GQEBERHA – ISUZU Motors South Africa proudly marks 45 years of producing segment-defining ISUZU bakkies with the introduction of the limited edition D-MAX 45, priced competitively at R906 100.
Rooted in the seventh-generation D-MAX range, specifically the 3.0 Ddi Double Cab LSE 4×4 Automatic derivative, the D-MAX 45 will debut in limited numbers from the end of July 2024. This special edition features an exclusive array of accessories and enhancements, adding a new dimension to one of the most esteemed names in the bakkie segment.
Kevin Fouche, Department Executive: Product Planning and Programme Management at ISUZU Motors South Africa, reflects on the legacy of the ISUZU D-MAX, and its predecessor, the KB. “The ISUZU D-MAX, and the KB before it, have enjoyed a long and proud legacy in South Africa, creating and popularising the double cab bakkie segment which is now the mainstay of the local industry,” says Fouche. “With the inherent practicality, versatility, and go-anywhere capability offered by this type of vehicle, it’s no surprise that bakkies now top the new vehicle sales in South Africa.”
A Rich Heritage and Modern Excellence
The ISUZU bakkie range has consistently been a leader in the light commercial vehicle segment since the first-generation KB rolled off the Kempston Road production line in Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) in 1979. The establishment of ISUZU Motors South Africa in 2018 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of ISUZU Motors Limited marked a significant milestone, aligning the brand’s global nomenclature by renaming its trusted bakkie to “D-MAX.”
The limited edition D-MAX 45 is a celebration of ISUZU’s proud heritage. This model is based on the 3.0 Ddi Double Cab LSE 4×4 Automatic, offering a high level of standard comfort, safety, and convenience features. The 3.0-litre Ddi intercooled turbodiesel engine, delivering 140 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque, is paired with a dependable six-speed automatic transmission and a part-time four-wheel drive system with a standard differential lock, ensuring capability in challenging terrains.
Distinctive enhancements set the D-MAX 45 apart from standard LSE models. It features a gloss black front grille with contrasting lower fog lamp facia accent garnish, 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels with distinctive silver ring centre caps, and a practical yet stylish black Rhinoman X-pedition canopy. The tailgate continues the theme with a black ISUZU decal and a special 45-year commemorative badge, signifying its exclusive status.
Exclusive Features and Comfort
The D-MAX 45 is available in a selection of attractive colours: Desert Orange, Splash White, Mercury Silver, Biarritz Blue, and Islay Grey. The upmarket interior, which includes the LSE’s partial leather seat trim, is enhanced with durable Bundu Basher rubber floor mats, making it ideal for off-road adventures. A wireless charger keeps your smartphone powered, complementing the standard nine-inch touchscreen multimedia system with integrated wireless Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto.
Safety remains paramount, with the D-MAX 45 carrying the LSE’s suite of safety features, including multiple airbags and active safety technologies such as ABS with EBD, BAS, ESC with Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, and Trailer Sway Control.
Honoring a Legacy of Innovation
The limited edition D-MAX 45 pays homage to ISUZU’s long-standing legacy in South Africa. This journey began with the production of the first ISUZU KB in 1979, following the introduction of the KB40 a year earlier as an imported model. Over the years, ISUZU has introduced numerous innovations, including the first pick-up with rack-and-pinion steering and independent front suspension in 1981.
The third-generation KB, launched in 1989, marked a new era with Delta Motor Corporation taking over the ISUZU brand from GM. By this time, over 80,000 units had been sold. The range expanded with models like the KB160 Base, KB230, and KB250D in various configurations, including four-wheel drive versions. The pioneering Turbo Blazer version, launched in 1993, was the first South African manufacturer to offer a turbocharged petrol-engined bakkie.
ISUZU revolutionized the market by creating the double cab segment in 1993 with the KB260 LE 4×4 and KB280DT. The fourth-generation ISUZU KB, launched in 1997, became the top-selling one-ton bakkie in South Africa for two consecutive years. The fifth-generation ISUZU KB, introduced in 2004, followed substantial investments by General Motors into tooling and facilities.
In 2011, the ISUZU Off-Road Academy was launched to provide hands-on 4×4 driving training. The sixth-generation D-MAX, produced for both left and right-hand drive markets, was introduced in 2013. The seventh-generation D-MAX, launched in 2022, continues ISUZU’s legacy of excellence, offering a diverse range of models and maintaining its position as a leading contender in the bakkie segment.
Pricing and ISUZU Complete Care
The limited edition D-MAX 45 3.0 Ddi Double Cab 4×4 Automatic is priced at R906 100. ISUZU Complete Care, included with every new ISUZU D-MAX, underscores the brand’s commitment to aftersales service and customer satisfaction. This comprehensive package includes a five-year/120 000 km warranty, roadside assistance, a five-year unlimited distance anti-corrosion warranty, and a five-year/90 000 km service plan with intervals every 15 000 km or annually.
Customers can extend the standard service plan up to six years or 200 000 km, or upgrade to a full maintenance plan covering planned and unplanned maintenance for the same duration.
The ISUZU D-MAX 45 celebrates 45 years of a remarkable legacy, embodying a blend of tradition and modernity that continues to captivate bakkie enthusiasts in South Africa.
