The automotive industry witnessed another milestone in Hoedspruit South Africa following the introduction of the all-new sixth Generation Isuzu KB (Pick-Up) by General Motors, South Africa before some African top-rated motoring journalists including BusinessDay Nigeria. Its arrival in Africa is designed to build on Isuzu’s iconic heritage of innovation, toughness, reliability and functionality.
With bold new styling, higher levels of comfort and safety together with more powerful engines, the new model offers an exciting package for the serious Pick-Up owner and operator. The larger size, together with its smooth and well-proportioned styling, is immediately noticeable. The wedge shaped profile imparts a muscular and sporty expression while at the same time providing a distinct aerodynamic advantage.
With particular reference to rough terrains, the latest Isuzu Pick-up model incorporates a chassis that is optimised for load carrying, ride and handling, comfort, towing capacity with best in class performance in this area, off-road performance and occupant safety.
On all models from the LE specification level up ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution are standard. All D-TEQ and petrol (excluding base) models are fitted with two frontal airbags for the driver and front seat passenger.
One would easily notice the side steps with a non-slip upper surface that are fitted as standard on the LX specification level for easier entry and exit from the vehicle. These serves to provide a secondary function in that they assist in inhibiting stone damage to lower body paintwork when travelling on gravel roads or off-road. And this was exactly what our motoring reporter experienced during the all-day test drive by select group of motoring journalists from the sub-Saharan Africa.
A noticeable feature on all 4WD and high ride models is the adoption of integrated steel wheel arch flares in place of the plastic over fenders used on the previous model. Also noticeable are the larger wheel openings that add to the overall bold appearance of the new Isuzu KB.
During the night, a projector style headlamps, not normally seen on a pick-up, are standard on all LX models while the Fresnel blister on the projector headlamp protector reflects the light from the park lights at an angle of 80 degrees for improved visibility of in low light for other road users.
The rear of the new Isuzu truck is defined by bold new lamp clusters which provide bright and clear rear-end lighting. The light clusters flow through to the sides of the load box for side-on visibility. On high-end LX models the rear combination light clusters are LED units. These offer brighter illumination, especially beneficial in daylight conditions, and an extended life.
The all-new Isuzu Pick-Up Extended Cab models offer the functionality of increased interior load carrying ability – important when higher value but smaller loads need to be conveyed securely. Access to the extended cab area behind the seats is by way of rearward opening Flex Doors that can be opened from either inside or outside the vehicle.
The Flex doors are fitted with an interlock that prevents them from being opened unless the front door is opened first which company sources say is an important security feature.Furthermore, the interior has been developed around a balance between form and function with three main criteria – comfort, ease of use, and flexibility. A reduction in noise, vibration and harshness levels (NVH) experienced in the cab makes the ride experienced in the new KB comparable to that of a passenger vehicle.
Interior space across the range of body styles has been increased with more room available under the dash and an increase of 10mm in shoulder room courtesy of the increase in overall width of the vehicle.
An increase in rear head room has been achieved through the increased height of the vehicle and a revised angle for the rear seat backrest adds further comfort, especially over long journeys.
MIKE OCHONMA,
Back from S/Africa
