New Isuzu scores in the glamour stakes

Prospective buyers can choose from four specification levels.

To make the choice even more difficult the new Isuzu has moved closer to Amarok and Ranger which have set the pace with their combination of rugged tough-guy abilities, sexier looks (both inside and out) and car-like ride.

The 21 new KB's now boast with impressive living quarters, which are almost identical to that of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, and feels just as spacious. Welcome new improvements include a wide-opening rear door, a larger load-box and stronger hauling powers.

Ride improvement, particularly on corrugated gravel roads, is immediately noticeable, and is the result of replacing the previous-generation torsion beam with coil springs. The rear suspension, although still leaf-spring, also feels less jumpy than the 5th generation KB's, even when not carrying a load.

From workhorse to WOW!

Prospective buyers can choose from four specification levels, from fairly workhorse basic versions to classy LE and LX models styled more towards play than work. Potential to personalise the KB's is huge with numerous extras to choose from, at a price, of course.

Cabins vary from single cabs, to extended cabs and double cabs. Five-speed manual transmission is standard on all except for the flagship LX double-cab, which has a five-speed automatic transmission.

The four engines on offer are basically the same mills that did service in the previous KB's but there is still only one petrol choice; although it benefits from some extra grunt.

The goodies list improves quite strikingly as you move up the line to the real smart versions.

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A 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine model, which will only get to the market later this year produces 58KW and 170Nm but there is also a 2.5 D-Teq model with a little extra kick under the bonnet.

During the Media launch I drove a few of the models but my KB of choice is the flagship 3-litre D-TEQ LX 4x4 which churns out 130Kw and 380Nm. Not only is it more powerful than the previous model, it also feels more sophisticated and stands back from nothing else in its class when it comes to clambering over rocks, crawling through thick sand or up and down slippery slopes.

I drove the stoked-up diesel on quite a challenging off-road trail and its confidence and abilities never once wavered. What helps to make the process so effortless is a click-and-select dial, conveniently located close to the driver's left hand between the front seats, which provides options such as two-wheel and four-wheel drive. The beauty of this terrain dial is that it can be engaged on the trot at speeds of up to 100km/h. A further helping hand is a push button diff lock.

Cling with confidence

All models have a collapsible steering column, auto door locking at 20km/h, an anti-theft alarm system, transponder immobiliser, electric mirrors and ISOFIX child seat anchorage.

I also got to put the KB's handling and braking to the test on a tarred runway where the ABS brakes, in particular, stood out. I stomped on the stop pedal while travelling at about 80Km/h with my hands in the air, as instructed, and the bakkie stopped in seconds, dead straight. The vehicles cling with confidence, even though they do not have stability control and none of the vehicles on test was carrying a load to weigh the tail end down.

The difference between the workhorses and leisure vehicles are blatantly obvious, none more so than on the no-frills versions built for work which come with bench seats and zero airbags. However, the goodies list improves quite strikingly as you move up the line to the real smart versions. For example, the pricey LX is kitted out with stereo audio buttons, park distance control (a real boon to those who find it difficult to cope with the lack of rear view and judging the length of the KB), cruise control and six airbags.

But in the KB's favour, all models have a collapsible steering column, auto door locking at 20km/h, an anti-theft alarm system, transponder immobiliser, electric mirrors and ISOFIX child seat anchorage.

Where's that sixth gear?

The new KB's generally score well when it comes to looks, handling, cabin comfort, loading space and hauling muscle, but buyers will be wise to compare the KB range with others in this class. Factors which deserve scrutiny include price, the fact that they only offer five-speed transmissions when most others have six-speed transmissions; that the engine and clutch combinations of some models are not that easy to coordinate, no model offers a fully-adjustable steering column (particularly important in the leisure vehicle category where the same vehicle is likely to be driven by short, dainty women and big and tall okes of the same household). Another factor to consider is that the top-of-the-range KB still falls a tad short on muscle when compared to opponents such as Navara, Ranger and Amarok. Employers who value their drivers' safety are also not likely to be impressed by a lack of safety features on the lower level models.

The total package is impressive.

However, peace of mind ticks include a five-year/120,000km warranty, roadside assistance, five-year/90,000 service plan and 15,000km service intervals.

As a total package, the Isuzu is a must-drive for anybody shopping around in the pick-up market because its quality, track record, looks, durability and ride far outweigh its few blemishes.

The models and prices are:

All New Isuzu KB Size and Comfort

Isuzu KB, Winter Green Laning

All new Isuzu KB -- Single Cab