Isuzu Confirms Old Faithful Gen 6 Continues Alongside All New D-Max
While South Africa patiently anticipates the all-new Isuzu D-Max, it did not surprise us as much it did some. The old model will continue as a high value option on both the South African and in other African markets. Isuzu Motors South Africa today confirmed that it will be implementing a dual product strategy. It will retain a limited number of key current model Isuzu D-Max variants, on the threshold of the arrival of its long awaited next, seventh generation D-Max.
GEN 6 CONTINUES ASIDE NEW D-MAX
Both sixth and seventh generation D-Max models will be manufactured at Isuzu’s Struandale, Gqeberha plant, alongside Isuzu trucks. “Our strategy to support Isuzu’s objectives, will see us retaining variants of our faithful sixth generation D-Max, which have performed very well in the workhorse segment,” Isuzu technical supremo Dominic Rimmer pointed out. “We will also boost our fleet business, and increase exports into key left and right-hand drive markets in the rest of Africa.”
Now known as Gen 6, the current sixth generation D-Max will be continue in a competitively priced five model range in South Africa, with African markets also getting a range of Gen 6 D-Maxes. Gen 6 buyers will benefit ten years of continuous South African and international Isuzu engineering and manufacturing improvements to the bakkie through its lifecycle.“Our customers rely on D-Max Gen 6’s long-standing reputation of reliability, durability, and capability, backed by a vehicle with a 50-year history in this market,” Rimmer added.
“The D-MAX is engineered for best performance in our unique local conditions, and these Gen 6 models will remain a most valuable proposition for fleet operators who place great importance on running costs and minimum down time.”
TWO ENGINES, RUGGED DRIVETRAINS
Gen 6 continues with two current diesel engines in Isuzu’s proven drivetrains. The 58 kW 176 Nm 2.5-litre LEED engine delivers 7.9 litres per 100 km and 208 g/km with CO2 emissions. The 100 kW 320 Nm high output version offers increased performance and even better fuel consumption at 7.6 l/100 km and 199 g/km CO2 for the 5-speed manual, and 8.1 l/100 km and 214 g/km for the 5-speed auto.
Isuzu is committed to providing its customers with exceptional ownership peace of mind. Accordingly, All D-Max Gen 6s come with a five-year 120,000 km bumper-to-tailgate warranty and Isuzu Roadside Assistance. A five-year/unlimited distance anti-corrosion warranty and a five-year/90 000km Service Plan. Service intervals are every 15 000km or 12 months intervals. Extended Roadside Assistance, Service and Maintenance Plan options are available through Isuzu Mobility.
So, the faithful D-Max will continue in South Africa in a five-model Gen 6 range after all. Starting with the R328K Gen 6 250c Single Cab Standard, there’s also a R354K Fleetside. And the R380K D-MAX 250 HO Single Cab Fleetside, which will also goes into Africa as a base 4×2 model. Add the Gen 6 250 HO Double Cab manual at R479K and the R500K for the auto. Africa will get Gen 6 250 HO in 4X4 in Single and Double Cab Standard and Double Cab Mid spec. In both right and left hand drive, depending on the market.
A DAMN GOOD VALUE PROPOSITION
All in all, that’s a damn good value for money proposition. However you intend to use your Gen 6 D-Max. Now, with that out of the way, the all new one beckons. Bring it on!
