Automatic R606,400
D-Max 250 O Double Cab X-Rider R424,400
D-Max 250 HO 4×4 Double Cab X-Rider R472,500

All Isuzu D-MAX models are sold as standard with a five-year/120,000 km warranty and roadside assistance, as well as a five-year unlimited distance anti-corrosion warranty. In addition, a five-year/90 000 km service plan is included in the purchase price.

Through Isuzu Mobility, customers have the option of extending the standard service plan up to a maximum of six years or 200 000 km. 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/200 000 km.