Isuzu’s history of producing bakkies in South Africa spans more than four decades (45 years, to be specific), with the first Isuzu-badged product, a KB (as the D-Max was previously known), rolling off the Japanese automaker’s Kempston Road assembly line, Gqeberha in 1979. Paying tribute to its legacy of manufacturing bakkies locally, Isuzu Motors SA has introduced to its D-Max portfolio a brand-new, limited-edition model, which, rather appropriately, is dubbed the D-Max 45.
Said Kevin Fouche, Department Executive of Product Planning and Programme Management at Isuzu Motors SA, “The limited-edition D-Max 45 celebrates this proud heritage with unique features, colour options and accessories that will make it a highly sought-after offering in the Isuzu D-Max range.”
So, what “unique” features, colour options and accessories distinguish the D-Max 45 from not only the variant it is based on (we’ll get to that in a few), but, of course, the other D-Max derivatives currently available in SA? Well, the special edition features a gloss black front grille and 18-inch alloy wheels, replete with “distinctive” silver centre caps, finished in the same hue. A black “Isuzu” decal and a 45-year commemorative badge can be found at the rear.
The package further includes a tailgate-assist feature (to allow easy access to the load bed, which, on the D-Max 45, features a spray-on liner as standard). In addition, a Rhinoman X-pedition canopy is standard fitment on this limited-edition double cab. The D-Max 45 is offered with the choice of five “attractive” body hues. The latter includes Desert Orange (seen on the model featured here), Biarritz Blue, Islay Grey, Mercury Silver, and Splash White.
The interior features partial-leather trim for the seats, “durable” Bundu Basher rubber floor mats, and, on the tech front, an Apple CarPlay/Android Auto-enabled, 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a wireless charging bay for your smartphone.
So, on what model is the D-Max 45 based? In short, the 3.0-litre, 4×4 D-Max LSE. As a reminder, this derivative’s four-cylinder oil-burner churns out 140 kW and 450 N.m of torque. The D-Max 45 is priced at R906 100.