The Trusted Isuzu KB Gets A Facelift

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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