Isuzu KB30 D-MAX 4×4 LX
by March 25, 2019 3:29 pm 6,754 views0

Now I’ve driven a few KB’s in my life and there is always a particular feeling you get when driving the KB. This current generation has been around since late 2012 with minor tweaks coming along to keep it up to date.

The KB has always been my go-to workhorse bakkie, with more
emphasis placed on the workhorse part. It’s one of those bakkies you really don’t
feel bad getting dirty, towing nearly 3 tons or taking the kids to school, it’s
really evolved in a big way.
As the years have come and gone, a few different derivatives and limited
editions has also broken cover, but these were really aimed at accessories,
rather than keeping up with the bakkie clan. Admitting, when driving it back to
back with most of the other manufacturers, it does feel dated, the engine feels
agricultural and it feels far less responsive. When you line them up, most of
the responsive and performance complaints really all disappear and you notice
how well the KB actually puts its power down. Its not the most powerful in its
class, with only 380nm, but believe me it feels stronger when pulling heavy
loads along and this is where it shines, a proper workhorse. When the tough
gets going, engage rear diff-lock or switch to 4H on the fly. The General Grabber AT’s really do prove
their worth on the gravel, aiding in superior grip and surefootedness.
The latest model we have here has a few nice upgrades included in this current
facelift, with the most noticeable, being the headlights. They are now bi-LED
powered and are extremely bright and offer amazing visibility, even on low
beam. The interior has a brand new
infotainment system which interlinks with Android auto or apple car play, but I
feel it still needs a bit of work done in the refinement sector. It navigates
easy, but advanced settings like audio controls are near impossible to find. It
also has navigation as standard now and this is really easy to use. The last thing you want is to fight with a complicated
navigation system, while in a hurry to your destination.


There is also a new 6th gear, one up from 5 and this does wonders for economy. We achieved a very easy 11km/l on the open road. This drops down to about 10km/l in town, which all things considered is still very good for a bakkie.
All the safety features are still there, 6 airbags, traction and stability control, Abs, Ebd and Iso-fix for the rear.
The Isuzu will always be a firm favourite of mine, offering
a lot of value, not only in the workhorse department, but also as a lifestyle
vehicle. It has a simple get up and go attitude
and nothing that I throw at the bakkie seems to bother it.
For up to date pricing, check out www.isuzu.co.za