By: IOL Motoring Staff
Isuzu has given its KB range a good fine-tuning, with new derivatives added to the range, additional features on some existing models and a more powerful 2.5-litre diesel engine.
At the top of the pecking order is a new five-speed automatic version of the KB300 LX 4x4 Double Cab, with fuel-saving idle-stop, while the entire LX Double Cab family gains a touch-screen infotainment system with satnav and reverse camera.
As with its flagship-spec LX counterparts, this model is powered by the familiar 3-litre turbodiesel engine that pushes 130kW at 3600rpm and 380Nm from 1800rpm.
The lower to middle end of the range, covering Fleetside and LE grades, gains a more powerful version of Isuzu's 2.5-litre DTEQ turbodiesel, good for 100kW at 3600rpm and 320Nm from 1800rpm, up from 85kW/280Nm.
The KB250 DTEQ Fleetside model has also expanded into a proper family of body styles, with Extended Cab and Double Cab versions joining the range.
The two most basic Single Cab models soldier on with Isuzu's old-fashioned but well-proven 2.5-litre LEED turbodiesel, with 58kW and 170Nm.
Numerous models across the range gain extra features.
Cruise control and a leather-clad steering wheel can now be found in LE Double Cab variants, while all LE and LX models get a new cloth trim design. Even the base models are in on the action with height-adjustable steering now (finally) fitted as standard and by the end of this year all but the two base models will have electronic stability control as standard. We salute Isuzu for offering this safety feature across most of the range, but the lack of ABS braking on the two base versions is still a shockingly dangerous omission, no double aimed at appeasing penny-pinching fleet companies, although some of its rivals are guilty of this too, to be fair.
PRICES
SINGLE CAB
KB 250 Leed 4x2 - R219 400
KB 250 Leed F/S 4x2 - R241 500
KB 250 D-TEQ F/S (SAFETY) 4x2 - R270 600
KB 250 D-TEQ LE 4x2 - R307 600
KB 250 D-TEQ LE 4x4 - R357 400
KB 300 D-TEQ LX 4x2 - R355 700
KB 300 D-TEQ LX 4x4 - R410 000
EXTENDED CAB
KB 250 D-TEQ F/S 4x2 - R317 000
KB 300 D-TEQ LX 4x2 - R394 200
KB 300 D-TEQ LX 4x4 - R451 800
KB 300 D-TEQ LX 4x2 AT - R407 500
DOUBLE CAB
KB 250 D-TEQ F/S 4x2 - R325 700
KB 250 D-TEQ LE 4x2 - R406 200
KB 250 D-TEQ LE 4x4 - R429 100
KB 300 D-TEQ LX 4x2 - R463 700
KB 300 D-TEQ LX 4x2 AT - R474 900
KB 300 D-TEQ LX 4x4 - R523 600
KB 300 D-TEQ LX 4x4 AT - R529 700
All KB models come with a five-year/120 000km warranty and five-year/90 000km service plan.