ISUZU Celebrates 45 Years of Local Bakkie Production with Limited Edition D-MAX 45​

ISUZU Motors South Africa is celebrating its legacy of producing segment-defining ISUZU bakkies in the country over the past 45 years with the launch of the limited edition D-MAX 45, competitively priced at R906 100.

Based on the seventh-generation D-MAX range, and specifically the 3.0 Ddi Double Cab LSE 4x4 Automatic derivative, the D-MAX 45 will be released in limited numbers from the end of July 2024. It will be available with an exclusive range of accessories and features, adding further lustre to one of the bakkie segment’s most revered nameplates.

“The ISUZU D-MAX, and the KB before it, have enjoyed a long and proud legacy in South Africa, and were responsible for creating and popularising the double cab bakkie segment which is now the mainstay of the local industry,” says Kevin Fouche, Department Executive: Product Planning and Programme Management at ISUZU Motors South Africa.

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D-MAX 45 features

The D-MAX 45 is based on the 3.0 Ddi Double Cab LSE 4x4 Automatic, which means it has an appreciably high level of standard comfort, safety and convenience features, matched to the proven capabilities of the 3.0-litre Ddi intercooled turbodiesel engine which produces 140 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque. This is combined with a dependable six-speed automatic transmission and a part-time four-wheel drive system with a standard differential lock to conquer more challenging terrain.

However, the D-MAX 45 stands out from the standard LSE models thanks to the adoption of a gloss black front grille with contrasting lower fog lamp facia accent garnish, 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels with distinctive silver ring centre caps, and a classy yet practical black Rhinoman X-pedition canopy. The tailgate continues the theme with a black ISUZU decal, as well as a special 45-year commemorative badge that signals this model’s exclusive status.

Easy access to the load compartment is facilitated by the inclusion of the tailgate assist feature, while the inclusion of a spray-on bedliner ensures that a variety of goods can safely be carried without scratching the load bed.

A range of attractive colour choices has been selected for the D-MAX 45, comprising Desert Orange, Splash White, Mercury Silver, Biarritz Blue and Islay Grey.​

ISUZU followed this up by creating the double cab segment the same year with the introduction of the four-door version of the KB260 LE 4x4 and KB280DT – an industry first that set the groundwork for what is now one of the most popular segments of the new vehicle industry in South Africa.

In 1997 the fourth-generation ISUZU KB was launched, and the KB unsurprisingly became the top-selling one-ton bakkie in the country, a position it held for two consecutive years. Having returned to South Africa, General Motors invested R500-million into tooling and facilities for the fifth-generation ISUZU KB which was launched in 2004.

Pricing

D-MAX 45 3.0 Ddi D/Cab 4x4 AT: R906 100

ISUZU Complete Care

ISUZU Complete Care comes standard with every new ISUZU D-MAX and embodies ISUZU’s unwavering commitment to aftersales service and customer satisfaction. All new ISUZU D-MAX models are sold as standard with a comprehensive five-year/120 000 km warranty and roadside assistance, as well as a five-year unlimited distance anti-corrosion warranty.

In addition, a five-year/90 000 km service plan is included in the purchase price, with service intervals scheduled every 15 000 km or annually, whichever comes first.

Through ISUZU Mobility, customers have the option of extending the standard service plan up to a maximum of six years or 200 000 km. Alternatively, the service plan can be upgraded to a full maintenance plan that covers the vehicle for planned and unplanned maintenance up to six years/200 000 km.