An all-new, bigger Isuzu KB has been introduced and, locally produced with a specially developed engine, the new edition should endear itself to both the recreational and workhorse bakkie buyers.
An all-new, bigger Isuzu KB has been introduced and, locally produced with a specially developed engine, the new edition should endear itself to both the recreational and workhorse bakkie buyers.
Longer, wider and higher than before, the new generation Isuzu KB has endured gruelling quality testing to ensure it meets the expectations of a demanding South African consumer. The fifth-generation KB has a wider track and longer wheelbase than the model it replaces.
The new cab has a larger interior with more headroom, legroom and shoulder room. With its wider track, the cabin’s interior width on the base models has been increased by 35 mm and the LE and LX high-ride derivatives’ by 90 mm. Rear passengers in the double cab models will benefit from greater legroom too.
Bigger doors with wider opening angles make entering and exiting the roomier cabin easier. On the double cab, these improvements, along with a new seat design that frees up space at the bottom of the front seat backrest, allow greater levels of comfort for rear passengers.
The KB’s front end is dominated by a honeycombe-grille and large sweeping lights. Three versions of the grille are used to differentiate the model derivatives: chrome finish for the LX models, body coloured grille for the LE models and grey for the base models.
The overall styling is characterised by distinctive smooth lines and flush surfaces. On the inside, the revised instrument panel is functional and provides great ergonomics with the most frequently used gauges and controls being the most visible and easily accessible.
At the rear, the loadbox has been locally engineered for South African conditions in conjunction with the Isuzu Japan engineering team.
Improved features include load dividing wells with both horizontal and vertical divisions to help reduce load shift. For increased durability, the tailgate has four hinges, whereas the sheet metal thickness specified for the loadbox has been increased by 15 per cent.
Rather than being adapted from a single design, the single and double cab derivatives are fitted with individual loadbox designs. A new feature on double cab models is the centrally mounted tailgate release mechanism.
Since research conducted by GMSA has found that most double cabs are fitted with canopies at the customer request, exterior rope hooks have been excluded from all double cab variants. The single cab derivatives will maintain the exterior rope hooks and twin side mounted tailgate latches.
This new chassis design provides a longer wheelbase that is 25 mm longer than the previous model. A ‘high-ride’ chassis option is available on the base, LE and LX models for better ground clearance. Compared to its predecessor, both the front and rear overhangs have been reduced to give the 4X4 models in particular, greater off-road abilities.
The front axle assembly design has been improved with larger and more secure mounting points. Standard height model derivatives are fitted with an improved double wishbone coil spring front suspension with a stabiliser bar. High Ride models are fitted with a double wishbone torsion bar front suspension with a stabiliser bar.
The new Isuzu KB is fitted with progressive rate leaf springs at the rear for optimal balance between load carrying capability and handling when in an unladen condition. The rear suspension features three taper-leaf and two helper springs on base vehicles and four taper-leaf and one helper spring on High Ride models.
Rear springs are attached to the rear axle tube via a spreader plate that prevents the ‘U’ bolts from damaging the axle housing. The upper mountings of both rear dampers are angled to the rear of the vehicle for improved damping and insulation from stone damage.
For more on the new generation Isuzu KB click here.
The ladder type chassis of the New Generation Isuzu KB is designed to optimise safety. The placement of basic frame members and enlarged side panel members allow crash impact