Bakkie Brawler

The highly anticipated SA-built Isuzu D-Max has officially arrived in SA and we drive the flagship V-Cross

- Damian Adams

ISUZU D-MAX 3,0 DOUBLE CAB 4X4 V-CROSS AUTOMATIC ETA: NOW

Price: R814 700 Engine: 3,0-litre, 4-cyl, turbodiesel Transmission: 6-speed automatic Power: 140 kW @ 3 600 r/min Torque: 450 N.m @ 1 600-2 600 r/min 0-100 km/h: N/A Top speed: N/A Fuel consumption: 8,1 L/100 km* CO₂ emissions: 212 g/km* Rivals: Ford Ranger, GWM P-Series, Mazda BT-50, Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara, Toyota Hilux

After enduring the flurry of teaser images that led to the extravagant reveal of the box-fresh Isuzu double-cab bakkie in 2020, we've now had the opportunity to drive the Japanese brand's latest offering. The local launch took place on the Garden Route. We met up with the vehicles in Gqeberha before traversing both highway and spectacular wet, muddy, and heavily rutted off-road mountain tracks to Knysna.

South Africa is undeniably a bakkie-besotted country so whenever a new model is released into the market, a big fuss is made whatever the brand. For many, however, this Isuzu is the bakkie they've been waiting for. The top-two spots in the local market is closely contested between the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger in terms of units sold.

The D-Max - like an on-form Temba Bavuma - has played a consistent role at number three. This locally built seventh-generation D-Max (previously KB) has a lot riding on its success.