Isuzu East Africa has unveiled the final version of the D-Max created to celebrate its partnership with Eliud Kipchoge, which started back in 2017. Unlike the standard D-Max, this one will be rare to see on Kenyan roads.
The first Kipchoge special-edition D-Max was launched in 2023 and was named the Eliud Kipchoge 1:59 Special Limited Edition, inspired by Kipchoge’s historic 1:59:40 marathon in Vienna in 2019.
The Eliud Kipchoge Isuzu D-Max 159 Limited Edition is limited to just 159 units, with Kipchoge himself taking vehicle number 001 and the remaining units forming the exclusive Club 159. According to Isuzu, the special-edition D-Max is also a key model for the automaker as it became the first limited-edition vehicle to be locally assembled in Kenya.
What’s so special about the Kipchoge Edition?
The Kipchoge Edition isn’t just about adding a famous name to the D-Max, but comes as a high-end version of the double-cab pickup. It combines the D-Max’s off-road capabilities with additional technology, safety and comfort features.
As the final Kipchoge D-Max, it comes in Desert Orange and rides on 18-inch alloy wheels with 265/60 R18 all-terrain tyres. It also gets a four-wheel-drive system and differential lock, giving it equipment that is not always found together on a pickup.
As it is designed to venture beyond paved roads, the Kipchoge special edition interior has something that an ordinary locally assembled pickup may not have. The cabin is configured to carry five people, with the seats covered in leather. You also get an eight-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and dual-zone automatic climate control with rear passenger cooling vents.
What’s under the hood of the Eliud Kipchoge Isuzu D-Max 159 Limited Edition?
Under the hood of the Kipchoge special-edition D-Max is a 3.0-litre 4JJ3-TCX four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing up to 140 kW (190 PS) and 450 Nm of torque. Peak torque is available between 1,600 and 2,600 rpm. Power from the engine is sent through a six-speed automatic transmission to a four-wheel-drive system.
The fuel tank can hold up to 76 litres of diesel, while the D-Max has an 800 mm wading depth, making it a capable vehicle both on-road and off-road. The gross vehicle mass is 3,100 kg.
Technology integrated inside the new special-edition D-Max
The Kipchoge Limited Edition gets a 9-inch display audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. The audio system is connected to eight speakers within the cabin.
More technology features are included in the special-edition D-Max, including Adaptive Cruise Control, which adjusts the vehicle’s speed according to the traffic ahead and includes Stop & Go functionality.Automatic headlights and high beams are also available, while rain-sensing wipers automatically respond to rainfall by turning themselves on.
Safety features and driver assistance
The Kipchoge Edition features a long list of safety and driver assistance features. These include Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Prevention and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Adding to what has been mentioned above, Isuzu has included front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.
In instances where the car is moving slowly, the Misacceleration Mitigation system can detect possible accidental accelerator application and suppress accelerator input when it identifies a potential collision.
About seven airbags are included, including a centre airbag which helps protect occupants during side-on collisions.
Only 159 units Are Available
Only 159 units of the Eliud Kipchoge Isuzu D-Max 159 Limited Edition were produced, making it a rarer proposition than the regular D-Max. Kipchoge’s vehicle is number 001, with the other 158 units forming the Club 159. The limited edition therefore comes with something that most pickups cannot offer — exclusivity tied to a specific moment and partnership.
In the Kenyan pickup market, it will sit alongside established rivals such as the Toyota Hilux 2.8-litre 4×4 double-cab and the Ford Ranger high-spec double-cab, while other alternatives include the GWM P500, Mitsubishi Triton 4×4 double-cab and Nissan Navara.
However, the Kipchoge Edition is different from these regular market rivals because only 159 examples were produced and its connection to Eliud Kipchoge gives it a more exclusive identity.
Pricing for the final Kipchoge Edition has not been mentioned. The previous version started at around KES 9 million in 2023, so the final edition is expected to sit above that figure, although the actual price will depend on what Isuzu East Africa announces.