Image: Car Magazine
Image: Car Magazine
Image: Car Magazine
NewsBy: Ryan De Villiers
The D-Max of yore was known as Isuzu’s KB bakkie and has subsequently evolved into the brand’s flagship offering. Expanding the already vast and varied product range is the Isuzu 1,9 DDi range that we were fortunate to sample for over 1 400 km on our trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town for Isuzu’s One Tank Challenge. Here is what we thought on the long-distance trek.
Image: Car Magazine
Structurally similar to its stablemates, the Isuzu 1,9 Ddi L that we drove featured the standard (for the 1,9 DDi models) black-painted bumper that disturbed the otherwise all-white exterior. The 1,9 DDi L retains the majority of its sibling’s exterior qualities with exceptions for the 1,9 DDi models receiving an optional black painted rear bumper exclusive to certain variants of the 1,9 subspecies. The conservative exterior is punctuated by elements such as the leather bed cover, which pairs well with the optional cab protector. Dominating the flank of the single cab Isuzu are the 17-inch alloy wheels which give an idea of its utilitarian purpose.
Image: Car Magazine
Isuzu has seemingly prepped the interior to accommodate blue-collar work as the majority of the cabin is bare-bones and no-nonsense. The cabin is also home to two seats, one for the pilot and one canvas bench-style seat for someone with an iron spine, particularly over a 3-day journey. In the absence of an infotainment screen, Isuzu has integrated a seemingly archaic AM/FM radio (which is experienced through a surprisingly apt sound system composed of two speakers) that allows for USB and Bluetooth connection but is quite cumbersome to operate. Aside from this, the light steering felt through the urethane-finished steering wheel, and the six-speed manual gear shifter becomes the mainstays of the driving experience and its fairly competent elements.
The 1,9-litre turbo-diesel engine affords the single cab Isuzu workhorse with 110 kW and 350 N.m that culminates into a competent power output. During the long drive from one major South African city to the other, the ample supply of torque in the low end was a welcomed amenity that aided in lowering the fuel consumption figure well below the manufacturer’s claims. Isuzu claims that the 1,9Ddi is capable of 7,1 L/100km, but during the 1 437 km drive, the lowest figure possible sat at 5,7 L/100km. The vocal diesel engine is parked to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The six-speed manual gearbox has a long throw and suffers due to the vague gear selector feeling.
Image: Car Magazine
The high-riding single cab is supported by coil-over shock suspension on the front with leaf spring over slung suspension components on the rear. Due to the almost spartan nature of the 1,9Ddi, the driving experience is rough and rugged, which is to be expected from a vehicle built to support blue-collar work or priority on transporting. Every bump can be felt, and coupled with the less-than-savoury canvas seats makes for a painful experience for longer drives sat in the cabin.
When it’s all said and done, the Isuzu 1,9Ddi single cab is a wonderful addition to Isuzu’s commercial vehicle offerings. Although not ideal for those seeking a comfortable daily driver, the 1,9Ddi single cab is a strong choice for consumers looking for a fuel-efficient work vehicle at an affordable price, it is another reason why the Japanese automaker frequently features on local Top 5 sales charts for light commercial vehicles.
Isuzu D-Max 1,9 Ddi single Cab Fast Facts
Engine: front-mounted, turbodiesel, 1 898cc
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Power: 110 @ 3 600
Torque: 350 @ 1 800 – 2 600
Driven wheels: All (4X4)
Fuel consumption: 7,1L/100km
Keyword: Isuzu D-Max 1,9 Ddi single Cab review