eBusiness Weekly
When the new-generation D-Max was launched in 2022 some Isuzu fans were disappointed that there was no X-Rider model in the range.
With its sporty exterior and interior touches and mid-range pricing, the X-Rider was a popular fixture in the previous range, and now it is being offered in the latest D-Max for the first time.
Available in three 1,9-litre double cab configurations, pitched between the LS and LSE variants, the new X-Rider is priced at R640 500 in manual 4×2 guise, with the auto coming in at R659 200, and there’s also a 4×4 auto version that will set you back by R740 700.
Interestingly the original X-Rider double cab cost R366 000 when it launched back in 2016, which is around R520 000 in today’s money according to the Inflationcalc app.
The new X-Rider models cost R55 000 more than the equivalent LS models that they’re based on, and for that you receive a glut of unique features inside and out.
On the outside you can tell the X-Rider apart by its 18-inch “diamond cut” alloy wheels, gloss black grille with red Isuzu lettering, LED headlights and taillights and X-Rider badging on the front doors and tailgate. What is more the Isuzu decal on the latter is now black.
Four exterior colours are on offer — Red Pinel, Islay Gray, Mercury Silver and Splash White — and all feature contrasting black treatment for the door handles, mirror caps and curved sports bar.
Red accents run throughout the cabin, including red stitching for the seats, which upgrade from the LS model’s cloth upholstery to full leather.
You will also find “X” logos on the front seat headrests and on the dashboard above the glovebox, while the headlining is black in this exclusive model.
As per the LS model that it is based on, standard interior features include cruise control, rear park assist with reverse camera, rear USB ports and a 7,0-inch (17,8cm) touchscreen infotainment system.
For now the X-Rider is available only with Isuzu’s 1,9-litre turbodiesel engine option, which produces 110kW and 350Nm. Both the manual and automatic gearbox options are six-speed units.
“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 Isuzu SA product planning department executive Kevin Fouche.
“The X-Rider will attract a lot of attention, but to offer value to our customer the new X-Rider is based on the mid-range 1.9 Ddi LS models with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions in 4×2 form, and a 4×4 automatic for adventurous customers heading off the beaten track.”
For after-sales peace of mind the X-Rider is sold with a five-year or 120 000km warranty and five-year or 90 000km service plan.
Isuzu D-Max Double Cab Pricing (March 2024)
1,9 TD L 4×2 manual — R550 900
1,9 TD L 4×2 auto — R568 500
1,9 TD LS 4×2 manual — R585 100
1,9 TD LS 4×2 auto — R603 800
1,9 TD X-Rider 4×2 manual — R640 500
1,9 TD L 4×4 manual — R652 400
1.9 TD X-Rider 4×2 auto — R659 200
1,9 TD LS 4×4 auto — R685 200
1,9 TD X-Rider 4×4 auto — R740 700
3,0 TD V-Cross 4×2 auto — R859 800
3.0 TD LSE 4×4 auto — R869 500
3.0 TD V-Cross 4×4 auto — R908 600
3.0 TD AT35 4×4 auto — R1 159 900. — IOL Motoring
