Isuzu D-Max gets X-factor

D-MAX X-RIDER: POPULAR BADGE RETURNS TO MZANSI Steps up a notch in terms of looks and is comfortable and compliant.

Isuzu’s roll-out of limited-edition bakkies for at least two decades has been a prominent fixture that none of its rivals could match. When it debuted in 2016, though, even the Japanese brand taken by surprise at the response to the X-Rider, especially as it wasn’t based on the flagship LX variant of what was then still known as the KB.

The story behind the X-Rider’s popularity is a famous one.

Using the almost entry-level two-wheel-drive KB 250 Hi-Rider as a base, Isuzu added a number of unique trims to the exterior, while sprucing up the interior with black leather, red accents and a number of X badges.

All 700 planned units sold out so quickly that Isuzu had no option but to make X-Rider a permanent derivative, as demand outstripped supply significantly.

But Isuzu customers have had to wait, since the new D-Max was rolled out in April 2022 for another X-Rider.

Again locally built, the arrival of the new D-Max X-Rider signals a slight change in approach, as Isuzu has opted to model it on the mid-range LS trim grade instead of the unbadged base model or the step-up L.

Once more only offered as a double cab, the X-Rider’s biggest correlation with its predecessors is that it makes use of the smallest engine available in the D-Max range, the 1.9-litre DDI turbodiesel, while also becoming the flagship offering.

Offering a choice of rearwheel-drive or selectable fourwheel drive, the D-Max X-Rider’s official launch along the Garden Route came as an interesting re-acquaintance with what has become an institution locally.

Costing R55 400 more than the LS, the X-Rider’s visual presentation steps up a notch as Isuzu has furnished the three-model range with LED headlights and fog lamps, black door handles and mirror caps, a gloss black grille with a red Isuzu badge, a black sports bar and a blacked-out B-pillar.

Isuzu has also added grey roof rails, 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels with black centre caps and red Isuzu lettering, a soft tonneau cover and X-Rider badges on the tailgate and doors.

Not as extreme but nonetheless eye-catching are the changes inside, where the red theme continues in the shape of the Isuzu badge on the steering wheel, as stitching on the black leather seats, doors and gear lever boot, as inserts on the doors, and as a strip on the dashboard that fades to gloss black and then back to red.

The roofliner has a black finish and the mats are replaced with PVC items while there is a leather cover on the steering wheel.

The seven-inch display boasts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

On the safety side, seven airbags come standard, along with hill-start assist, electronic stability control, hill-descent control and trailer sway assist.

The two-day launch involved a mixture of tar and gravel driving.

Out on the N2, the X-Rider, in typical Isuzu fashion, felt comfortable and compliant, although not on the same page as the Ford Ranger or VW Amarok.

A trait that affords the X-Rider a more traditional bakkie feel rather than the comforts of a bakkie-based SUV, the real surprise came in the shape of its composure on the Phantom Pass on the outskirts of Knysna.

The tight and twisty 8km gravel pass, peppered with sharp stones, a few switchbacks and washouts didn’t upset the X-Rider, as no leery moments or tail happiness occurred in spite of no load in the loadbox.

The X-Rider’s 1.9-litre engine can do with a few more kilowatts than the provided 110kW.

While having 10kW more than the old 2.5 D-TEQ with torque 30kW up at 350Nm, the initial progress is sluggish with the hilly nature of N2 causing the engine to run out of breath quickly and needing a few dropped cogs to stay on the boil.

The two-wheel drive derivative did feel a bit livelier than the four-wheel drive.

The six-speed manual can only be acquired on the twowheel-drive version and was not available to sample.

The X-Rider will win back ground at the pumps as indicated fuel consumption during the launch varied from as low as 7.5l/100km, to as high as 8.5l/100km.

The adage “it will sell by name” in no uncertain terms continues to apply to the Isuzu D-Max X-Rider as its return had become a topic of speculation ever since the current D-Max entered production at the Struandale Plant in Gqeberha two years ago.