To the rest of the world these vehicles are known as trucks or pick-ups, here in good old South Africa we call them bakkies. The first Isuzu bakkie was introduced into the South African market way back in 1971 already. It’s safe to say that the bakkie is as much a part of our culture as what a good braai is. However, times have changed, markets have evolved and the demand for a better bakkie has definitely increased, writes Justin Jacobs.
At the launch of the all-new 2013 Isuzu KB, which took place at the magnificent Thornybush game lodge, we were subjected to a rather intriguing reveal of the new KB. General Motors placed an example of every KB model, from 1971 up until 2007, in a dry river bed and demonstrated how the KB evolved from a work horse into a more rounded lifestyle and family orientated vehicle, while still maintaining its traits as a workhorse.
The sixth-generation Isuzu KB draws on years of development to combine style and comfort, while maintaining all its practical characteristics. It has a tough challenge in this regard, as it enters a market that has evolved considerably over the past few years. The demand for a big bakkie that feels and handles like a car is what the buying public want and, with the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50 and Amarok already establishing near civil war-like levels of rivalry amongst bakkie owners, the new Isuzu needs to be better than ever and it is.
The vehicle’s wedge shaped profile imparts a muscular and sporty expression while at the same time providing a distinct aerodynamic advantage. The exterior styling of the new Isuzu KB benefits from extensive computer analysis of the air-flow around the vehicle. A key area of focus was the airflow over the roof and load-box of the vehicle, an area well-known for creating turbulent air and drag. Other benefits of the attention to aerodynamic detail have been in the areas of fuel economy and reduced interior noise levels.
A bold front-end design raises the KB’s presence on the road and includes a new Isuzu logo and grille. High-end ‘LX’ specification models feature a chrome grille and bonnet garnish as standard fit. The styling and construction of the front fascia and bumper not only add to the aesthetics of the vehicle, but are also constructed of impact absorbing materials, making for improved pedestrian safety.
Compared to the previous generation Isuzu KB, the new bakkie is 260 mm longer, 60 mm wider and 60 mm taller. These changes afford more interior space for passengers, as well as a larger load box area.
The interior offers a quality feel, with a dashboard that’s been borrowed from the current Chevrolet Trailblazer. Unimaginative maybe, but an acceptable example of economies of scale. The cabin is stylish and ergonomically laid out, with controls for the radio and cruise control to be found on the multi-function steering wheel in the top spec LE and LX models. The LE and LX models also benefit from a radio/CD/MP3-player with USB, Aux-In and Bluetooth connectivity. You won’t find a touch screen interface as fitted with to the Isuzu’s Toyota Hilux competitor though.
When it comes to space, the improvements are well noted. The rear doors open slightly wider than before, which allows for easier access. The rear seat back has also been tilted slightly to the rear, to allow for a less upright seating position. Leg room for front passengers is impressive and the seats are rather comfortable, which we discovered after hours of rough trail driving through the bush.
Attention has also been given to developing a more compliant suspension for new KB. Being able to swap between the 5th-generation and the new KB shows just how vast vast the improvement is, by virtue of the new bakkie’s softer and smoother ride quality.
As part of the launch we were given the opportunity to fully experience the Isuzu’s off-road capabilities. The Isuzu off-road driving academy laid out a rather nail biting obstacle course for us. Getting the new Isuzu into its 4×4 modes is as easy as turning a selector switch, just behind the gear lever. The new bakkie’s ride height and approach angles, both front and rear, have been increased to allow for better approach when faced with a steep incline.
As with the previous generation Isuzu KB, the new KB range is powered by a selection of diesel and petrol engines. New to the range is an all-new 2.4-litre 16-valve DOHC petrol engine, available in the Isuzu KB Base, Fleetside, and LE models. The 2.4-litre produces 112 kW at 5 200 r/min and 233 Nm of torque at 4 000 r/min. A low-pressure 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine, available in the Base and Fleetside models, offers 58 kW of power and 170 Nm of torque, and is tuned for work at low engine speeds and good operating efficiency.
The more powerful and proven 2.5-litre D-TEQ turbo-diesel engine is available on Base, Fleetside, and LE specification models, producing 85 kW at 3 600 r/min and maximum torque of 280 Nm from 1 800 r/min.
The 3.0-litre D-TEQ turbo-diesel remains the range-topper, producing good power and torque from its high-pressure, common rail fuel injection system. This engine has been upgraded for the 2013 KB range and now produces 130 kW (up by 10 kW) and 380 Nm (up by 20 Nm). Even so, it’d have been good to see Isuzu’s 3.0-litre developing power and torque levels closer to that of the slightly lager 3.2-litre Ford Ranger with its 147 kW and 470 Nm of torque. In defense, Isuzu say their focus is on blending the best in reliability and performance.
The 3.0 D-TEQ affords a towing capacity of 3 500 kg for trailers fitted with a service brake and when equipped with an optional heavy-duty tow-bar rated for 3.5 tons. A 5-speed automatic transmission, with manual select mode, is available with the 3.0-litre diesel engine, however, only for the 4×2 models. It’s a pity we won’t see this ‘box in the 4×4 models, just yet at least, as it is smooth and surprisingly quick.
After spending excessive time in the all-new Isuzu KB on the road and off of it, it’s clear that this new model is a vast improvement over the 5th generation. It’s better looking than the Mazda BT-50 and feels better to drive than the Toyota Hilux. Quality and overall appeal has definitely been improved, but despite all of this, it does not bring anything new or special to the market, a market where the competition is tough and the customers even tougher.
| Pricing (incl. VAT and CO2 Tax) | |
| Isuzu KB 250 D-Teq Double Cab LE | R363 200 |
| Isuzu KB 250 D-Teq Double Cab LE 4×4 | R384 100 |
| Isuzu KB 300 D-Teq Double Cab LX | R410 400 |
| Isuzu KB 300 D-Teq Double Cab LX Automatic | R423 400 |
| Isuzu KB 300 D-Teq Double Cab LX 4×4 | R464 400 |
| Isuzu KB 300 Petrol Double Cab LX 4×4 | R309 100 |
| Isuzu KB 240 Petrol Double Cab LE 4×4 | R380 200 |
Pricing includes a 5-year/120 000km warranty, 5-year/90 000km service plan and 5-year roadside assistance.
