To commemorate the successful completion of a gruelling 72-hour endurance challenge in 2010, General Motors SA thought it only suitable that the impressive feat was to be celebrated with a special edition of their formidable and (still) surprisingly popular KB250 LE double-cab, renamed and repackaged for this purpose as the KB72.

In case you're unfamiliar with the KB's endurance feats, the challenge was based on a drive to better previously established time and distance records for diesel-powered bakkies in 2003. During the challenge, Isuzu demonstrated the reliability, durability and economy of its proven diesel technology. Fundamental to their success was the capability of the vehicles to be driven non-stop on the limit for a period of 72 hours, with fuel economy having a direct impact on the result as time taken to refuel the vehicles translated into time and kilometres lost on the track.

A surprise result achieved during the 72-hour challenge was the records set by the Isuzu KB250 D-TEQ bakkie. This model improved on the existing 3.0-litre diesel records by 470 kilometres and 5km/h and came within a hair's breadth of beating the 2.7-litre petrol records, falling just 25km short of that mark, or 0,4km/h slower, hence the limited edition KB72.

In terms of styling the KB is now seriously showing its age, something that will stand out even more after the introduction of the new Ford Ranger and a comprehensive facelift of the Hilux within the next three weeks. Even after its most recent facelift, which kept the nose up to date and thoroughly macho, the lines towards the back are devoid of anything spectacular and have been mimicked on numerous Chinese versions that has done nothing but water down the appearance. Tough and able the KB certainly looks, and with the exterior enhancements of the KB72, even the "base" model KB250 looks better.

Some of these specification upgrades on the KB72 include 16-inch alloy wheels with 245/70 R16 tyres, a body-colour front bumper, body-colour wheel-arch mouldings and aluminium running boards. The value of these items, fitted as an aftermarket option, would amount to approximately R19 000, all absorbed into the KB72's sticker price.

The cabin is neat and sports an ergonomically sound fascia design and layout. I'm not a fan of the sound system fitted to our test model, unfortunately, as the sound was tinny and irritating – almost an afterthought on this model. I had it switched off the entire time, leaving me with only my own vocal talents and some memorised lyrics to keep me entertained. While it's a far cry from the interior of a luxury sedan, the KB has enough space for a family of four and quality that's good without moving from practical to simply luxurious.

Powering the KB72 is the same engine to be found in the KB250 D-TEQ – Isuzu's acronym for 'common-rail diesel injection technology'. It's the least powerful diesel model in the KB range, but don't be fooled by that. In fact, when I attended an off-road driving course at the Isuzu Off-Road Academy, our instructor hailed this as the best engine in the range and I now understand why. It's 82kW of power doesn't feel remarkably less than that of the KB300's 120kW, while the 280Nm of torque is also available at 1 800r/min. It's more than sufficient for everyday use and will take you everywhere the KB300 will.

Driving the KB72 4X4 inspired the same confidence as the KB300 I tested last year. Should you want to get onto the road less travelled, the KB72 4X4 comes standard with proven off-road capabilities and user-friendly push-button 4X4 activation that allows for on-the-fly shifting between 4X2 and 4X4. It comes standard with an electro-pneumatic differential lock, 2-speed transfer case and auto-locking front axle. Safety is also top-notch, with passive safety features including a rigid safety cell, a close-section collapsible body structure, reinforced side intrusion bars and a good complement of airbags. Active safety features include 4-sensor, 3-channel ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).

Priced at a mere R358 500, the KB72 offers excellent value for money against its competitors, some of which include the Toyota Hilux 2.5 D-4D 4X4 SRX (120kW, 343Nm, R327 300), Mazda BT-50 2500TDi SLE (no 4X4 option with this engine, 80kW, 257Nm, R332 600), Mitsubishi Triton 2.5 DI-D (100kW, 314Nm, R309 900) and Nissan Navara 2.5 dCi XE 4X4 (R362 000). Until the new Ranger arrives, the 2.5 TD XLT 4X4 is also an option (80kW, 257Nm, R350 190).

Where the KB300's downfall was its too-honest nature, it's this exact characteristic that makes the KB72 stand out. It offers a passenger space that's comfortable and practical, a reliable engine and proven abilities, but nothing more – exactly what a buyer in this price bracket is after. If your bakkie has to be practical and capable of working hard while still offering space and functionality for the whole family, the KB72 4X4 is well worth looking at, especially as it offers KB300 specification at almost R50k less.