Isuzu D-MAX X-Rider Black

The KB now known as the D-Max Isuzu has recently re-launched its popular X-Rider model but now there is a special edition, Black model on offer. I headed down to the picturesque Eastern Cape to sample the X-Rider Black.

Design

In October last year, Isuzu gave the much loved KB a facelift which also saw the aforementioned name change to D-Max. The bakkie received some updates to the front-end and saw some slight changes applied to the interior. The Black features an all-black exterior paint job called Black Meet Kettle, even the 18-inch alloy wheels, wrapped in General Grabber all-terrain rubber, are black. Other items to receive a black finish is the grille which features large red ISUZU badging, the projector-type headlights with integrated daytime running LEDs, the roof rails and the side steps. Fitting the theme, the D-Max comes fitted with an X-Rider branded sports bar and a black tonneau cover. The bakkie looks good and the black styling features give the vehicle a rather imposing look.

The interior

Not much has changed, however, I did notice a new 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that replaces the old LCD audio display. The new system features Apple CarPlay which is a massive plus in my books, this incorporates music streaming, navigation as well as the ability to send messages and receive messages without touching your phone by using the voice command facility. The system does have its own interfaces, however, with the integration of your smartphone, it means that you very seldom use it. Other noticeable elements on the interior include X-badges on the door inlays and X-Rider branded front headrests contrasting the black leather seats as well as black detailing around the air vents and on the centre console.

The dashboard does not feature soft-touch materials but then again, this is a bakkie, it has been built for durability and Isuzu has managed to blend a relatively comfortable interior with a rugged feel quite well. The addition of various cup-holders throughout the cabin also adds to the level of practicality. Other niceties include electric windows all around, electric mirrors, a tilt-adjustable steering column, air-conditioning, ABS with EBD and BAS and dual front airbags. I was impressed to discover items such as Hill Start Assist, Electronic Stability Control, and Hill Descent Control as standard.

The Power

The X-Rider Black is fitted with the brands tried and tested 2.5-litre D-TEQ turbodiesel engine which develops around 100 kW and 320 N.m of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox and there is no low-range transfer case on this model. The gear ratios are well calculated and even in fifth gear, the bakkie accelerated effortlessly and going from third- to fifth-gear is doable without the revs reducing so much to cause the engine to suffer from turbo-lag. The drive was surprisingly compliant for a bakkie in this segment and Isuzu South Africa claim consumption to be around 7.7L/100 km. The bakkie is said to be able to carry a payload of just over 1000kg with a tow rating of 750 kg for an unbraked trailer and 2100 kg for a braked trailer. Another figure worth noting, it has a ground clearance of 225 mm.

Verdict

During the local launch, social media was abuzz with teaser images of the next Isuzu D-Max. Although it seems to feature a revised exterior and interior, not much else is known about the next iteration of the vehicle. What we do know is that the current X-Rider D-Max in Black edition guise will cost you R462 000 and comes as standard with a five-year/120 000 km warranty plus a five-year/90 000 km service plan. If you are in the market for a no-fuss and reliable workhorse, that you can easily take to a black-tie event, the X-Rider Black is one to consider.