Old but setting records
In sharp contrast to struggling long-time stablemate, Opel, sales of Isuzu's aged KB has gone from strength to strength with a best of 1 499 units being sold in November last year.
While still far behind those of the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, the KB's continuing popularity despite its advancing age and lack of some modern features has only ignited the debate further as to whether a double cab pick-up should, in fact, feel like an SUV with an open load bed.
Although Isuzu Motors South Africa is set to add the seven-seat MU-X to the local line-up, the KB is unlikely to fall out of favour with South Africans anytime soon, which only came to a fore again when the top-spec 300 D-TEQ LX 4x4 arrived for a weeklong stay.
Subtly aggressive
In a segment where looks have become a major talking point ever since the current Ranger debuted, Isuzu has opted to take the understated route where another in a series of updates in 2016 saw the KB receiving a new bonnet, projector-type headlights with integrated daytime running LEDs, a redesigned grille, restyled fog lamps and in the case of the LX, 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, chrome sports bar and a tow bar.
Despite not having the macho stance of its rivals, the KB has aged rather well in spite of is extensive cosmetic work, with a certain amount of aggression combined with a silhouette that is arguably more love than hate.
Dated, cheap interior
The exterior is, however, a big step up from the interior where the KB is all but outclassed in terms of quality and fit-and-finish. Granted, while the plastics used contribute to its workman-like characteristics, they are beyond cheap feeling and nowhere close to those of the Ford and Toyota, never mind the Volkswagen Amarok.
Added back in 2016, the 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system came as a welcome addition in place of the old dot-matrix sound system, but it looks decidedly aftermarket with graphics and icons akin to that of an early iMac.
In its defence, the system is easy to use and comes with satellite navigation, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and a DVD player, as well as doubling up for the reverse camera display. It also gets two USB ports and an iPod socket below the Chevrolet TrailBlazer-derived rotary climate control dial.
What counts in the dated cabin's favour though is space, not only in the front but also in terms of storage areas and indeed impressive levels of rear passenger head and legroom.
Spacious and reasonably well specified.
Standard equipment is adequate and includes electric windows all around, cruise control, a four-speaker sound system, push-button start, rear parking sensors and keyless, although safety is down compared to the Ranger and Amarok with ABS and EBD, BAS, two airbags, traction control and Hill Start Assist being highlights.
Unstressed but raucous truck engine
An area where the KB shows its age the most though is underneath the bonnet. Essentially the same 4JJ1-TCX oil burner that has its roots in the N-series truck, the 3.0-litre D-TEQ mill has remained virtually untouched since introduction and produces 130kW/380Nm.
While updated in Australia last year where it cranks out 430Nm, the motor sounds agricultural and is saddled with a bit of turbo-lag, with the level of noise on the move not being helped by a rather old-fashioned, long-through manual gearbox that only has five gears, and which requires a firm hand to swap cogs.
It is, however, a trait that has been diminishing in many top-spec pick-ups of late, with the clutch being light and ideally suited to the KB's workhorse roots instead of the optional five-speed automatic.
On the road
Although the rotary four-wheel drive dial was left in 2H for most of the KB's stay, previous encounters off the beaten track have shown it to be a formidable contender no matter the terrain. Fuel consumption in mixed driving conditions topped-out at 10.0-litres/100km, although after nearly 500km, the trip computer still indicated a remaining range of 380km.
A let-down though is the new damper system which, if you can pardon the pun, has put a damper on the KB's trademark car-like ride in making it feel bouncy, with a further hindrance being those alloy wheels wrapped in General Grabber all-terrain tyres, which had the ability to turn smooth tar into an off-road course.
Conclusion
The pickup segment is renowned for its brand loyal perception, which provides a hint as to the KB's ongoing popularity. It feels unashamedly old-school with the sole aim of being more the hard worker than an SUV with a "bak".
At R571 500 though, the KB 300 D-TEQ LX double cab 4x4 is on the pricey side compared to the better equipped and more powerful, albeit low-selling Mazda BT-50 and Mitsubishi Triton, but if a simple leisure vehicle with the minimal luxuries is what you want, the elder statesman has shown that it can still play ball with the Blue Oval and the people's "volks-wagen".
