Isuzu KB300 D-Teq
For many years now, the bakkie race has only really had two horses competing. The Hilux and the Isuzu KB. There have been many pretenders to the throne, many of them excellent products, but in the minds of real blokes, and that is all that has ever counted, it has remained a choice of two. Time tested and understood. This has not been a battleground fought on issues of Euro-NCAP stars, engine technology, performance or economy. It has been about which one is best to lean your elbow on while “kuiering” with the Manne. It has come down to reputation, bragging rights and looks. These aren’t issues the men have fickle opinions of, and they are pretty persistent points of view.
Along came the double cab, and with a tip of the hat to practicality, the battlefield seemed to alter. But it didn’t. Not really. There were still the two main protagonists. Nissan’s offerings have been class leading in terms of ruggedness and sheer brute force. Still the kings remained on their thrones. VW arrived on the scene with a ground breaking new offering, frugal engine, impressive looks and vast load area. The okes merely responded with: “Boet, let’s see if that engine lasts.” There it is really, it doesn’t matter at the heart how good the competitors are. Not until they prove themselves.
As for the KB300 4x4 double cab on test, it is a reasonably conservative offering. Nothing about it is ground-breaking, as one would expect, and its loyal buyers would insist. Where some of the pretenders to the throne are filled with clever packaging and fascinating bits of equipment, the Isuzu takes a more practical approach. Hardwearing plastics sourced seemingly from the same factories making the toys for McDonalds should last well. The interior feels upgraded, but hardly the executive cab of the VW. The ride in this test vehicle was good, not class leading, but very good. Absorbing big and little bumps well, and firm enough around the corners, but not the best tested. A previous Isuzu tested months ago was terrible though, perhaps from test abuse. The gearbox was also competent, but the 120kw and 360Nm engine felt the real deal. It pulled well throughout the rev range and had that bulletproof feeling. Service intervals are with the others at every 15,000km.
After a short stint of long distance cruising followed by a coastal off road trip, it felt competent and reliable. Off-road with the simple four wheel drive system and diff lock, it never disappointed. City driving was ok, with PDC fitted, my only let down really was the fact that there was almost no-where to hide a laptop or togbag out of sight. Under the seats, wasn’t a real option as even a compact laptop bag was left partially exposed, and there was almost no space behind the backseat for anything.
The car is due for replacement sometime next year. The clever money would go with the VW. Similar engine output spec, however the clever VW has more torque and is 20% quicker accelerating and uses 20% less fuel. Yet the stalwarts out there, you know who you are, will buy the Isuzu anyway. It has after all, proven itself.