Isuzu KB: Perfect for Off-Roading

Anco BaardIt‘s that time of the year again. Hordes of Namibians flock to the coast to soak up the sun and frolic on the beaches. A big part of the coastal appeal is obviously playing around in the dunes, and what better way than with a brand new 4×4?

But the market is fiercely contested. There‘s the new Hilux, Triton, the ever-popular Amarok, a brand new Ford Ranger and the legendary Isuzu KB series, amongst others.

The new generation of pick-ups have done away with the angular body panels in favour of more rounded, refined looks. Isuzu have pulled this look off perfectly with the new KB. It‘s larger than the previous generation and considerably so. The styling is well-proportioned as the wedge-shaped profile imparts a muscular and sporty expression while at the same time providing a distinct aerodynamic advantage.

The rear of the new Isuzu KB is defined by bold new lamp clusters which provide bright and clear rear-end lighting. The light clusters flow through to the sides of the load box for side-on visibility. The restyled bumper rounds off the rear view of the new KB. On the top specification LX variants, this incorporates a wide, non-slip upper surface and is with chrome highlights.

Park Distance Control is incorporated in the rear bumper on LX models and is offered as an option on LE specification models. Pick-ups rarely look good, but with the new generation, things seem to be changing. Manufacturers strive to give their version their own unique flair and Isuzu have pulled this off perfectly.

Inside, there‘s more space thanks to the added girth; 5% extra over the previous model to be exact. 260mm longer, 60mm wider and 60mm taller. More room available under the dash and an increase of 10mm in shoulder room give the KB an airy feel while the head room has also improved significantly.

Double Cab models offer more space for rear seat occupants. The wider and longer cab provides for an increase of 495mm between the rear door opening and the rear seat occupant‘s hip-point for easier entry and exit. The interior feels rich and designed with purpose. It offers an ambience rarely achieved in pick-ups to give the KB a road car feel.

The top engine in the new Isuzu KB range is the advanced 3.0 litre D-TEQ engine that is offered on LX specification models. This engine benefits from an upgrade for the latest KB and now has maximum power of 130 kW – up by 10 kW – with 380 Nm of torque, as well as an improved five-speed transmission.

The motor revs cleanly and torque is available from fairly low down making overtaking, city driving and towing a pleasure with this diesel lump.

The longer chassis provides for better road holding with minimal body roll evident, a pleasure in a vehicle that should, by all terms and ways, be top heavy. Grip is good, but tyre chirps from the rear when the load bin is empty are evident in hard cornering.

The KB range is available in both 4×2 and 4×4 variants with the 4×2 models getting difflock while the 4×4 gets low range. So if you‘re serious about off-roading, the 4×4 version, with improved suspension setup, will suit your tastes.

It remains to be seen how the new Hilux will perform in this segment, but by all accounts it appears that the KB is a worthy contender in this market. The KB is a fantastic pick-up that offers great styling, fantastic road holding and that legendary D-Teq motor that is such a pleasure to drive. A great vehicle for your leisure time at the coast and back at home on the curbs.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.