General Motors SA has announced the establishing of an academy to learn the intricacies off-roading for its Isuzu customers as well as potential purchasers. The academy is based at Gerotec testing rounds near Pretoria but will accommodate participants in all the major cities as well. As workhorses for this training, the very capable Isuzu KB250 and KB300 D-Teq bakkies will be used. Partners in this venture include Driving Dynamics, Continental tyres, Bandit Signs and GMSA Financial Services.
The course layout was experienced by a group of motoring journalists on a farm course near George under the lead of Grant McCleary of Driving Dynamics. The one day course will include training in the use of two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, high and low range, diff lock capabilities and water, mud, sand and rock traversing will be part of the experience as well as lessons on how to recover a vehicle that has got itself stuck. This is a very important module that most people neglect but the fact is that if you go off-road, at some stage you will need to recover someone or be recovered yourself, as Grant correctly pointed out. The other thing is that it is a serious operation and potentially dangerous. For example, one should open the bonnet of the car being recovered before giving the go-ahead to take up the slack and pull. Why? Because, if something breaks it could fly backwards and smash the windscreen and perhaps the driver’s face as well. If the bonnet is in the path, rather let it take the punishment.
Another feature that we put to good use was the rear diff lock. On one spot of the course we got stuck and a mere push of the button engaged the pneumatic diff-lock and immediately we were on our way again. Another surprising aspect was the level of grip achieved from the Continental WorldContact 4×4 tyres. These are not heavily endowed with chunky knobs of rubber and provided a great and very quiet ride at 120 km/h on the tar, so proved an excellent balance between capability in the mud and steep inclines and on-road use.
As part of the package, each participant will receive a branded hat, pen, shoulder bag and a driving guide booklet. Additionally, relevant info on the academy and partners Continental tyres and a certificate of completion.
The cost of the full day course is a very reasonable R2 000 although the first 500 customers will receive a subsidy of R1 000. Take a look at the Isuzu Off-Road Academy section on the company’s website for further information and contact details on the Off-Road Acadamy.