Isuzu Motors South Africa (Isuzu) has refreshed its bakkie range, giving it a new name along with higher levels of specification, quality and efficiency to make its popular light commercial vehicle (LCV) more appealing than ever.
Over the past 40 years of local production spanning six generations, the Isuzu bakkie has been a key player in creating and fostering South Africa’s love affair with the versatile bakkie – both as a workhorse and, increasingly, as an all-encompassing everyday leisure and lifestyle vehicle.

Now known as the Isuzu D-MAX, in line with international markets, the Isuzu bakkie range spans an extensive portfolio comprising of 30 models for South Africa and 13 models for export markets, with the top-spec derivatives gaining a more luxurious execution that reflects the more sophisticated requirements of top-end buyers in this segment.
Visually, the biggest styling changes for the refreshed Isuzu D-MAX make their debut on the range-topping 3.0-Litre LX models, available in single, extended and double cab body styles. Central to the new look is a muscular new chromed radiator grille that dominates the front facia, along with new tapered chromed accents extending across the full length of the sleeker L-shaped headlight clusters.
In combination with the new projector-type Bi-LED headlamps and LED daytime running lights introduced on the extended and double cab models, there are restyled foglamp bezels framed by chromed vertical accents that give the LX a distinctive and aggressive character.
One of the most significant new features of the 2018 Isuzu D-MAX range is the introduction of an all-new six-speed gearbox on the high-spec 3.0-Litre LX derivatives, replacing the five-speed versions used on the outgoing models.
The six-speed manual benefits from optimised gear ratios and an improved shift action, and makes the most of the strong torque delivery and superb fuel economy of Isuzu’s dependable 3.0-Litre four-cylinder intercooled turbodiesel engine, which produces 130 kW of power and 380 Nm of torque.
On the safety front, the ABS brakes on all D-MAX LX models are now equipped with Isuzu’s Brake Override System (BOS) for the first time. The system restricts accelerator input if the brake pedal is applied simultaneously, thereby reducing stopping distances in an emergency.
The standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control has also been bolstered with the addition of Trailer Sway Control (TSC) that detects and minimises the effect of a trailer or caravan beginning to sway from side-to-side. The Hi-Rider and LE models can be equipped with an optional towbar package rated to tow a braked trailer up to a maximum load of 2.1 tons, while the standard heavy-duty unit on the 3.0-Litre 4X4 LX derivatives comes standard and is capable of hauling 3.5 tons.
As before, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC) are included to assist the driver in all types of driving situations. These active safety features are available as a standard feature from the Fleetside Safety to the LX trim.
Model Line-up and Pricing
ISUZU DMAX DIESEL | PRICING |
---|---|
SINGLE CAB | |
D-MAX 250C SINGLE CAB BASE | R 256 100,00 |
D-MAX 250C CHASSIS CAB BASE | R 246 200,00 |
D-MAX 250CDROPSIDE BASE | R 284 800.00 |
D-MAX 250C SINGLE CAB FLEETSIDE | R 280 000,00 |
D-MAX 250C CHASSIS CAB FLEETSIDE | R 270 200,00 |
D-MAX 250C DROPSIDE FLEETSIDE | R 308 700.00 |
D-MAX 250 HO SINGLE CAB FLEETSIDE | R 299 900,00 |
D-MAX 250 HO CHASSIS CAB FLEETSIDE | R 290 000,00 |
D-MAX 250 HO DROPSIDE FLEETSIDE | R 328 600,00 |
D-MAX 250 HO SINGLE CAB FLEETSIDE (Safety) | R 310 500,00 |
D-MAX 250 HO CHASSIS CAB FLEETSIDE (Safety) | R 300 600.00 |
D-MAX 250 HO DROPSIDE (Safety) w/ESC | R 339 200.00 |
D-MAX 250 HO SINGLE CAB LE | R 353 500,00 |
D-MAX 250 HO 4X4 SINGLE CAB HI-RIDER | R 399 600,00 |
D-MAX 300 SINGLE CAB LX – 6-SPEED MANUAL | R 413 800,00 |
D-MAX 300 4X4 SINGLE CAB LX – 6-SPEED MANUAL | R 477 900,00 |
EXTENDED CAB | |
D-MAX 250 HO EXTENDED CAB HI-RIDER | R 358 000,00 |
D-MAX 300 EXTENDED CAB LX – 6-SPEED MANUAL | R 450 700,00 |
D-MAX 300 EXTENDED CAB LX – 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC | R 465 200,00 |
D-MAX 300 4X4 EXTENDED CAB LX – 6-SPEED MANUAL | R 513 700,00 |
DOUBLE CAB | |
D-MAX 250 HO DOUBLE CAB BASE | R 332 500,00 |
D-MAX 250 HO DOUBLE CAB HI-RIDER | R 387 800,00 |
D-MAX 250 HO DOUBLE CAB LE | R 437 200,00 |
D-MAX 250 HO 4X4 DOUBLE CAB HI-RIDER | R 435 500,00 |
D-MAX 300 DOUBLE CAB LX – 6-SPEED MANUAL | R 522 100,00 |
D-MAX 300 DOUBLE CAB LX – 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC | R 537 100,00 |
D-MAX 300 4X4 DOUBLE CAB LX – 6-SPEED MANUAL | R 591 800,00 |
D-MAX 300 4X4 DOUBLE CAB LX – 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC | R 606 400,00 |
D-MAX 250 HO DOUBLE CAB X-RIDER | R 424 400,00 |
D-MAX 250 HO 4X4 DOUBLE CAB X-RIDER | R 472 500,00 |