I am sure you are aware of the popular adage that Africa is not for the faint of heart or the weak.
This is particularly true in the automotive sector, and there are very few vehicle brands that can effortlessly traverse the harsh African landscape as easily as the legendary Isuzu.
Now travelling the harsh Namibian environment, which is comprised of rough roads and gruelling temperatures, ranging from freezing to sizzling, has gotten even easier and more comfortable with the introduction of Isuzu’s much-anticipated generation seven D-Max series.
Auas Motors last week pulled out all the stops to introduce the new D-Max series of this iconic Japanese brand with strong local roots. Hosting the local automotive media at a spectacular launch event in the breath-taking Moon Valley in the Erongo region, Auas Motors showed why there is no question the Isuzu range of vehicles has earned a justifiable reputation of being reliable workhorses.
The new range of Isuzu D-Max vehicles is still as reliable as their predecessors – but thanks to some innovative and cutting-edge upgrades that offer more outstanding comfort and an exceptional driving experience.
The new D-Max series includes the popular Isuzu bakkies range, which consists of the single cab, extended cab and double cab, and the striking sports utility vehicle, the increasingly popular mu-X.
At a first glance from the intimidating front view, the most notable design changes in the new range are pretty evident, as the headlights are slimmer and more angular – and now include Bi-LED projector headlights and LED daytime running lights.
At the rear, the tail light cluster is comprised of new LED tail lights and an integrated LED high-mount brake light has also been installed.
Also, an integrated two-step rear bumper has seamlessly been incorporated to highlight the D-Max’s sleek new lines.
On the bakkie side, the V-Cross is the range-topping model that features a slightly different grille to set it apart from the rest of the range, and its stance is more aggressive with a hooped sports bar and flared fenders.
On the sides, the V-Cross’ door handles, roof rails and mirror caps are covered in striking gun-metallic paint.
In the interior, the D-Max V-Cross sports a brand new 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and the cabin is topped off with standard features, such as leather seats with eight-way power adjustments, and dual-zone air conditioning and eight airbags for increased driver and passenger safety.
The new Isuzu D-Max range’s sophisticated appearance has been further enhanced with minimised panel gaps between the doors, cabin and cargo box.
The new range is also larger and more spacious than ever before, except for the roofline, which is 10mm lower.
Meanwhile, the designers added an additional 15mm and 30mm in the bonnet and load area, and the wheelbase has been lengthened by 30mm.
Passengers will appreciate the longer rear doors on the double cab models as well as the B-pillar, which has been moved 25mm forward to access passengers in the rear.
At last week’s launch, Auas Motors staff pointed out the load box has been redesigned for additional loading space and capacity. In this regard, the load bed floor is 15mm longer and 30mm deeper for the box sides, and the tailgate is 1 530mm wide to make loading wider objects more convenient.
Speaking to Woema on the sidelines of the D-Max launch, Auas Motors’ Wilhelm Rademeyer said: “We have added state-of-the-art technology for better safety and security, such as follow-me-home lights, walk away door lock, adaptive cruise control and a tyre pressure monitoring system”.
Rademeyer added new features include an Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS), which gives you better control when driving and the flexibility to adjust or switch the system off.
IDAS functions through a windshield-mounted stereo camera that monitors the road ahead, and it can detect and recognise other vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, obstacles, lane markings and illustrations, amongst others. Also, vehicle occupants can stay connected via the multi-information display on the infotainment system, which incorporates Apple Carplay, Android Auto as well as Wifi.
According to Rademeyer, the price range for the new D-Max single cab starts from N$395 629, the extended cab starts from N$426 571, and the double cab from N$486 565 and the mu-X starts from N$683 137.
All prices include Value Added Tax.
The new D-max series also includes features such as climate control, electric power steering, tilt and telescopic steering. Additional features such as automatic levelling headlamps and automatic wipers make for enhanced comfort and a totally better driving experience.
– ebrandt@nepc.com.na