Isuzu KB250 LE 4x4 Single Cab - Car Review

Not too long ago, Isuzu SA released a whole host of new models for the 2015 model year. With eighteen Isuzu KB models now available, the competition has never been tighter in the South African bakkie market. Toyota’s Hilux, Ford’s Ranger and Mazda’s BT50 are all vying for sales and with Isuzu wading in with their new offerings, the battle of the bakkie is only just getting started.

What’s changed?

Nowadays, manufacturers are trying to make their workhorses more like passenger vehicles. With interiors now boasting more tech and luxury than ever before, consumers can now drive a big double cab that feels and drives like a normal 4-door sedan.

Isuzu has accomplished this quite well with the KB250 LE 4x4 SC (Single Cab) that we had on test.

What makes them so special?

Consumers have begun looking at double cabs and other 4x4 style vehicles as valid substitutes for traditional sedans and SUV’s (Sports Utility Vehicles).
Many manufacturers have answered the call and started packing their offerings with technology and luxurious additions never previously seen as standard in vehicles of this nature. Isuzu have plugged all the holes in their offering line up with combinations of engine, transmission, body style and trim level to ensure that there is a model for you.

Is the KB250 LE SC any good?

The 2.5l D-TEQ 4x4 that we had on test was more than capable at handling everything that we threw at it. A total distance of over 400km was covered across varying terrain from gravel road and tar to a challenging 4x4-only climb that the KB aced. The engine was a little underpowered in certain sections but this was a pretty hard climb that most 4x4 vehicles would have struggled with. The new variable geometry turbo has filled in the gaps in the mid-range torque and is clearly felt.

The rocky terrain and loose gravel made for a rather entertaining descent but what was happening outside barely made its way into the cabin. The interior was very well appointed and spacious with plenty of room to avoid bumping into cabin fittings. The seats were comfortable in a hard-wearing cloth finish and with the aircon blowing, you would have been hard pressed to guess that it was over 40-degrees outside.

So what kind of tech and luxury does Isuzu offer?

The KB250 LE features an integrated multimedia system with a seven-inch screen, manual diff-lock button and a selector that shifts between 2-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive high and 4-wheel drive low range. The interior is very well appointed and it is easy to forget that you are driving an LDV because of the way it has been finished. Leather and soft touch surfaces cover the contoured dash and just about every control falls easily to hand.

It’s comfy and good looking, but does it have go?

Isuzu has fitted the KB250 SC with a 2.5l common rail direct injection turbo charged diesel engine that delivers 100kW and 340Nm and maintains a very respectable fuel consumption on the combined cycle of just 8.2l/100km and emissions at 217g/100.

Coupled to the 5-speed manual gearbox, the KB maintains decent low-down torque to make the climbs and can pull just over 2.1 tons on a braked trailer.
With a leaf spring rear, the ride is somewhat bouncy when the KB250 is not loaded, but as we found out, loading it up changes the comfort level of the drive a lot. You can now load just over one ton into the load bin without hassle.

Who should buy it then?

The KB250 LE 4x4 SC seems to be aimed at the individual that needs the all-round capabilities of a 4x4, but still needs relative comfort and luxury that a Fleetside doesn’t offer but doesn’t want to wreck a comparable SUV type vehicle or pay the tax that a double cab requires.

The workshop manager or foreman, perhaps a service technician or mine shift manager, anyone really who needs to take a rough drive to their destination while moving large items around, someone who needs to wear a high visibility vest while doing it.

The KB250 represents a hardcore worker with enough refinements to take it out of the lowly life of a total workhorse.

How much does it cost and what kind of backup do I get?

The KB250 LE 4x4 Single Cab Manual model will cost you just R 357 400 and with that you will get the peace of mind of a 5 year/100 000km warranty and a 5 year/90 000km service plan.


Credits

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Everest – Scott Holmes
Everest by Scott Holmes is licensed under a Attribution License.
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