REVIEW: Conquering the Drakensberg Mountains with the ISUZU D-Max 4×4
For those with an adventurous spirit, the ISUZU D-MAX 4×4 isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a ticket to explore South Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes. It’s a rugged, yet refined bakkie designed to conquer the African wilderness.
On a recent weekend getaway, we packed our bags and hit the road from Joburg to the Berg, eager to put this rugged, yet refined bakkie to the test. Our destination: Dalmore Guest Farm in picturesque Winterton – a hidden gem that proved to be the perfect base for our ‘weekend warrior’ adventure.
ISUZU has long been revered as the farmer’s vehicle of choice, perfectly suited to the agricultural sector and loved by farmers nationwide. That’s why we knew that taking the D-MAX to the heart of South Africa’s breadbasket, with its challenging terrain and rocky mountain passes, would make it the perfect location to put this iconic vehicle through its paces.
As we cruised down the N3, the D-MAX quickly showed off its mastery of the South African landscape. The 3.0 Ddi Double Cab LSE 4×4 Automatic model delivers an impressive 140 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque, effortlessly tackling the open road. Whether overtaking slow-moving trucks or gliding through highway traffic, the D-MAX handled it all with ease, offering a quiet and comfortable ride that belied its tough exterior.
Our journey took us through the Oliviershoek Pass, which runs parallel to Van Reenen’s Pass and is considered one of the most scenic tar passes in the country. From this vantage point, we were treated to panoramic views of the Drakensberg Valley below, providing the perfect backdrop for planning our weekend adventure ahead.
Upon arrival at Dalmore Guest Farm, we were greeted by Pippa and Andrew Blackburn, whose family has owned this working guest farm since the early 1900s. Nestled in the heart of the Drakensberg, Dalmore is an idyllic retreat, perfect for families and friends alike. The farm offers a range of accommodation options, from intimate one-bedroom suites to spacious two- and three-bedroom cottages, all with full self-catering facilities. While the hearty, farm-style breakfasts and dinners were tempting, the D-MAX’s towing capabilities meant we could bring along our own gear for a truly self-sufficient adventure.
The Drakensberg is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts and the D-MAX was more than up to the challenge. Whether we were towing a trailer or boat down to Spioenkop Dam for an open-water swim, or navigating rugged trails for a sunset trail run, the D-MAX proved its versatility. The partial leather seat trim in the LSE model kept us comfortable no matter how dusty or muddy things got, and the wireless charger ensured our devices were always ready to capture those epic moments.
But, it’s not just the D-MAX’s performance that impressed us. The upmarket interior, complete with a nine-inch touchscreen multimedia system and seamless Apple CarPlay integration, made long drives feel like a luxury experience. Plus, with an average fuel consumption of 9L/100 km during our trip, this bakkie is as economical as it is capable.
July marked a special milestone for ISUZU, with the launch of the Limited Edition D-MAX 45 in celebration of 45 years of South African assembly. This special edition comes equipped with a host of accessories designed to enhance your adventures, including Bundu Basher rubber mats, a Black Rhinoman X-pedition canopy and a spray-on bedliner to protect the load bay. It’s the ultimate package for those who demand both style and substance from their vehicle.
In the end, our journey to the Drakensberg with the ISUZU D-MAX 4×4 was a reminder of why this bakkie has become a South African icon. Whether you’re an avid adventurer or just someone looking for a reliable and stylish vehicle for your weekend getaways, the D-MAX is a choice you won’t regret. Built for the bush, but perfect for the road, it’s a bakkie that truly embodies the spirit of exploration.
The ISUZU D-MAX 45 4×4 A/T, 3.0L Diesel sells for R906 100 and includes all the extras mentioned above. The D-MAX is also backed with a 5-year/120 000 km warranty and 5-year/90 000 km service plan.
