If you’re like me and you’re fairly new to dune driving, the idea of heading off into the Namib desert to conquer some of the biggest dunes in the world is pretty exciting (and just a bit intimidating at first).
Armed with Isuzu’s facelifted version of the KB (and a group of extremely patient and experienced instructors) we left the Walvis Bay airport and headed towards Swakopmund for our off-roading adventure. Here, we were briefed about the day ahead and had the opportunity to note some key changes to the 2016 KB:
- New front fascia design including changes to bonnet, radiator grille and fog lamps
- New headlamps with projector and integrated LED day time running lights on LX models
- New tailgate styling on extended and double cab models.
- Rearview camera integrated to tailgate handle on LX double cab models
- 4×4 decal on load box
- LX models get stylish new 18 inch alloy wheels
- New 16 inch styled wheel for rest of the range
- New instrument cluster design with improved functionality and gear shift indicator for manual models.
Also read: Car reveiw: Isuzu KB
More from the great dunes of Namibia with the @isuzusa KB and @cairaleed #madefromreal #isuzuKB pic.twitter.com/eBBb1p6NVD
-” Women On Wheels (@WomenWheels) September 29, 2016
While listening to the advice given by the off-road instructors, there were a couple of important things mentioned that certainly made sense once we were behind the wheel and getting used to the new terrain.
Driving in soft sand
When you’re driving with about 12 other vehicles for two days through vast quantities of soft sand, getting stuck is inevitable. As much as no one likes to be ‘that person’ anyone who says they’ve never gotten stuck while dune driving in this particular desert, hasn’t had the full experience and is probably lying.
Getting stuck teaches you what not to do and gives you quite an education into the laws of physics. I lost count of the amount of times we were told to maintain momentum, but it really is key to not get bogged in the soft sand.
Barring the times we actually did get stuck there were moments when we were almost certain we’d stall from not giving enough “power power power” up the larger dunes. We were very impressed with the KB’s ability to carry us up, even if the gear we were in was too high. It’s that last little climb at the top of a dune that’s most important and my driving buddy and I had to laugh every time it felt like we were coming to a complete stop just before reaching the top. Close one!
Lowering the tyre pressure to gain traction comes with an important consideration to maintain absolute caution when taking corners, so that you don’t end up pulling the tyres off their rims.
Never stop on a sand dune unless absolutely necessary and when it is safe to do so. We soon learnt that it was far more sensible to park on downhill slopes or to to let the vehicle coast to a stop on its own. Yes, you can get stuck before even taking off if the sand is soft enough and if your vehicle hasn’t been parked correctly.
If you’re driving a manual (brave), careful gear selection takes practice but once you’re more familiar with the capabilities of each gear, anticipating your next move becomes easier. Selecting low range gears is key to maintaining momentum.
When driving on sand you should stick to the tracks of the vehicle ahead of you as its more compressed and has a firmer surface. It also means that the route it follows has been tried and trusted so you won’t have to find your own way into the unknown.
Keeping your wheels straight when taking off or driving up or down dunes prevents you from tipping, getting bogged and pulling the rims off your tyres. If you lose momentum and get stuck before reaching the top of the dune it’s better to select reverse, gently accelerate as far back along the tracks as possible and start again.
More about the Isuzu KB
“The new KB looks a lot sleeker and streamlines with a new instrumentation cluster design, improved sound system while maintaining all the key Isuzu characteristics we have come to love. In addition to the new look, 3 litre 4×4 LX Double Cab customers will benefit from additional value as these models now come standard with a towbar, sportsbar, roofrails and power adjustable leather seats,” says Brian Olson, Vice President of Vehicle Sales, Service, and Marketing General Motors Sub-Saharan Africa.
Engine: The new range continues with the 2.5 and 3.0 litre diesel engines.
Power: 3.0-litre DTEQ turbocharged diesel with 130kW and 380Nm from the common rail direct injection turbodiesel
Fuel Consumption: 4×4 double cab and extended models: 7.9 litres per 100 km
4×2 versions: 7.7 litres per 100 km
Price:
