Grouped with new bakkie models from Toyota, Fiat, Mitsubishi and Ford, the 2016 Isuzu KB should look out of place but the reality is entirely different.
Even so Isuzu has retooled certain cosmetic features to renew interest so that the competition doesn’t have it all their own way.
I don’t know about you but current bakkie design has lost all direction so the butch Isuzu KB is refreshingly simple with strong vertical and horizontal lines, just the faintest bits of chrome garnish and importantly for off-roading, short overhangs. Because Isuzu doesn’t have an SUV or passenger car in its stable there’s little design corruption – think Fortuner and Hilux.
Recent changes stick to the script. Updates to the bonnet, radiator grille and fog lights are all subtle. Less so the new headlamps with projector and integrated LED day time running lights on LX models and a set of new alloys from 16-inch to 18-inch, for the LX. Tailgate styling on LX models sees that pimple-sized rear-camera moved to a neater position next to the load bin handle.
Isuzu introduced its own 1080p touchscreen infotainment with navigation and WiFi during the last round of updates (only on LX models) but now all versions receive speakers mounted on the roof for a ‘surround sound experience.’ The system looks a bit clumsy and gaudy in execution – you don’t see Harman Kardon attaching speakers to the roof. A modern instrument cluster is fitted to all models.
“The new Isuzu 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.
We also appreciate that Isuzu chose a versatile all-terrain tread pattern for the new KB which produced little road noise driving out of Walvis Bay but performed well on the dunes. Recent road test studies by Isuzu’s team has produced new front and rear dampers for 4×2 models and upgraded rear dampers on 4×4 models. Rebound control was refined to reduce vibration, endowing the Isuzu with quieter ride.
Fire up the Isuzu, via push button, and it chugs into life with the mechanical noises you once read about in engineering books. The bulletproof gruffness is right at home in small towns like Swakopmund where a dyed-in-the-wool mechanic would have no trouble getting under the hood.
All new Isuzu KB models in South Africa are sold with Complete Care:
All routine maintenance, regular servicing and roadside emergencies
New Vehicle Warranty – Standard 5 Year or 120 000km
Roadside Assistance for 5 Years or 120 000km
5-year/ unlimited mileage anti-corrosion warranty and 5-year/ 90 000 km service plan. Service intervals are 15 000 km or twelve months for all derivatives.
