Transition in the Isuzu D-Max range
Promising greater driving comfort and convenience, Isuzu South Africa has added five automatic derivatives to the local model line-up.
One of the highlight additions to the range is the D-Max 250 X-Rider which for the first time features a five-speed automatic transmission. This new derivative will join the current five-speed manual derivatives, available in two and four-wheel drive. Automatic variants of the D-Max 250 LE and Hi-Ride models also join the model line-up. The workhorse orientated Hi-Ride derivatives also sees the addition of a 3.0-litre double cab option fitted with a 6-speed automatic transmission while the D-Max 250 Extended Cab Hi-Ride 4×2 is now offered with a five-speed automatic transmission. “Buying trends in the bakkie segment are changing rapidly, and we have seen a major upswing in the demand for automatic gearboxes in recent years,” Dominic Rimmer, Senior Vice President, Technical Operations at Isuzu Motors South Africa.
The D-Max 250 motor produces 100 kW and 320 N.m of torque and will return a combined fuel consumption figure of 8.1L/100km mated to the new automatic transmissions. The new automatic variants retain the 2 100kg towing capacity for a braked trailer. Depending on the model type, the new additions to the D-Max range is still capable of carrying just over 1 ton with the loading bay featuring four tie-down brackets for convenience and safety. Standing out from the crowd is the D-Max X-Rider which comes with front bumper and grille finished in black. Contrasting the dark finish up-front is a red Isuzu badge featuring in the centre of the grille. Flanking the grille is projector-style headlamps featuring LED daytime running lights. The black treatment is found around the car with the B-pillars, side steps and sports bar finished in the dark tone. Further reaffirming its uniqueness is the X-Rider decals, two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels and red Isuzu branding on the centre caps.
The theme carries through to the interior with black leather bucket seats featuring in the front finished with the X-Rider logo embroidered on the headrest in contrasting red. The steering wheel and gear lever are also clad with leather while piano black inserts can be found on the door trim, air vents and radio surround. The X-Rider also features ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist system, electronic stability control with traction control, as well as hill start assist and hill descent control. Additional tech includes remote keyless entry, an anti-theft alarm system and transponder immobilizer and a Bluetooth-enabled audio system linked to six speakers.
The same 2.5-litre intercooled turbodiesel engine is used in the Hi-Ride and LE derivatives which both now also feature automatic transmissions. Also, customers can opt for a Hi-Ride derivative which features a 3.0-litre four-cylinder intercooled turbodiesel engine, which produces 130 kW of power and 380 Nm of torque.
Warranty:
All Isuzu D-Max models come standard with a five-year/120 000 km warranty and Isuzu Roadside Assistance, a five-year/unlimited km anti-corrosion warranty and a five-year/90 000 km Service Plan.
Isuzu D-Max 250 Auto model range:
Pricing:
D-MAX 250 HO EXTENDED CAB HI-RIDE AUTO – R 403 200
D-MAX 250 HO DOUBLE CAB HI-RIDE AUTO – R 435 300
D-MAX 250 HO DOUBLE CAB LE AUTO – R 459 000
D-MAX 300 DOUBLE CAB HI-RIDE AUTO – R 464 100
D-MAX 250 HO DOUBLE CAB X-RIDER AUTO – R 474 700
