Isuzu KB Launch Namibia

Namibia; located in southwest Africa, is a country of great landscapes. A place where huge sandy hills called “dunes” stretch along the coast for miles, a relatively desolate place filled with natural beauty and minimal people.

Isuzu South Africa thought this would be a perfect place to test out their all new KB, and I tended to agree. In our November (Edition 06) of our digital magazine, we will have a full feature of the whole trip. For now, though I’m here to tell you about the updates to the new Isuzu KB.

Updates

All the upgrades for this model come in the form of visuals, there are no drivetrain changes in any models of the new KB range.  The front end of the KB has received the most work with a redesigned front bonnet, radiator grill, and front fog lamps. The eyes of the KB have also been upgraded and now feature projector headlamps and LED daytime running lights.

The rear of this vehicle received slight changes with a newly designed rear tailgate and  the integration of a rear parking camera in the handle, which is only available on double cab LX Models. To finish of the exterior changes, Isuzu has supplied all models with newly designed alloy wheels, 18” inch on the LX Models and 16” on all other variants. Though only small, these changes do give the KB a fresh look and slightly more aggressive appeal, which every 4 x 4 should have.

There are two changes inside the cabin of the KB, with the main change being a new instrument cluster, which even has a little gearshift indicator to help keep the planet green. The second change comes in the form of roof mounted rear speakers to increase audio and volume inside the cabin.

Driving

On launch we had the KB 300 LX models in manual and auto, this specific KB produces 130kw and 380nm of torque. I  enjoyed cruising on the road and sand; it had plenty of power and performance when tackling challenging terrain and a surprisingly comfy ride on rough road. Most likely due to the revised rear suspension changes on the 4×4 models. (4 X 2 models received revised changes to the front and rear suspension setups.)  The interior in KB is pleasant; I would not describe it as anything more to be honest. Don’t expect Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger levels of luxury; this vehicle appeals to me as more of a work/adventure 4×4, rather than a take your kids to school kind of 4×4 and maybe drive in some mud every 6 months. A massive benefit though is that the LX models come with Sat-Nav, even if it is a bit finicky to operate and has a terribly annoying speed warning system which ended up in us shouting at the screen. Turn the Sat-Nav off, and the warning stops, thankfully.

We had been told that off-road driving is all about the driver and not the vehicle. Even still, you can’t take a front wheel drive hatchback through those dunes, and the KB  proved itself out in the sand; All modes were easy to operate and switching to 4×4 from 4×2 can be done at up to 110kph. Switching to 4×4 low range needs to be done with the vehicle at a stop, which is usually the standard process on all vehicles.  It was a fantastic trip with lots learned and great memories made.  As previously mentioned, we will have a full feature on the journey in Edition 06 of our digital magazine, which you can subscribe to below.

Subscribe to our digital magazine here.

Models

KB 250 BASE SINGLE CAB (LEED) – R 235 000

KB 250 FLEETSIDE SINGLE CAB (LEED) – R 258 800

KB 250 FLEETSIDE (SAFETY) – R 285 600

KB 250 SINGLE CAB LE – R 334 500

KB 250 4X4 SINGLE CAB LE – R 386 800

KB 300 4X4 SINGLE CAB LX – R442 800

Extended Cab

KB 250 EXTENDED CAB HI-RIDER – R 337 400

KB 300 EXTENDED CAB LX – R 414 000

KB 300 EXTENDED CAB LX (AUTO) – R 427 900

KB 300 4X4 EXTENDED CAB LX – R 474 400

Double Cab

KB 250 DOUBLE CAB HI-RIDER – R 351 300

KB 250 DOUBLE CAB LE – R 435 200

KB 250 Double Cab LE – R 457 400

KB 300 Double Cab LX – R 384 200

KB 300 Double Cab LX (Cloth) – R 486 900

KB 300 Double Cab LX (Auto) (Cloth) – R 501 200

KB 300 4×4 Double Cab LX – R 549 800

KB 300 4×4 Double Cab LX (Auto) – R 563 500