Isuzu’s flagship Extended Cab D-Max LSE 4×4 will be sending the next three months in The Citizen’s long-term test fleet. Images: Charl Bosch A segment, arguably, started by the Datsun/Nissan 720 King Cab in the early 1980s, cab-and-a-half bakkies only re-entered the public domain about 20 years ago with the arrival of the Mitsubishi Colt ClubCab. Offering less loadbin space than a single cab, but more storage inside at the expense of the seats found in a double cab, they are resoundingly more workhorse than leisure focused as the lack of rear seatbelts prevents them from being a practical and safe alternative.
Long since abandoned by Nissan and Mitsubishi, only Toyota, Ford and Isuzu have single cab alternatives in the shape of the Hilux Xtra Cab, Ranger SuperCab and the D-Max Extended Cab. With the exception of the Hilux, previous encounters with the Ranger and D-Max have shown their credentials as worthy single cab alternatives, especially as the extra capital outlay also nets a number of features. The proof is illustrated by the latest arrival toThe Citizen’s long-term test fleet for the next three months,an Obsidian Grey D-Max Extended Cab LSE 4×4 auto, which replaces the singlecab LS auto that left at the end of October.
Aside from its suicide-opening rear doors, the LSE represents Isuzu’s step-up trim grade from the LS, and is also the flagship Extended Cab derivative. Aside from its colour, the LSE is otherwise identical to the example tested three years ago, though in this case, inclusive of the part-time four-wheel drive system, along with Hill Descent Control, plus the locking rear differential. Positioned below the double cab-exclusive V-Cross trim level-wise, the LSE is mechanically similar to the LS single cab up front where the 4JJ3-TCX 3.0-litre DDI turbodiesel engine continues to output 140kW/450Nm.
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