The market has been waiting in great anticipation for the utterly new bakkie, namely, the next-generation Isuzu D-Max. It should appear midway in 2021 in South Africa, while it has already been launched in Australia. Read on and find out more about the Isuzu D-Max.1
Some changes for the Isuzu D-Max in South Africa1
This bakkie is to be assembled in Port Elizabeth, and its powertrain and suspension, among other things, will have to be redeveloped to suit the country’s requirements. The South African models will, unfortunately, have fewer features than their Australian counterparts.
Greater safety requirements in Australia1
When comparing models sold in Thailand to those in Australia, one becomes aware of the high Australian safety requirements straightaway. These include an automatic emergency braking system, blind-spot monitoring, lane maintenance, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control in automatic models. Unfortunately, not all these features will be available in the South African models. Nevertheless, it looks like the attention the manufacturer has given to customer feedback on the bakkie’s driving experience has paid off.
How does the D-Max drive? 1
The bakkie’s electric power steering system is accurate and easy to handle for both on- and off-road scenarios. The improved suspension effectively handles all the road’s challenges. The D-Max has a towing specification of up to 3 500 kg braked capacity. The high-quality driving experience comes into play when the bakkie travels on the highway without any payload, while the suspension control over bad surfaces is remarkable. The bakkie shows excellent stability regarding the usual dirt road speeds, with minimal rattling noises. It still has disc brakes at the front and drums at the rear.
The D-Max’s engine1
The bakkie has a brand new 3-litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine with an output of 140 kW (at 3 600 rpm) while maximum torque of 450 Nm is released from 1 600 to 2 600 rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. Despite the reasonable increases in power and torque, the engine still appears to struggle under strong acceleration. In Australia, the manufacturers upgraded the 2.8-litre engine’s power output to 150 kW, and torque to 500 Nm.
Disclaimer
Due to the complicated nature of car insurance, this article can only serve as information. In the same way, customers wanting to buy car insurance should first consult a certified financial advisor for professional advice.
Remember that when you are the proud owner of an Isuzu D-Max bakkie, you are legally required to take out comprehensive car insurance should a bank finance the purchase of your bakkie. Prime South Africa offers an affordable comprehensive car insurance product that will meet all your needs, including fixed premiums* and a reduction to zero excess*. T and Cs apply.
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