General Motors South Africa has announced the release of the Isuzu KB72, an added value version of the popular KB 250 LE Double Cab, to commemorate Isuzu’s successful completion of its 72 hour challenge.
At the heart of that challenge was a drive to better established time and distance records, set in 2003, for diesel powered pick-ups.
During the challenge Isuzu demonstrated the reliability, durability and economy of its proven diesel technology. Fundamental to the success in the quest for new records was the capability of the vehicles to be driven non-stop on the limit for a period of 72 hours with fuel economy having a direct impact on the result as time taken to refuel the vehicles translated into time and kilometres lost on the track.
The KB 300 diesel set the pace in the challenge and covered 12 243,38 kilometres in the 72 hour period at an average speed of 170,047 km/h. These numbers significantly exceeded the previous records of 11 520,664 kilometres and 160,009 km/h held by a 2,7 litre petrol engine pick-up.
A surprise result achieved during the Isuzu 72 hour challenge was the records set by the Isuzu KB250 diesel pick-up. This model improved on the existing 3,0 litre diesel records by 470 kilometres and 5 km/h and came within a hair’s breadth of beating the 2,7 litre petrol records falling just 25 kilometres short of that mark or just 0,4 km/h slower.
It is this remarkable success of the KB 250 LE that Isuzu is inviting customers to share with the release of a limited number of KB72 Double Cabs with the option of either 4X2 or 4X4 drive train. The KB72 offers enhanced specification, visual appeal, and value at a substantially reduced cost than if the same enhancements were made by the customer with the addition of similar aftermarket options.
The KB72 specification includes 16 inch alloy wheels fitted with 245/70 R16 tyres (15 inch alloy with 245/75 R15 tyres standard); body colour front bumper; body colour wheel arch mouldings; body colour door mouldings, and aluminium running boards. The value of these items fitted as an aftermarket option by the customer would cost in the region of R19 000,00. Incorporated in the KB72 package they add just a fraction of that cost to the KB 250 LE price.
Recommended retail prices for the two KB72 models are:
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KB72 Double Cab 4X2 R314 500 including VAT
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KB72 Double Cab 4X4 R358 500 including VAT
