Painted in eye-catching Valencia Orange, the ARB kitted-out Isuzu bakkie features a tent and an extending awning on the roof, both matching the exterior bodywork colour. The rear of the Expedition Edition is healthily equipped with convenient drawers and a kitchen system, complete with a cooktop, sink, preparation area, and fridge box. All of this makes it self-sufficient for adventurers into the unknown, perfect for terrain in and around South Africa.
Despite the appeal for local bakke buyers, the Expedition Edition will offer these accessories to customers through Isuzu dealers in the UK only.
Being a European model, the base model of the D-Max V-Cross starts at approximately £34 279 (just under R800 000) and is powered by a 1,9-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine. The bakkie can achieve 100 km/h from a standstill in 12,7 seconds while buyers have the option to choose between a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.
With a towing capacity of up to 3 500 kg and a payload capacity of 1 165 kg, the D-Max V-Cross is a versatile and capable vehicle – familiar on South African roads too. This specific UK-spec model boasts interior amenities like leather upholstery, heated front seats, a 9,0-inch infotainment screen, reversing camera, and a rear differential lock. On the outside, gun-metal-coloured trim and 18-inch wheels add to its appealing appearance.
This isn’t the first factory-sanctioned modified model from Isuzu either. In 2021, the Japanese automaker collaborated with Arctic Trucks to introduce the D-Max AT35, specifically designed for off-roading in snowy conditions. Boasting a strengthened chassis, Bilstein Performance suspension, 35-inch all-terrain tires while retaining the same 1,9-liter turbodiesel engine and gearbox choices as the V-Cross trim, it became the most formidable model in the Isuzu stables.
It is unlikely that this D-Max Expedition Edition will be offered from showroom in South Africa but it demonstrates what local buyers can do to their bakkie with ARB goodies.
Keyword: Isuzu D-Max Expedition Edition is a Camping Ready Bakkie