The new D-max X-rider now in Zim

The new Isuzu D-max X-rider now in Zimbabwe. THIS stylish cargo hauler has a new look that makes it stand out from the crowd. It is based on the mid-tier D-max 1.9 Ddi LS. A glossy black radiator grille with the word "Isuzu" in red flanks a pair of LED headlights that can illuminate the night.

This grille is a distinctive feature up front. Directly underneath them, there are LED fog lights that are just as eye-catching.

Among the earlier iterations of the Isuzu D-max lineup, the X-rider stands out for its inexpensive price tag and sporty good looks.

The X-RIDER was an immediate success for Isuzu when it was introduced in 2016. The latest iteration should excite the local market, who seek brand extension that offers a premium feel, which should be presented and packaged by the return of the X-RIDER badge.

I was in George, South Africa, at the start of this week for the Rest of Africa media debut of this dashing bakkie. Some markets had already gotten their X-riders before this media rollout took place; Zimbabwe was one of those markets.

Among the three available 1.9-litre engines, the X-rider 4x2 joins the manual and automatic models. An automated 4x4 gearbox is also an option.

Design

The front doors include X-rider insignia, the roof rails are completely functioning and dark grey, and the wheels are 18 inches with diamond cuts. When you look at it from the side, you can see them. Isuzu has stylishly accented all of the door handles, B-pillars, side mirror covers, tailgate handle, and sports bar installed behind the passenger cabin in black.

At the back of this powerful double-cab, you will find a 2.1-tonne tow bar, LED taillights, and a black "Isuzu" sticker for the tailboard.

Electric front and rear lights, a gloss black grille with red Isuzu lettering, 18-inch "diamond cut" alloy wheels, X-rider badges on the front doors and tailgate, and a black Isuzu decal round out the external design package.

Door handles, mirror caps, and the curving sports bar are all black, adding a touch of contrast to any of the four exterior hues (Red Pinel, Islay Grey, Mercury Silver, or Splash White) that customers may choose.

Moving inside, the X-rider theme continues with red touches throughout the interior, including the leather seats' stitching. Additionally, this rare model has black headlining, "X" badges on the dashboard above the glovebox, and front seat headrests.

Interior features that come standard on the Ls-spec D-max include cruise control, rear park assist with reverse camera, rear USB ports, and a Wi-fi-compatible infotainment system with a 7.0-inch (17.8cm) touchscreen.

As I said earlier, the only engine choice for the new X-rider is the 1.9-litre turbodiesel offered by Isuzu. This engine produces 110 kw and 350 Nm. There is a six-speed manual gearbox and an automated gearbox available.

“The new D-max X-rider is all about image, style, and capability and is a great choice for discerning customers that want something special,” says Kevin Fouche, CEO of Isuzu SA’S product planning department.

The new X-rider is built on the midrange 1.9 Ddi LS models, which are sure to turn heads. It comes with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions in 4x2 form, and an off-road 4x4 automatic for those daring clients. At the back of this powerful double-cab, you will find a 2.1-tonne tow bar, LED taillights, and a black "Isuzu" sticker for the tailboard.

Interior

Red stitching and embroidered "X" insignia on the headrests set the X-rider's leather seats apart from the competition, while subtle red details dot the cabin. In addition to the red Isuzu emblem and stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, there is a red trim divider separating the cubbyhole from the dashboard. Last but not least are the X-rider floor mats and the black roof headliner.

Common amenities include a seveninch infotainment screen that can connect to both Apple Carplay and Android Auto, a powerful six-speaker sound system, the ability to connect to Wi-fi, and a USB outlet on the back of the vehicle. A back-park assist system and a rearview camera are also available. Stitching in red provides contrast to the leather steering. The seven-inch infotainment screen is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple Carplay.

Performance

The 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine from Isuzu generates 110 kw and 350 Nm of torque while using as little as 5.58 litres per hundred km. There are two gearbox options available for 4x2 models: a sixspeed manual and an automatic. The 4x4 variant, which is considered to be more competent off-road, is only available with the automatic gearbox.

New X-rider models have electronic stability control, traction control, electronic brake aid, electronic brake bleeding, hill start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control as standard equipment for active and passive safety. A driver's knee airbag, front side airbags, curtain airbags, and airbags for the driver and front passenger are also part of the package.

Driving experience

The X-rider's handling is identical to that of a standard Isuzu double-cab. Quite loudly and assuredly, and it seems to be most at home on gravel. That signature Isuzu grunt is still there but not as loud as before.

Along the Phantom trail, I drove it through the picturesque Knysna highlands, which are known for their twisting, dusty paths. So long as you are acquainted with the powertrain and suspension from any of the D-max models, you should have no trouble getting the hang of the X-RIDER.

More than enough power and torque for relaxing on the highway are produced by the 1.9-liter turbodiesel engine, which measures 110 kw and 350 Nm, respectively.

I also drove it from Knysna to George Airport. I was unable to truly floor the accelerator due to the many road repairs that occurred along the route, but I managed to reach 120 km/h with relative ease.

There is some grumbling from the automatic transmission's first upshifts as you go through the lower ratios, but the car settles down well at highway speeds and provides a secure ride at higher ones. It is a bakkie and not a Ferrari so its speed is what you expect from a bakkie. I was impressed by how nicely it handled gravel and the N2 motorway.

My decision

An attractive new addition to Isuzu's lineup, the D-max X-RIDER should appeal to local consumers looking for a reason to stand out in the competitive SUV market. Isuzu has won over fans with the consistent high-quality construction and dependable engineering found in every one of its vehicles, even if this one doesn't have any new engineering elements.

Among Zimbabwe's workhorses, Isuzu is the favourite of the government. It just goes to show how sturdy this bakkie is. Like any other X-RIDER, this one has a sturdy frame, all the features you need to hit the dirt, and the perfect amount of comfort to keep you going when you return to the city streets.

In a market where top-range bakkies cost US$60 000 or more, Isuzu’s new bakkie could enter as a formidable competitor, with prices ranging from US$49 000 for the lower spec to US$52 500 for the topspec. Being cheaper than competition, the aesthetic and lifestyle benefits are obvious selling points.

Specifications

CO2 emissions (average): 195 g/km Cylinder layout and quantity: i4

Engine capacity (litre): 1.9L

Engine detail: 1.9 turbo diesel

Engine position: Front

Fuel capacity: 76

Fuel consumption (average): 7,4 /100km Fuel range (average): 1 027 km

Fuel type: Diesel

Power maximum: 110 kw

Torque maximum: 350 Nm