Isuzu D-Max Manual and Auto Test Reviews

After the changes last year and Isuzu taking over the manufacturing plant in Port Elizabeth, the old faithful KB has received a welcome upgrade along with a name change to D-Max as used in other markets.
Exterior changes are minor with a far more aggressive frontal treatment and an upgraded and far more modern interior and fascia.
What is particularly noticeable however, are changes to the rear suspension, giving a far more relaxed and comfortable ride when cruising unladen. Considering the fact that most double cab bakkies have become default luxury family cars, this is very welcome.
Another change is the fitting of a 6 speed gearbox in both manual and automatic versions in place of the previous 5 speed versions. Both provide smooth driving and changes, and far more relaxed cruising. Personally, I have reached a stage where I do not want to drive manual vehicles in ANY traffic situations and although the manual is relatively light and easy to operate (especially for such a large vehicle), I requested the automatic immediately after testing the manual.
Testimony to the efficiency of modern automatics is the fact that the auto actually returned slightly better fuel economy over the period of a week that I had each vehicle.
Although the cab provides most of the luxuries that you would associate with a modern luxury car, the D-Max does'nt seem to have lost any of the legendary toughness of its forefathers and its easy to see why the Isuzu is so beloved by farmers in SA.
Both versions use the familiar 3L 4 cylinder diesel motor giving 130kW and 380Nm and 4x4 drivetrains.
The manual is priced at R600 700 and the auto at R615 500 for the top spec LX versions. A 5 year/ 90 000km service plan is included.
#Isuzu
#IsuzuD-Max
#DoubleCabBakkies

[@adamsherriff8089]

Brilliant reviewer. Thanks

[@MotorMatters]

Thanks for watching!

[@borneoagathis5920]

Is it a lot of difference compared to the 2.5KB that you reviewed not so long ago?

[@cikgug-han775]

which one is better. manual or auto..

[@TypeZA]

Is the auto or the manual better? Power wise that is. I know they have the same power figures, but an auto normally robs an engine of some power. Does the manual feel more powerful?

[@MotorMatters]

Personally I preferred the auto. Much easier to drive around town. Also interesting to note that the average consumption of the auto was better than the manual in overall usage

[@justinstone1371]

@@MotorMatters boi stop. Manual wayy better.

[@masonwabefuzani8274]

@@justinstone1371 with the speed humps and traffic circles totally disagree