Isuzu Motors South Africa has confirmed that five “key models” in the outgoing D-Max range will be retained and offered alongside the long-awaited new version of the Japanese bakkie…

So-called prolonged lifecycle models have a history of great success in South Africa. Volkswagen perfected the recipe with the much-loved Citi Golf and more recently the similarly popular Polo Vivo, while Toyota’s Corolla Quest remains a strong seller. And now Isuzu wants in on the “dual-product strategy” action.

Yes, the Japanese firm’s local division has announced plans to retain “a limited number of key models” from the outgoing D-Max range, which will be sold alongside the soon-to-launch seventh-generation version of the bakkie. Both the sixth- and seventh-generation D-Max will thus be assembled at Isuzu’s Gqeberha facility, which benefitted a R1.2-billion investment back in 2019.

The outgoing version of the bakkie has been renamed the D-Max Gen 6, with the line-up set to comprise five “competitively priced” workhorse models for South Africa, along with four for right-hand-drive export markets and three for left-hand-drive markets. All five models for the local market will feature a rear-wheel-drive configuration, while the majority of the export versions interestingly ship with 4×4.

While the new D-Max will be offered with the choice of a revised 3.0-litre turbodiesel mill or a smaller 1.9-litre oil-burner, the D-Max Gen 6 workhorse range will retain two old turbodiesel powertrain options. The basic 2.5-litre unit delivers 58 kW and 176 Nm (with a claimed fuel consumption of 7.9L/100 km), while the high-output version of the same displacement offers 100 kW and 320 Nm (at a claimed 7.6L/100 km in the case of the 5-speed manual and 8.1L/100 km in the case of the 5-speed automatic).

“Our strategy is to support Isuzu’s objectives by retaining Gen 6 models which have performed very well in the workhorse segment of the market. In addition to boosting our fleet business, we intend to increase LCV exports into key left- and right-hand-drive markets within the rest of Africa,” said Dominic Rimmer, Senior Vice President Technical Operations.

“Our customers rely on D-Max Gen 6’s long-standing reputation of reliability, durability and capability, backed by a vehicle with a 50-year history in this market. The D-Max is engineered for the best performance in our unique local conditions and these Gen 6 models remain a valuable proposition for fleet operators who place great importance on running costs and minimum down time,” Rimmer added.

How much does the Isuzu D-Max Gen 6 cost in South Africa?

All D-Max Gen 6 bakkies will come standard with a 5-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan, with intervals of 15 000 km or 12 months.

Isuzu D-Max Gen 6 250c Single Cab: R328 400

Isuzu D-Max Gen 6 250c Single Cab Fleetside: R354 900

Isuzu D-Max Gen 6 250 HO Single Cab Fleetside Safety: R380 500

Isuzu D-Max Gen 6 250 HO Double Cab Hi-Ride: R479 900

Isuzu D-Max Gen 6 250 HO Double Cab Hi-Ride AT: R500 000