A sat down and Q & A took place where the loved Isuzu D-MAX, South African bakkie, talked about who it is, where it comes from and the ins and outs.
Bakkie-driver: Isuzu D-Max was not always your name? a lot of South Africans still refer to you as the Isuzu KB.
Isuzu D-Max: Ah yes, the good old faithful Isuzu KB. Yes, Isuzu KB was my name but now I hail the Isuzu D-MAX
Bakkie-driver: If we backtrack from the D-MAX, to the KB, when did it all start for you in South Africa?
Isuzu D-MAX: It was the year 1978 that I made my debut in South Africa under the KB badge in Port Elizabeth where I’m still on the production line today.
Bakkie- driver: You’ve probably had a lot of milestones and highlights over the last 41 years?
Isuzu D-MAX: Well, Isuzu was the first to introduce a direct injection engine into the market, and in 1993 it was the first to introduce the much-loved double cab bakkies to the South African market. We also hold 15 local endurance records and we were also the first to feature rack, pinion steering, independent front suspension plus a true body and frame bakkie derived SUV.
Bakkie- driver: Has a lot changed over the last few decades for you?
Isuzu D-MAX: Oh yes, what started out as a 1.6-litre petrol engine or 2.0-litre diesel engine bakkie changed over 6 generations and now boasts the trusty 3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel, with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. And there is also, of course, the D-MAX 250.
Bakkie- driver: That is extensive indeed. And what about modern technology?
Isuzu D-MAX: We’ve embraced modern technology with all four wheels. Today you can connect the music from your phone straight to the bakkie, we have integrated navigation system, you can sync your mobile with the bakkie, answering a call with the touch of a button on the steering wheel, and let’s not forget the aerodynamic design and keyless entry.
Bakkie-driver: Sounds like you’re travelling along the lane of nostalgia?
Isuzu D-MAX: We’ve seen it all, the ups and the downs. We just live up to the promise of maximum durability, maximum reliability and maximum capability.
Bakkie-driver: That hits home, thank you. Any last words, Isuzu D-MAX?
XDIsuzu D-MAX: Yes, I was born ready, where are we going next?