Isuzu KB30 D-MAX 4×4 LX

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 6^th 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