Isuzu unveils the D-Max 45 to commemorate local Isuzu production

Isuzu unveils the D-Max 45 to commemorate local Isuzu production

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‍The first Isuzu KB bakkie was produced 45 years ago, in 1979, at the brand's plant in Port Elizabeth, now known as Gqeberha. 

Since then, Isuzu has maintained a proud legacy of producing segment-defining bakkies such as the KB, which has also been renamed D-Max and has become a firm favourite in its respective segment. To mark this special moment, Isuzu South Africa is introducing the limited-edition D-Max 45 bakkie variant, which is based on the current LSE 4x4 version and comes fitted with an exclusive range of accessories and features. 

Only a limited number of the D-Max 45 will be made available when it joins the pack before the end of July, and it stands out across the range with features such as a gloss black front grille with contrasting lower fog light fascia accent, 18-inch black alloys with distinctive silver ring centre caps, a stylish black Rhinoman X-Pedition canopy, and a 45-year commemorative insignia on the tailgate. Furthermore, it comes with an interesting exterior colour list that includes Desert Orange, Splash White, Mercury Silver, Biarritz Blue, and Islay Grey.

Inside, the special edition adds durable Bundu Basher rubber floor mats for those dusty and muddy adventure days. Leather seat trim, a wireless smartphone charger, and a 9-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have all been carried over from the donor car, along with the safety systems. 

Similar to the donor car, the D-Max 45 boasts a wide range of safety features. These include driver and passenger front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, and the far-side airbag between the front seats. Additionally, standard safety systems also include ABS with EBD, BAS, ESC with Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, and Trailer Sway Control. 

Unfortunately, its power still comes from the same tried, trusted, but outdated 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine with 140kW and 450Nm, which is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a part-time 4WD system. Although this configuration has demonstrated its capabilities in the regular LSE, one would expect a vehicle of this calibre to offer enhanced power, further highlighting its exclusivity for discerning owners.

Priced at R906,100, the D-Max 45 commands a substantial R84,400 more than what Isuzu asks for its LSE variant, and if our math is correct, you can get the handsome V-Cross if you fork out R10,300 more. 

In essence, the Isuzu D-Max stands as a legend in its own right, consistently asserting dominance at the intersection of work and leisure. The limited edition variant is strategically positioned to play a significant role in preserving the D-Max’s relevance within the competitive bakkie segment.