eBusiness Weekly
Qgeberha – The long-awaited seventh-generation Isuzu D-Max has arrived in South Africa and the Japanese commercial vehicle specialist is confident the newcomer has what it takes to compete with the best bakkies out there.
As with the previous D-Max, which continues in production as a base model, the new Isuzu D-Max is available in a wide range of derivatives (23 in total), including three body styles, six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, two engine options and 4×2 and 4×4 configurations.
Single Cab models are priced between R401 700 and R528 800, while Extended Cabs command R433 600 to R670 300 and the Double Cabs cost from R498 900 to R814 700.
On the engine front, the previous 2.5-litre unit makes way for a brand new 1.9-litre turbodiesel, which produces 110kW and 350Nm. The flagship engine is an upgraded 3.0-litre unit that’s good for 140kW and 450Nm.
Isuzu says the new model is bigger and more spacious in all key areas, other than the roofline which is 10 mm lower.
The bonnet and load area have been heightened by 15 mm and 30 mm respectively, while the wheelbase has been extended by 30 mm for greater optimisation of the cabin structure.
In terms of specification, Isuzu is offering five grade levels: Standard, L, LS, LSE and V-Cross.
The Standard model comes with an AM/FM radio with an integrated CD player and Bluetooth, manual air-conditioning, and tilt and telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel. Safety features include dual front airbags and ABS.
The L specification level gains an alarm, power windows and steering mounted audio controls, among other feature upgrades. Safety is further enhanced with the addition of ISOFIX child seat anchors in the Double Cab models.
Moving up to the midrange LS derivatives, you get 17-inch alloy wheels, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, six speakers, USB ports in the front and rear, cruise control, seven airbags, halogen daytime running lights, a rear-view camera and black side steps.
In LSE derivatives the size of the alloy wheels is increased to 18 inches, with a standard Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. The infotainment system has a 9-inch screen and eight speakers.
Additional features include, LED head and tail lamps, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, front and rear park assist, a tow bar, roof rails and a chrome tubular sports bar.
