ISUZU: The #Bold Experience
After a stunning unveiling of its new range of Isuzu bakkies, a 16 persons-strong convoy of D-Max- and MU-X- vehicles – various specifications – set off from the Goanikontes Oasis for an out of this world experience under the guidance of instructors of the Isuzu Driving Academy.
A star on any Track
My.Na Cars took part, driving the top of the range MU-X Onyx made for a mesmerising start to a day-long excursion. Its updated chassis and suspension ensured a supple and sure-footed ride through the twisty gravel roads of the Dorob National Park, allowing driver and passengers to be totally immersed in the ancient landscape which unfolded around every turn.
The drive-mode settings, coupled with its highly sophisticated terrain response systems such as traction and stability control, its hearty 3-litre engine and fast shifting 6 speed automatic gearbox allowed the Onyx’s 140 kW to be properly exercised, while its comprehensive safety systems – it has a 5-star NCAP safety rating – ensure for a safe environment.
Terrific on Tar
Getting back on a tarred road was barely noticeable, with the ride comfort hardly changing in the large and luxurious interior. The three-dimensional layout has a solid and elegant design with rich, fine, impressive materials. Gentle elegant lines are finished with layered soft touch materials, fine and impressive level of craftsmanship which is designed to appeal to all senses.
A smaller, sporty leather wrapped steering wheel and the gear selector are shaped to fit comfortably in the driver’s hands, while the Onyx’s new seats, wrapped in supple leather, cushion occupants even further. The new 9-inch infotainment system filled the extremely well insulated interior with atmosphere, especially thanks to the fact that you can plug your Wi-Fi-router into the built-in 2-point plug, negating the need to set up the vehicle’s built-in Wi-Fi system.
Desert Master
Turning heads is part of the bargain when you drive this vehicle. We noticed as we left Walvis Bay and it even intrigued a pack of black-backed jackals once we had passed the pink, flamingo-filled expanses of the salt factory’s drying pans and entered part of the majestic Namibia Sand Sea.
“Over the years, Isuzu has been a leader in various innovations. From producing the first production vehicle with a diff-lock to the first turbo-diesel production engine and now the ‘Shift on the fly’ functionality, which allows you to engage 4H at a speed of up to 100km/h by simply turning a switch,. This is another first for the industry”, said Grant McCleery as he explained that momentum and steering are key considerations when driving in the dunes, more specifically such a sensitive environment, where the team was able to test the vehicles mettle among some of the world’s highest dunes.
All new ISUZU D-MAX models come standard with impressive safety credentials such as Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BAS). Also added to the mix are Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control, Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Trailer Sway Control.
After a couple of hours of fun, it was time to head back to our moon-landscape base, and thanks to the V-Cross’s Intelligent Driver Assist System (IDAS) that incorporates a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features, including Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) and Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Parking Aid (front and rear) and Multi Collision Brake (MCB), rush hour traffic on the highway was a stress-free affair.
Owning the old-world
Once back in the Dorob National Park, navigating tight paths through age-old boulders and sensing our time behind the wheels of these amazing machines, attendees could be seen eagerly snapping away selfies with their new favourite rides at every opportunity.
The Isuzu #Bold experience was truly one for the books and definitely a fitting introduction to this incredible new generation of Isuzu LCVs and SUVs.
My.Na Cars took part, driving the top of the range MU-X Onyx made for a mesmerising start to a day-long excursion. Its updated chassis and suspension ensured a supple and sure-footed ride through the twisty gravel roads of the Dorob National Park, allowing driver and passengers to be totally immersed in the ancient landscape which unfolded around every turn.
The drive-mode settings, coupled with its highly sophisticated terrain response systems such as traction and stability control, its hearty 3-litre engine and fast shifting 6 speed automatic gearbox allowed the Onyx’s 140 kW to be properly exercised, while its comprehensive safety systems – it has a 5-star NCAP safety rating – ensure for a safe environment.
Terrific on Tar
Getting back on a tarred road was barely noticeable, with the ride comfort hardly changing in the large and luxurious interior. The three-dimensional layout has a solid and elegant design with rich, fine, impressive materials. Gentle elegant lines are finished with layered soft touch materials, fine and impressive level of craftsmanship which is designed to appeal to all senses.
A smaller, sporty leather wrapped steering wheel and the gear selector are shaped to fit comfortably in the driver’s hands, while the Onyx’s new seats, wrapped in supple leather, cushion occupants even further. The new 9-inch infotainment system filled the extremely well insulated interior with atmosphere, especially thanks to the fact that you can plug your Wi-Fi-router into the built-in 2-point plug, negating the need to set up the vehicle’s built-in Wi-Fi system.
Desert Master
Turning heads is part of the bargain when you drive this vehicle. We noticed as we left Walvis Bay and it even intrigued a pack of black-backed jackals once we had passed the pink, flamingo-filled expanses of the salt factory’s drying pans and entered part of the majestic Namibia Sand Sea.
“Over the years, Isuzu has been a leader in various innovations. From producing the first production vehicle with a diff-lock to the first turbo-diesel production engine and now the ‘Shift on the fly’ functionality, which allows you to engage 4H at a speed of up to 100km/h by simply turning a switch,. This is another first for the industry”, said Grant McCleery as he explained that momentum and steering are key considerations when driving in the dunes, more specifically such a sensitive environment, where the team was able to test the vehicles mettle among some of the world’s highest dunes.
All new ISUZU D-MAX models come standard with impressive safety credentials such as Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BAS). Also added to the mix are Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control, Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Trailer Sway Control.
After a couple of hours of fun, it was time to head back to our moon-landscape base, and thanks to the V-Cross’s Intelligent Driver Assist System (IDAS) that incorporates a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features, including Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) and Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Parking Aid (front and rear) and Multi Collision Brake (MCB), rush hour traffic on the highway was a stress-free affair.
Owning the old-world
Once back in the Dorob National Park, navigating tight paths through age-old boulders and sensing our time behind the wheels of these amazing machines, attendees could be seen eagerly snapping away selfies with their new favourite rides at every opportunity.
The Isuzu #Bold experience was truly one for the books and definitely a fitting introduction to this incredible new generation of Isuzu LCVs and SUVs.
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