Rokkit

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The updated Isuzu KB hopes to cement its place as volume seller in the local double cab bakkie market with a few cosmetic upgrades for 2016/2017.

The double cab bakkie market in South Africa is one of the most hotly contested segments in the auto industry, and it is set to become even hotter with new entries from the likes of Fiat, VW and Mercedes-Benz. Indeed, even the luxury German marque is set to debut a double cab bakkie – albeit with a luxurious upmarket pickup with a price tag to boot – predicted to sell in relatively limited numbers. In the trenches where the volume of sales occur you have the evergreen Toyota Hilux, the imposing new Ford Ranger, soon-to-be-released new Navara, and of course the stalwart Isuzu KB. Isuzu is hoping to cement its place as the third biggest bakkie manufacturer (by volume) and challenge Ford and Toyota at the top with a timely update to its KB range of Single, Extended and Double Cab bakkie offering.

Subtle Exterior Updates – Still Unmistakably KB

The updates to the 2016 Isuzu KB are cosmetic in nature with no changes happening under the hood. Up front a redesigned front end with changes to the bonnet, radiator grille and fog lamp surround designs. Also incorporated are new headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights on (LX models only). At the rear, and on Double and Extended Cab models there is a newly styled tailgate, with LX Double Cab models now featuring an integrated rearview camera into the tailgate handle. 4×4 models also now receive a 4×4 decal on the load box. LX models also receive redesigned 18-inch alloy wheels with the rest of range is enhanced with new 16-inch items. Inside, the only slight change is the addition of a new instrument cluster design with improved functionality and gear shift indicator for manual models. “The new KB looks a lot sleeker and streamlined with a new instrumentation cluster design, improved sound system while maintaining all the key Isuzu characteristics we have come to love. In addition to the new look, 3 litre 4×4 LX Double Cab customers will benefit from additional value as these models now come standard with a towbar, sportsbar, roofrails and power adjustable leather seats,” says Brian Olson, Vice President Vehicle Sales, Service, and Marketing General Motors Sub-Saharan Africa.

Efficient, Powerful Performance

The 2016 range continues with the proven 2.5 and 3.0 litre diesel engines. The powerful 3.0-litre DTEQ turbocharged diesel with 130kW and 380Nm from the common rail direct injection turbodiesel does duty in top of the range LX models. Key features in LX halo models include a touch screen infotainment system with satellite navigation, internet, WiFi, and smartphone integration. The screen – a 1080p high-definition TFT unit with a generous 6.5-inch dimension – also acts as the display when browsing, or using the DVD player.

Another highlight is the Passive Entry and Start System (PESS). This is a keyless entry with Start/Stop ignition button is standard on all LX double cab models. Leather upholstery is fitted as standard on the 4×4 auto and manual Double Cabs and as an option on 4×2 Double Cab derivatives. The second powertrain option is the 2.5-litre DTEQ common-rail direct injection turbodiesel, which was introduced last year with 100kW and 320Nm. The 2.5 comes with a variable geometry turbocharger similar to the 3.0 DTEQ engine, which allows for fine management of boost pressure. With a 20 percent increase in torque of its predecessor at 1 200 rpm and a much wider power band compared to its predecessor, all Isuzu models powered by this unit enjoy vastly improved driveability. Two workhorse models, the 250 Base Single Cab (LEED) and 250 Fleetside Single Cab (LEED), are equipped with the Direct Injection 4 Cylinder 2.5 Diesel engine which produces 58 kW and 170 Nm and has an impressive combined fuel consumption figure of 7.9 l/100 km. All new Isuzu models are covered by Isuzu Complete Care which includes a standard 5 year or 120 000km vehicle Warranty and roadside assistance for 5 years or 120 000km. Also included is 5-year/ unlimited mileage anti-corrosion warranty and 5 year/ 90 000km service plan.

Pricing

Single Cab KB 250 Base (LEED) – R235 000 KB 250 Fleetside (LEED) – R258 800 KB 250 Fleetside (Safety) – R285 600 KB 250 LE – R334 500 KB 250 LE 4×4 – R386 800 KB 300 LX 4×4 – R442 800 Extended Cab KB 250 Hi-Rider – R337 400 KB 300 LX – R414 000 KB 300 LX (Auto) – R427 900 KB 300 LX 4×4 – R474 400 Double Cab KB 250 Hi-Rider – R351 300 KB 250 LE – R435 200 KB 250 LE (Auto) – R457 400 KB 300 LX (Cloth Upholstery) – R486 900 KB 300 LX (Auto Cloth Upholstery) – R501 200 KB 300 LX 4×4 – R549 800 KB 300 LX 4×4 (Auto) – R563 500

