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| Isuzu added five and six speed auto transmissions to the D-Max line up. |
PORT ELIZABETH - Isuzu has added five- and six-speed auto boxes to five models in the D-Max line-up —the bakkie people use for actual work, as opposed to lifestyle activities.
“Buying trends in the bakkie segment are changing rapidly, and we have seen a major upswing in the demand for automatic gearboxes in recent years,” said Dominic Rimmer, Senior Vice President, Technical Operations at Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf).
“The introduction of the six-speed automatic transmissions in the D-MAX 3,0-litre models in 2018 was extremely well received, and we are delighted to now offer automatic gearbox options on our popular D-MAX 250 models, from our trendy X-Rider model to the mid-level LE and the Hi-Ride, which is ideally suited to our commercial vehicle customers,” Rimmer said.
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| Dominic Rimmer |
He said the new five-speed automatic gearbox was developed to make the most of the frugal diesel use of Isuzu 2.5-litre intercooled turbodiesel in stop-start city traffic.
As with the five-speed manual derivatives, the D-MAX 250 Auto’s towing capacity is 2 100 kg for a braked trailer.
Value for artisans
For Witness Wheels, the entry-level D-MAX 250 Hi-Ride Auto extended cab offers the most value to artisans. Despite its entry-level status, the Hi-Ride is equipped with an impressive range of safety and security features that closely matches the X-Rider, but with more basic and durable trim finishes and 16-inch steel rims in line with its working role.
In the X-Rider, active safety features include ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist System (BAS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control, as well as Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC).
Occupant protection is provided by means of driver and passenger airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, side impact protection bars and a collapsible steering column. Remote-controlled central locking is standard, along with remote keyless entry, an anti-theft alarm system and transponder immobiliser. A Bluetooth-enabled audio system is provided, linked to six speakers.
Big discounts
The recommended retail prices for the D-Max 250 range start at R403 200 for the Extended Cab Hi-Ride Auto and top out at R474 700 for the double cab X-Rider.
Note the word “recommended”, as Isuzu dealers are well aware the other workhorse bakkie with auto shifters in South Africa — Mahindra’s robust Scorpio Pik Up — start at R312 499 and top out at R429 999.
This competition from India means big discounts for Isuzu’s loyal buyers.
All Isuzu D-Max models come standard with Isuzu Complete Care, comprising a five-year/120 000 km bumper-to-bumper warranty and Isuzu Roadside Assistance, a five-year/unlimited km anti-corrosion warranty and a five-year/90 000 km Service Plan. Service intervals are every 15 000 km/12 months. Extended cover can be purchased for Roadside Assistance, Service Plans and Maintenance Plans.
Built local
The new Isuzu D-MAX will be the seventh generation bakkie to come off the South African production line.
South Africa will initially serve as the main market for the next generation bakkies, but with growing volumes expected to be generated from the company’s Sub-Saharan Africa growth strategy.
Late last year Isuzu Motors Limited of Japan confirmed that the company would be investing R1,2 billion in the next generation bakkie programme in South Africa.
Dominic Rimmer, IMSAf Senior Vice President Technical Operations said the project launch team anticipate rolling the first units off the production line during the second half of next year, .
He added that extensive testing and development will be carried out.
“Our bakkies are locally engineered to meet the requirements of local and Sub-Saharan Africa markets, thus ensuring that our products maintain high quality standards, while retaining their reputation for reliability, capability and durability,” said Rimmer.
