Isuzu

Isuzu’s business is bakkies, And it builds more diesel engines than anyone else per year.

That means dealerships are hyper-specialised in servicing bakkie customers. With bakkie needs.

Not the most powerful diesel engines or sophisticated automatic gearboxes. But all Isuzu engines run timing chains, instead of belts. Making them tremendously reliable long-term.

Suspension is specially configured for South African conditions. That means all versions of DMax have excellent stability on severely corrugated dirt roads. Except for the OTT Arctic Truck version, which is a disappointing halo model.

Cabin design ageing a touch. Hyperactive lane-keeping assist can be annoying. But lower theft/hijacking risk than Hilux is a real consideration.

A legendary bakkie nameplate. With a reputation earned on South African farms and construction sites.

Before it was replaced by the D-Max in 2022, the KB range offered a wide variety of engines and trim levels. Everything from entry-level long-wheelbase single cabs, to reasonably luxurious double-cab bakkies with leather seats.

Locally built, with suspension tuned for the worst Karoo dirt road corrugations, the KB’s rough road ride quality is legendary.

KB’s diesel engines aren’t that powerful, but they are known for durability. Especially the 2.5-litre low-pressure turbodiesels, which are some of the best bakkie engines for working applications and low-maintenance.

Weaknesses? The KB 4x4 models are capable off-road, but their alternators are vulnerable to deep-water crossings because of their low position.

Best buy? Low-pressure 2.5 diesel single cabs if you need a real work bakkie. And the higher output 2.5 turbodiesel LE double cabs, if you want a bargain all-terrain family vehicle.

A credible Fortuner alternative without theft, hijacking, or insurance issues.

Engines are the least powerful in class. And quite noisy under peak acceleration. But Isuzu’s diesel engine reliability is legendary. No manual gearboxes available.

Interior design has lots of physical buttons to avoid frustration, and full CarPlay/Android Auto integration. Maddeningly, there’s no one-touch disabling of Isuzu’s very aggressive lane-keeping assist.

Typical Isuzu bakkie dirt-road ride quality enhanced by MU-X’s large-diameter shock absorbers. Comfier and more confident on deeply corrugated dirt roads than a Fortuner. But those ride-quality gains are undone on the Oryx version. With its silly 20-inch wheels and low-profile tyres.