Motoring

Isuzu's '08 bakkies - all 24 of them!

Published

The 2008 Isuzu KB bakkie range, just announced in South Africa, has a choice of 24 models that includes a new extended-cab for the first time along with several new engines.

Sales vice-president Malcolm Gauld said the list was split into 14 diesel models with a choice of two new turbodiesel D-TEQ engines - 2.5 and three-litre - and a 2.5-litre carryover from the previous range - and 10 petrol models with a choice of two and 2.4-litre four-cylinder carryover engines and a new 3.6-litre V6 to replace the previous 3.5.

Gauld added: “We have four specification levels: the base derivatives, Fleetside, LE and LX, along with 4x2 or 4x4 transmission and five-speed manual gearboxes, although an auto transmission is available with diesel and petrol derivatives."

This range starts with 4x2 KB 200 petrol and KB 250 diesel models with, respectively, 88kW/174Nm and 58kW/170Nm engines. Transmission is five-speed manual and an electro-pneumatic differential lock is an option.

Standard features include:

- Height-adjustable three-point seat belts, lap-belt and head restraints.

- Load sensing brake proportioning valve.

- Side impact beams.

- Transponder-key immobiliser.

- Spare wheel lock and anti-theft door bracket.

- Coil spring front suspension with 5.5JX14" steel wheels and 195 radials.

- Vinyl upholstery (cloth an option) and floor covering.

- Power-assisted steering.

- Illuminated and lockable glove box and power plug in the fascia.

- Digital clock and in-cabin fuel flap release.

- Cab protector.

- Mud flaps front and rear and double-skinned load box with tie-downs.

- Tubular rear step bumper drilled for towball.

Fleetside

specification is available with the 2.5-litre altitude-compensated diesel engine as a 4x2 with high-ride chassis, torsion bar front suspension and wide track or as a 4x4 with the new 250 D-TEQ common-rail turbodiesel capable of 85kW/280Nm.

It also comes with a two-litre petrol engine as the Isuzu KB 200 Fleetside or with a 2.4-litre petrol as the KB 240 Fleetside 4x4. This engine has maximum power of 94 kW and 207Nm of torque.

Added features at Fleetside spec include tilt-adjustable steering and 7J 15" rims with 215-profile radials - though alloy rims are an option.

LE specification

comes with the 250 D-TEQ engine (85kW/280Nm) in three models - extended cab 4x2, double cab 4x2 and a double cab 4x4, each with "high ride" suspension, and the KB 240 LE 4x2 with its 2.4-litre 94kW/207Nm petrol engine.

LE specification adds:

- Bucket front seats that recline, tilt and slide and have height adjustment for the driver and "active" front head restraints.

- Remote-controlled central locking, power windows and power external mirrors.

- Air-conditioning with pollen filter.

- Theft alarm.

- Door trim panels with armrest, side pocket and cup holder.

- Cloth upholstery and carpeting.

- Tinted side glass and a sliding rear window.

- Rollover protection bar and front fog lights.

- Body side mouldings and wheel-arch protectors.

- Radio/CD combination with MP3 compatibility.

- Push button select for 4X4 models.

- 7J 15" rims with 245/75 radials.

- Rear storage bins in the extended cab.

LE spec also applies to the 250 D-TEQ Double Cab which also gets rear three-point inertia rear seat belts, head restraints, 7J 16" rims with 245/70 tyres, power windows all round and extra audio speakers.

The same spec is applied to the "base" 300 D-TEQ single cab; the three-litre turbodiesel produces 120kW and 360Nm and has the 250 D-TEQ LE extended cab specification but, of course, without the storage bins.

LX specification

applies to the range-topping KB models with either the 300 D-TEQ diesel or new 3.6-litre V6 petrol engines. There are six diesel derivatives that include extended cabs and two or all-wheel drive and four double-cabs with two or all-wheel drive and manual or auto transmission.

Along with the trim on other models, these bakkies get items such as cruise control, chromed external mirrors, leather combination upholstery and leather-clad steering wheel, map lights, fog lights, running boards and, in the extended cab, storage bins.

The KB 360 V6 petrol comes in four derivatives: 4x2 LX extended cab, 4x2 LX double cab manual, 4x4 LX double cab manual and 4x4 LX double cab auto.

The 3.6-litre V6 produces 157kW at 5300rpm and max torque of 313Nm at 2800rpm and has the same LX specs as the diesels.

- All the new Isuzu KB models will have one-year or 15 000km service and oil-change intervals and be sold with a three-year or 100 000km warranty, three-year corrosion warranty and a five-year or 90 000km service plan.

PRICES

Petrol

- KB200i LWB - R130 695

- KB200i LWB Fleetside - R136 901

- KB240i 4x4 Fleetside - R204 799

- KB240i LWB LE - R170 268

- KB360i V6 Extended Cab LX - R228 364

- KB240i Double Cab LE - R226 712

- KB240i Double Cab 4x4 LE - R273 701

- KB360i V6 Double Cab LX - R267 355

- KB360i V6 Double Cab 4x4 LX - R308 655

- KB360i V6 Double Cab 4x4 LX a/t - R316 813

Diesel

- KB250c LWB - R150 635

- KB250c LWB Fleetside - R157 094

- KB250c LWB Fleetside A/C - R163 820

- KB250 SO 4x4 Fleetside - R210 312

- KB300TDI LWB LE - R220 101

- KB250 SO Extended Cab LE - R203 910

- KB300TDI Extended Cab LX - R236 005

- KB300TDI Extended Cab 4x4 LX - R275 748

- KB250 SO Double Cab LE - R241 976

- KB250 SO Double Cab 4x4 LE - R278 333

- KB300TDI Double Cab LX - R277 954

- KB300TDI Double Cab LX a/t - R284 725

- KB300TDI Double Cab 4x4 LX - R313 910

- KB300TDI Double Cab 4x4 LX a/t - R320 614