Handing over the keys has never been harder, we recently bid farewell to what was our Long termer for the duration of the festive season and it was one for the books. This here is the limited edition "Black Edition" top of the range Isuzu D Max V-Cross bakkie, so limited in fact that this was the only one in our region at the time of testing, +100 aura points for that.
So? Black Edition? It does look just like any other V-Cross to the naked eye, but allow me to correct that honest mistake. The Black has many exterior gains, starting with the Onyx Black paint, which is not available in the ordinary V-Cross bakkie paint options. You also have blacked-out mirror caps and a sporty rear spoiler that features some red detailing.
Some more exterior highlights were these beautiful 18 inch alloys wheels that are fully blacked out with a red Isuzu center caps that just kept on giving that gangster vibe.
The interior consists of leather for the seats all around and features a black roof lining, while everything remains largely the same - not a bad thing at all, since the cabin has good build quality and is very spacious, even when seated in the backseat. The eight- way adjustable driver's seat was very comfy, and the lumbar support kept me in check to stop me from slouching and having bad posture. I especially commend how quickly the car's air conditioning worked to cool the cabin and everyone inside, as this was vital since the windows had absolutely no tinting and Durban's sunny weather was not letting up anytime soon.
For power you are granted a meaty 3.0-litre turbo-charged diesel powerplant that produces 140Kw/450Nm and drives either the rear or all four wheels through a 6 speed automatic transmission gearbox, altogether that is claimed to produce a fuel consumption figure of 8.1 L/100km and whilst that might be attainable we achieved something north of 11.0L/100km which to be honest is realistic figures judging by the fact that I was behind the wheel every other day.
How was it to drive? Quite pleasant and I can vouch for saying it was one of the more softer riding bakkies available in our market right now on and off the beaten track, now of course I would be lying if I said I took the vehicle Bundu-bashing but I did driving over some pretty uneven pavements, potholes, speed humps in a experimental manner to say the least and as much as the car typical bounces and wobbles like a bakkie would, it somehow felt better in the way it absorbed the punishment I was dishing out and I guess that this would be thanks to Isuzu's Hi-Ride Suspension which features a wider and tougher Chassis Design which is Isuzu wizard talk for "we did some things to make it go over a cliff and come out on the other side of it unscathed".
I was bummed out that I didn't have to carry something really heavy like a fridge or a bed so I can utilize the smart Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) for when the vehicle is heavily loaded. But I guess a set of 4 tyres would have to do in terms of testing out the claimed of loading capacity of around 960 kg to 1,070 kg and when you filled that up you have the peace of mind of knowing your goods are safe all the way in the back as the car has a very snazzy roller shutter that has a key lock for extra safety. For context, the Isuzu can handle a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg (Towing capacity unbraked 750 Kg).
The drive was pleasant as the car stands tall at about 1685 mm and could be somewhat wobbly at times as most bakkie tend to feel but this kind of had more stability to its wobble especially at high speeds, even though it is 10kw short compared to a Legend 55 Hilux or the 44kw in the Wildtrak, do not be mistaken as the V Cross has legs I learnt this after having a short stint in the fast lane. The diesel engine gives off that beefy tone that you just have to love but I am glad to report that it didn't seep into the interior as much as I thought it would, as the drive was rather quiet and had low cabin and wind noise, probably thanks to the wind visors on the bonnet and windowsills.
Driving the boat-like body style (purely based off of how long the car is) was much easier than you think thanks to a properly weight steering wheel, good visibility all round (a reverse cam), comfy adjustable seating and a Lane-keeper Assistant that gently reminds you if you stray the lines, another well welcomed feature was the Adaptive Cruise Control that uses a couple of sensors to monitor the cars ahead to manage, track the vehicle in front of you and adjust your speeds should there be a need to slow down or speed up.
A pet peeve however had to be the Autonomous emergency brake coupled with Forward collision warning, these are great features to have in any car as they keep the drivers and pedestrians extra safe at all times however..South Africans have an age old beef with walking on the pavements and so If I had a dollar for every time the car stopped abruptly because it sensed some one on the road..I would probably buy a helicopter to avoid the whole ordeal.
So what do we think ultimately after spending so much time with this bakkie? The car gives a obvious capable and rugged demeanor from a looks perspective and some might even argue that it looks better than a Hilux which is expected and well welcomed so much so that I felt in place and somewhat better than most bakkies that I went passed since I am in a limited edition that is super rare and posh.
Though down on power compared to its closest rivals, you just don't feel like it isn't enough power in any scenario or point, the grunt, shove and turbo whistle when you put your foot flat is all the rage and some more that is able without fail to put a smile on your face and some more confidence in your chest, it is what a bakkie should be and this specific one too boasts the fact that it is proudly South African made.
So, its capable on and off-road, might be the best looking one in the market, has enough nicities and modern touches that make being in it and living with a joy and certainly has presence. It is evident that Isuzu are doing something right, I mean they are third in the top three best selling bakkie just behind the Ranger and Hilux, don't look at me, just buy one yourself.
Although there isn't yet updated version of this Black edition on the official Isuzu website, we know the V Cross D Max is priced at R 885 100 and quick search of the Black Edition on Autotrader shows that the car is R 839 900 - The Isuzu D-Max range comes standard with a five-year/90 000km service plan and five-year/120 000km warranty.