Walvis Bay, Namibia – We head into the Namib desert to sample Isuzu’s updated KB range and figure out just where it currently fits into the local bakkie market.
What’s new?
To be honest, this is only a slight facelift. Cosmetically, the KB’s front bumper, grille and headlamps have been tweaked, along with a number of elements at the rear. Isuzu has also paid some attention to the rear suspension, with several mechanical alterations that enable the bakkie to cover bumpy gravel and tarmac roads better than before, without affecting its handling capability.
On the road
The launch took place in and around the dunes surrounding Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. The Isuzu KB has always been known for its good ride quality, and this has not changed. After all, the company did a lot of local homologation and development for this bakkie before the sixth generation was launched here. On smooth gravel roads, at speeds of up to 110 km/h, the KB felt planted and I was impressed with how the suspension kept body roll under good control at speed.
No changes have been made to the engines, so the 4JJ1-TC Hi 3,0-litre, four-cylinder powerplant continues to develop a solid 130 kW and 380 N.m. Still coupled to a five-speed gearbox, you rarely find yourself outside the torque band. Even though the maximum torque is only delivered from 1 800 r/min, the powerplant’s flexibility means that you can easily potter around with the rev needle sitting at a low 1 500 r/min.
In the dunes
With the tyres deflated to a more sand traction-friendly 0,8 bar, we were ready to head into the dunes. It was immediately clear that the early morning’s low temperatures and moisture in the air helped to knit the normally loose sand into a grippier surface, so our first sand driving section was negotiated with little fuss.
However, as the temperatures increased, the sand got looser and thicker, quickly requiring a change in driving style to make sure you don’t end up digging yourself in. Keep the revs around 3 000 r/min, and the KB will conquer most medium-sized climbs. Fortunately, this also leaves you with just over 1 000 r/min to play with should you need it to climb that last bit over the crest, or when your pull away distance before a dune doesn’t allow you a long run-up.
The transfer case settings are selected by turning a knob situated between the front seats. The switch from 2H (rear-wheel drive, high range) to 4H (four-wheel drive, high range) can be executed while driving at speeds of up to 100 km/h. However, the moment you hit the sand, it is best to select 4H and deactivate the traction and stability control. As long as you maintain your momentum, and make sure you stop, and preferably reverse, when the bakkie starts to dig the wheels into the sand, the option of 4L (four-wheel drive, low range) is always available.
Petrols engines are usually the best option for for ultimate dune driving. However, a combination of measured driving and making the most of the turbodiesel’s power and torque, saw the KB make short work of most that challenges thrown its way.
Summary
Although some of its competitors may be more refined on a number of levels as daily drivers, the KB is as durable and reliable as ever. This top-specification model also comes equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system which includes a built-in TomTom navigation system – perfect for longer journeys or holidays. That said, competition is extremely fierce in this segment, and so is the pricing, with all of the three locally-built double-cab bakkies, the KB, Ranger and Hilux, only separated by around R15 000.
