Isuzu Motors South Africa (Isuzu) has refreshed its bakkie range, giving it a new name along with higher levels of specification, quality and efficiency to make its popular light commercial vehicle (LCV) more appealing than ever. Over the past 40 years of local production, spanning six generations, the Isuzu bakkie has been a key player in creating and fostering South Africa's love affair with the versatile bakkie, both as a workhorse and, increasingly, as an all-encompassing everyday leisure and lifestyle vehicle.

Now known as the Isuzu D-MAX, in line with international markets, the Isuzu bakkie range spans an extensive portfolio comprising of 30 models for South Africa and 13 models for export markets, with the top-spec derivatives gaining a more luxurious execution that reflects the more sophisticated requirements of top-end buyers in this segment. 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.

Craig Uren, Executive Officer Sales, Service and Marketing says that they are proud to announce the introduction of the enhanced Isuzu bakkie along with the adoption of the D-MAX name for the Isuzu bakkie portfolio, this aligns us to the brand identity of the broader company and ensures that our product naming conventions are consistent with the global approach. The line-up has been revised and enhanced to make the D-MAX more appealing and competitive than ever, and the high-spec models raise the bar for Isuzu, in terms of luxury and quality. Dominic Rimmer, Executive Technical Services, adds that they are also delighted to introduce the all-new six-speed manual and automatic transmissions on the 3.0 Litre LX models to improve overall performance, efficiency and refinement when compared to the previous five-speed units, while building on Isuzu's proven reputation for reliability and durability.

Visually, the biggest styling changes for the refreshed Isuzu D-MAX make their debut on the range-topping 3.0 Litre LX models, available in single, extended and double cab body styles. Central to the new look is a muscular new chromed radiator grille that dominates the front facia, along with new tapered chromed accents extending across the full length of the sleeker L-shaped headlight clusters. In combination with the new projector-type Bi-LED headlamps and LED daytime running lights, introduced on the extended and double cab models, there are restyled foglamp bezels framed by chromed vertical accents that give the LX a distinctive and aggressive character.

Climb into the cabin and the more upmarket look and feel of the LX models becomes immediately apparent, courtesy of the new soft-touch panels for the instrument cluster binnacle. The utility box lid is now embellished with the 'Isuzu D-MAX logo', which is complemented by a new, more attractive high-quality grain for the dashboard and door trims, along with a piano black finish on the air vent grilles and window switches. In contrast, the door handles, locking knob, and air vent knobs are picked out in chrome. For music fans, the new Isuzu D-Max bakkies are fitted with the latest-generation infotainment system, incorporating an eight-inch full colour touch screen that replaces the 6.5-inch version used in the previous model. The fully featured system incorporates the display for the rear-view camera and facilitates Bluetooth hands-free cellphone use and audio streaming. Isuzu buyers are now able to select the all-new premium Alpine infotainment system that first debuted on the Isuzu mu-X sport utility vehicle (SUV) as an option.The Alpine infotainment system boasts 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. Passengers will no doubt appreciate the new USB ports which have a higher 2.1A rating (up from 1A) to charge smartphones and multimedia devices. It also links Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto, when it becomes 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.

One of the most significant new features of the 2018 Isuzu D-MAX range is the introduction of an all-new six-speed gearbox on the high-spec 3.0 Litre LX derivatives, replacing the five-speed versions used on the outgoing models. The six-speed manual benefits from optimized gear ratios and an improved shift action and makes the most of the strong torque delivery and superb fuel economy of Isuzu's dependable 3.0 Litre four-cylinder intercooled turbodiesel engine, which produces 130 kW of power and 380 Nm of torque. For fans of smooth-shifting automatics, the D-MAX offers the same six-speed transmission that recently debuted in the Isuzu mu-X SUV. This sophisticated gearbox delivers the ideal combination between refinement and responsive performance. The six-speed automatic incorporates a sequential sport mode that enables the driver to select a specific gear manually, useful when towing as the engine speed can be maintained in the ideal torque range for maximum pulling power. This mode is also ideally suited to off-road driving, allowing the driver to engage the appropriate gear ratio for the specific terrain. Combined with Hill Descent Control (HDC), manually selecting the lowest gear on downhills ensures optimal control of the vehicle as it maintains the vehicle at the set speed on steep descents.

On the safety front, the ABS brakes on all D-MAX LX models are now equipped with 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. The standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control has also been bolstered with the addition of Trailer Sway Control (TSC) that detects and minimizes the effect of a trailer or caravan beginning to sway from side-to-side. The Hi-Rider and LE models can be equipped with an optional towbar package rated to tow a braked trailer up to a maximum load of 2.1 tons, while the standard heavy-duty unit on the 3.0-Litre 4X4 LX derivatives comes standard and is capable of hauling 3.5 tons. As before, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC) are included to assist the driver in all types of driving situations. These active safety features are available as a standard feature from the Fleetside Safety to the LX trim.

The Isuzu one-ton bakkie range has been revised to reflect the modern requirements of the crucial LCV market, and now comprises 30 models for South Africa and 13 models for export markets covering the needs of commercial and leisure-oriented customers. 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 trusty 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 that employs the high-output common rail turbodiesel engine with 100 kW and 320 Nm on tap, along with a raft of safety features including ABS, ESC, HSA, and driver and passenger airbags. The practical extended cab models include the 2.5 Litre Hi-Rider, two 3.0 LX models with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes, as well as a 3.0 Litre 4X4 LX manual. A new 2.5-Litre HO Base model joins the popular double cab range as an entry-level proposition that is perfectly suited to hard-working commercial applications. It is complemented by the existing Hi-Rider and striking X-Rider models in 4X2 or 4X4, as well as the LE version that offers exceptional value for money. Topping the D-MAX line-up is the updated, more capable and more luxurious 3.0-Litre LX, available in 4X2 or 4X4, and the choice of the all-new six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

All Isuzu D-MAX models are sold as standard with a comprehensive 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, with service intervals scheduled every 15 000 km or annually, whichever comes first. 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 of up to six years / 200 000 km.