Press Release | GM Media The Isuzu Off-Road Academy now operates with the new and enhanced Isuzu KB range for all of its Off-Road Driving Courses and Corporate Team Building Experiences. Launched at the end of last year, customers now benefit from a robust range which includes a 4×4 Automatic and a new 2.5-litre DTEQ turbodiesel engine. Founded six years ago, the Isuzu Off-Road Academy has trained over 5000 people on the basic techniques of 4×4 driving for road and off-road driving. Now with a new advanced off-road course customers can expect to learn advanced driving techniques for all terrain, vehicle recovery, vehicle maintenance and most importantly the protection of the environment around you whilst off-road driving. Corporates can now spend a day out with the Isuzu Off-Road Academy as part of an excellent team building initiative where they can enjoy tailor made off-road training programmes whilst enjoying the outdoors and learning the art of Off-Road driving. With years of experience under their belts, instructors at the Isuzu Off-Road Academy include Grant McCleery – a multiple South African Motorsport Champion, and Marius van Vuuren. Both qualified to facilitate 4×4 courses with qualified training in the specific techniques required for safe and effective 4×4 driving. “The Isuzu Off-Road Academy is an approved Isuzu service provider that provides an invaluable extension to the Isuzu ownership experience”, says Mlungisi Nonkonyana, Isuzu Brand Manager, GM South Africa.  “The course allows the Isuzu owner, particularly the less experienced recreational user, the opportunity to fully realise the potential and thus enjoyment of a 4×4 vehicle for maximised satisfaction and safety in use.” Isuzu is a key brand of General Motors South Africa with the Isuzu KB entrenched in the market since introduction in South Africa in 1978. The Isuzu KB is renowned for its ride comfort, toughness, durability, reliability and superior off-road ability. The Isuzu Off-Road Academy is based at Gerotek Testing Facility close to Pretoria but is geared to provide training at virtually any location nationally where training is needed.  

Press Release | GM Media Johannesburg – Isuzu has again embarked on an anti-poaching project in partnership with Nkombe Rhino, a non-profit organisation dedicated to wild life conservation, to ensure the safety of the endangered Rhinoceros in the Blue Canyon Conservancy. The conservancy is situated in Hoedspruit in the Limpopo Province, which is the epicentre of the rhino poaching epidemic where incidents of poaching occur on a daily basis. The dehorning project which lasted three days targeted 24 rhinoceros which were successfully dehorned. The de-horning process is part of an integrated anti-poaching strategy which includes educating communities around the reserve, media exposure to highlight the effects of rhino poaching and at the same time inform potential poachers that the animals in the area have been dehorned. This process takes place every 18 to 24 months as the horns grow quite rapidly. The process involves finding the rhino and tranquilising them from a helicopter. Once the tranquiliser dart has taken effect, the rhinoceroses’ horns are removed by an experienced team, led by wild life veterinarian Dr Peter Rodgers, who take great care not to get too close to the sensitive area at the base of the horn. “Removing the rhino’s most distinctive feature, along with education of local communities and dissemination of information, is part of the measures used to slow the poaching pandemic. This process has been proven to work: for example, de-horned Rhinos in certain Zimbabwean conservancies appear to have a 29 percent better chance of surviving than horned animals. Previous operations in the Blue Canyon Conservatory have also resulted in a dramatic decline in poaching,” said Brian Olson, Vice President Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing General Motors Sub-Saharan Africa. Along with much needed financial support for the dehorning mission, Isuzu provided a fleet of KB 300 4×4 double cab bakkies as support vehicles in the operation to track and dart the prehistoric creatures. Between 2008 and 2015 an estimated 5 500 rhinos were slaughtered in South Africa for their horns – which have no proven medicinal benefits at all. Poaching estimates of 1 800 this year and 2 153 in 2017 suggest that the situation will get worse before it gets better and if next year’s projection is correct, it will mean that rhino deaths will have almost doubled since 2014. In some cultures, Rhino horn is considered a powerful aphrodisiac and at $60 000 US (R936 000) a kilogram, is more valuable than gold or platinum. For criminal syndicates the rewards are therefore substantial, while for impoverished communities that border national and private reserves, the risks associated with poaching is outweighed by the need for survival. “Isuzu has a long history of providing real solutions to issues which affect communities within Southern Africa, starting with Operation Rachel in 1993 and Operation Mandume in 2007 which were very effective campaigns against the proliferation of illegal firearms in Southern Africa. This time we are lending a helping hand to Nkombe as a partner in the fight against Rhino poaching. Without concrete action to prevent further loses, we are likely to lose these animals forever,” said Olson.  

Press Release | GM Media Johannesburg – Isuzu, the bakkie specialists, have added a new special value model to their light commercial vehicle range – the KB X-Rider based on the 250 HO Hi-Rider 4×2 in extended and double cab body styles. The newcomer can be readily identified by a number of visual cues such as stylish black diamond-cut 18-inch alloys and black tubular side steps, but some less obvious features are what marks this special edition KB as a special kind of workhorse. The X-Rider boasts an uprated towbar with a 2.1-tonne braked trailer capacity, LED daytime running lights and remote keyless entry.  Owners will also get the luxury of leather seats, with the X-Rider logo embroidered on the front headrests. The leather-trimmed steering wheel, which is equipped with a full array of satellite control, stands out thanks to the red stitching and Isuzu badge in its centre. Vice President of Vehicle Sales, Service, and Marketing at General Motors South Africa, Brian Olson says “Our aim with the X-Rider is to offer real value and individuality in a brand which is well known for toughness, reliability and comfort. The X-Rider follows on the success of special edition models of the past, such as the Midnite and Serengeti.  The X-Rider continues the tradition but at a lower price point, providing added exclusivity and exceptional value for money.” Further detail enhancements are red stitching on the gearlever gaiter, steering wheel and the seats.  Piano Black inserts are used on the doors (with a bold red ‘X’ motif), with the same high-gloss finish used to highlight air conditioning vents, the sound system, and the gearshift console. All X-rider derivatives will be powered by the new, 100 kW/320Nm Nm high-output version of Isuzu’s proven 2.5-litre common rail direct injection turbodiesel, an engine which has been a stalwart of the KB range since a September 2015 facelift.