Driven : Isuzu KB 6th Generation

The Isuzu KB, A bakkie which has always been synonymous with farmers, construction workers and overlanders; really something that is reliable and dependable and will do it all with minimal fuss.

Isuzu is set to take this segment to a new level with the new KB; A seriously good bakkie for the family or the farm.

Available in a single cab, crew cab and a double cab, this bakkie is set to take the market by storm. Available in a Base, Fleetside (hi ride), LE and LX configuration means that buyers now have a larger range and choice to choose from. Each model is also available with at least one 4×4 option.

The flagship 3.0 D-TEQ has also raised the bar in terms of towing capacity, now rated at a mammoth 3500kg’s and also returns exceptional economy.

There is an all-new 2.4l petrol engine on the Base, Fleetside and LE models which is a double overhead cam engine with multi point fuel injection making 112kw and 233nm of torque at 4000rpm. Combined fuel economy for this engine is measured at 10.4l100km.

The workhorse of the fleet, the low pressure 2.5 tubo diesel making 58kw and 170nm of torque which is only available in Base and Fleetline specs, will be the new South African construction bakkie of choice.

The 2.5 D-tec engine available in the Base, Fleetside and LE rated at 58kw and 280nm of torque, makes for a very driveable bakkie for the everyday man. The 2.5 D-tec is also fitted with a front mounted intercooler, which not only offers more efficient cooling, but also more driver visibility now that the scoop is removed from the bonnet.  Fuel consumption is rated at a low 7.7l 100km with 203g / km emissions. 50ppm is recommended for this engine, which might be a problem out in the bush.

The flagship model, the 3.0 D-Teq is offered on all LX specification models in 3 body styles with the options of either 4×2 or 4×4. This engine has been improved from the 5^th generation and power is up by 10kw to 130kw and 380nm or torque.  SABS best in class fuel consumption rated at 7.7l 100km.

The chassis on the 6^th generation Isuzu KB is not only longer and wider but also a new coil over front suspension has been fitted to give it a more car-like feel. The KB is about 45mm longer than the previous model and the track has also been increase by 50mm. This increases the driving stability and on-road driving dynamics. The front suspension is an independent unit with a double wishbone and coil-spring over damper configuration.  On 4×4 models you have a longer travel suspension to soak up all those bumps.  The rear suspension remains as is, with a leaf spring layout and a couple of improvements.  Base models have a longer and flatter spring design to increase stability while on the 4×4 and high ride models and the leaf spring has been increased to 1360mm and fitted with gas dampers front and rear.  Ground clearance varies between 225mm and 205mm from the 3.0LX to the base model.

The 6^th gen 3.0LX can tow up to 3.5 tons when fitted with a heavy duty tow bar. The rest of the class can all tow up to a maximum 2.1 tons.

The off road performance has been greatly improved with added wheel articulation and also bigger tires fitted to the 4×4 models.  The approach angle is 30 degrees while the departure angle follows with 22.7 degrees (with a rear step bumper). Break over angles are measured at 22.4 degrees. These number only apply to the vehicles fitted with 225/65/17 wheels and tires.  A diff-lock is standard across the range. Switching from 2 wheel drive to 4 wheel drive can be done with a twist of a dial, at speeds of up to 100kph.  The diff-lock can also be engaged at speeds up to 60kph and will self-disengage at speeds over 80kph.

Driving the 3.0 LX and Crew Cab proved that Isuzu has an awesome new product at hand which is set to take the market by storm. Interior built quality is very good with some parts carried over from the Trailblazer.  The 6 speaker sound system, which has fully proven itself in the Trailblazer, works well in this application, offering great sound. USB and Mp3 playback is standard.

All models except the 3.0LX Double Cab is fitted with dual airbags, the flagship model features a total of 6 airbags. ABS and EBD is standard across the line.

I firmly believe that Isuzu has a wonderful new vehicle for us and that it is soon going to be the must-have bakkie on the road. Well done Isuzu.

Pricing :

Single and Double Cab Petrol Models.

KB240LWB 4×4 – R226 726

KB240LWB LE – R222 146

KB240LWB Fleetside – R205 020

KB240LWB – R192 056

KB240 D/Cab 4×4 LE R333 471

KB240 D/Cab LE R271 164

Single Cab Diesel Models

KB250 D-Teq 4×4 LE R276 950
KB250 D-Teq LWB LE R241 077

KB250 D-Teq LWB Fleet side R212 854

KB250 D-Teq LWB R201 154

KB300 D-Teq 4×4 LX R317 812

KB300 D-Teq LWB LX R273 401

Diesel Extended Cab Models

KB250 D-Teq Ext Cab LE R255 015

KB300 D-Teq Ext Cab LX 4×4 R361 691

KB300 D-tq Ext Cab LX R315 272

Diesel Double Cam Models

KB250 D-Teq D/Cab LE 4×4 R336 896

KB250 D-Teq D/Cab LE R318 586

KB300 D-Teq D/Cab LX 4×4 R407 339

KB300 D-Teq D/Cab LX AT R371 415

KB300 D-Teq D/Cab LX R360 041