JOHANNESBURG – Motoring journalist Charl Bosch has begun a three-month review of the latest Isuzu D-Max LS single cab, setting the stage for a long-term test of one of the country’s most relied-upon workhorses.
Tested on the roads and job sites around Johannesburg, the South African-built bakkie brings new attention to the single cab segment, often overlooked in favour of more leisure-oriented double cabs. Built at Isuzu’s Struandale plant in Gqeberha, the D-Max LS offers a mix of practical features and durability aimed at businesses and fleet users.
Bosch noted that it’s rare for media to receive a single cab model for extended testing. But with the D-Max LS priced at R590 800, and powered by the 3.0-litre 4JJ3-TCX turbodiesel engine paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox, the vehicle is positioned to serve those who need a reliable work tool rather than a weekend cruiser.
With a payload of 1 205 kg and a towing capacity of 3 500 kg, the D-Max comes prepared for demanding workloads. Ground clearance is rated at 227 mm, and it can wade through water up to 800 mm deep — practical for farms, construction sites, and rural routes similar to those found across Eswatini.
The LS grade includes standard features not always associated with single cabs. These range from 17-inch alloy wheels and colour-coded bumpers to electric windows, electric mirrors, auto-locking doors, and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel. A four-speaker audio system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is operated via a 7-inch touchscreen, although Bosch reported that it occasionally freezes during operation and dims unexpectedly depending on the headlight setting.
Inside, the bakkie has cloth seats, dual airbags, Hill Descent Control, traction control, and useful storage options like a double glovebox, centre console and multiple cupholders.
While the ride can feel unsettled without a load, this is typical of leaf-sprung rear axles designed to support heavy cargo. The Isuzu engine’s distinctive diesel rattle is present but not intrusive, and the engine pulls strongly even at lower revs, delivering 140kW and 450Nm to the rear wheels.
Fuel consumption during the early part of the test has sat around 10.1 L/100km – above the official claim of 7.6 L/100km – although that may improve as the bakkie is pushed into more varied work environments.
Shifting via the automatic gearbox is mostly smooth on the upshift, though downshifts can be unpredictable. Fortunately, manual override allows for better control, especially when hauling heavier loads.
Bosch has so far logged just over 340 km with the D-Max LS, and plans to simulate realistic work duties in the coming weeks as the review continues.
The bakkie is sold with a five-year/120 000 km warranty and a five-year/90 000 km service plan.
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