The local bakkie market has received some added competition – Isuzu has just launched its latest KB.
The new KB is more aggressive in appearance thanks to its angled headlamps and large front bumper. The KB has also grown in overall dimensions. Its wheelbase is 45 mm longer (3 095 mm), resulting in a significantly larger cabin where especially rear passengers benefit from extra legroom.
New KB is available in Single, Extended and Double Cab body styles. Engines on offer include a 2,4-litre petrol with 112 kW and 233 N.m, a 58 kW 2,5-litre direct injection diesel that pushes out 170 N.m of torque, a 2,5-litre common-rail D-TEQ turbodiesel that delivers 85 kW and 280 N.m, as well as a 3,0-litre D-TEQ turbodiesel with 130 kW and 380 N.m. The only automatic model is the KB 300 D-TEQ 4×2 in top-line LX specification.
Customers have the option of Base, Fleetside, LE and LX specification levels. Depending on the model, some KBs come fitted with a double DIN radio/CD/MP3 player with aux/iPod plug-in and Bluetooth, remote central locking, anti-theft alarm, transponder immobiliser and automatic door locking, a folding rear seat, rear armrest, electrically assisted driver’s seat, remote audio controls and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Pricing
Single Cab Diesel
250 D-TEQ – R229 300
250 Fleetside D-TEQ – R242 700
250 Fleetside D-TEQ (Safety model) – R244 900
250 D-TEQ LE 4×4 – R315 700
250 D-TEQ LE – R274 800
300 D-TEQ LX – R311 700
300 D-TEQ LX 4×4 – R362 300
Single Cab Petrol
240 Base – R218 900
240 Fleetside – R233 700
240 Fleetside 4×4 – R258 500
240 LE – R253 200
Extended Cab Diesel
250 D-TEQ LE – R290 700
300 D-TEQ LX – R359 400
300 D-TEQ LX 4×4 – R412 300
Double Cab Diesel
250 D-TEQ LE – R363 200
250 D-TEQ LE 4×4 – R384 100
300 D-TEQ LX – R410 400
300 D-TEQ LX Auto – R423 400
300 D-TEQ LX 4×4 – R464 400
Double Cab Petrol
240 LE – R309 100
240 LE 4×4 – R380 200
The Isuzu KB comes with a five-year/90 000km service plan and a five-year/120 000 km warranty (except on Base models).