There are always a lot of variables South Africans are forced to deal with, from a Sassa card switch to US President Donald Trump teetering on the edge, and frankly we all deserve some dependability.
In terms of bakkies, Isuzu is among the top contenders for this title and while the double-cab Isuzu DMAX 1.9 LS model might not be the swankiest steed on the streets it really is all the bakkie one needs and at a competitive price to boot.
The variant’s functionality, frugality and reputation of reliability all contribute to its allure.
During a Time to Torque weeklong test, the LS proved itself to be a good daily companion from the moment the diesel engine roared to life in the morning, through rush-hour traffic, school drop-offs and running other errands averaging just 9.6l/100km and dropping to 9.2l on the freeway.
The vehicle was predominantly used for urban driving, loading bicycles, furniture and garden refuse, but it does not deviate from the brand’s hardworking mantra with a maximum braked trailer capacity of 3,100kg and a payload of 1,000kg.
While the seven-inch touchscreen infotainment is a little dated and arguably the biggest setback of the vehicle, the styling both inside and out is not.
The chiselled front end with LED daytime running headlights coupled with the 17-inch alloys and sleekly contoured bodyline make for a commanding presence, dramatically elevating the bakkie’s aesthetic from the previous generation and giving it an easy transition into more of a leisure lifestyle vehicle.
Inside, the set-up is simple, but it is functional with comfortable cloth seats providing good lumbar support and a leather-wrapped multifunctional steering wheel to hold onto.
The updated and elegantly blacked-out interior with silver accents, made from durable and good quality materials, has also upped the ante in terms of sophistication.
Minimal cabin noise during the drive coupled with multiple USB ports, Android Auto and Apple Car Play make the cabin a pleasant and spacious place to be seated in, with some old-school touches like a turn key ignition and pull-up handbrake.
The ride itself is a lot more refined than in previous generations, adding to its leisure lifestyle transformation, with its smooth shifting six-speed automatic transmission mated to the four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine easily extracting enough of the 110kW and 350Nm to provide sufficient power on demand.
Despite the vehicle weighing in at almost two tonnes and its bigger bakkie brothers — the LSE and flagship V-Cross models — boasting a 3l turbodiesel engine with 140kW and 450Nm, the LS does not feel clunky or heavy and handles the business of town driving and towing with ease.
It also houses a host of safety features including Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Electronic Stability Control with traction control, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Trailer Sway Control and Reverse Camera.
Overall, the LS is a capable and stylish daily runner which will fit in on site or at the seaside.
Its affordability, box-ticking creature comforts and ride quality make it a competent and competitive contender in the market.
And while the bakkie market is flooded with alternatives from the Far East, knowing that the Isuzu is produce in Gqeberha as well as tested, tuned and toughed up for Africa does afford one the assurance that it is built to last for the long haul and only requires a simple recipe of service, ride, repeat.
Plus because it is locally built forget about the 25% tariff.
The LS (which includes a six-speed manual option) variant pricing starts at R595,500 and comes with a five-year/90,000km service plan and a five-year/120,000km warranty and roadside assistance, with the option of extending the standard service plan up to a maximum of six years or 200,000km.
The Herald
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