A workhorse with flair – the Isuzu D-Max 250 X-Rider

I attended the launch of the first Isuzu KB200 in Namibia in the 90s when it was a standard bakkie/double cab with no frills and no creature comforts. Just a strong, capable and reliable vehicle that was to become South Africa’s number-one workhorse. The KB has come full circle since then and in October last year, Isuzu gave it another facelift and slapped a different badge on it…the D-Max. I am not a bakkie person. But I must admit these days there are some good-looking ones around and the Isuzu X-Rider does not stand back for any of them. The first thing that caught my eye was its projector-style headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights that gives it a real on-road presence. Bold design cues sets the X-Rider apart from other models. The black finish for the front bumper and radiator grille with a loud red Isuzu badge smack-bang in the centre… The B Pillars, tubular sidesteps and sportsbar are also black and together with those bright red and black X-Rider decals, this D-Max screams “I’m in a league of my own!”. Central locking is standard and once you get into the cabin, the sporty theme continues; black leather bucket seats with contrasting red stitching and the X-Rider logo embroidered on the headrests. The steering wheel and gear lever are trimmed in leather with red stitching. High-gloss piano black door trim inserts are offset with a bright red X. But what I found most refreshing in the interior was that Isuzu has finally gotten with the programme and replaced it’s boring and dated LCD audio display with a stunning eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It features Apple Carplay, which is huge for me as I am all Appled up. This incorporates music streaming, navigation as well as the ability to send 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. The only thing I found a bit frustrating about the infotainment system was that you could not increase the volume by holding your finger down. You have to press repetitively, which can be distracting when driving. Nevertheless, the hands-free system more than made up for that. It is superb. My son lives in London and we Facetime Audio every day. He asked me what vehicle I was in because it was crystal clear. It was genuinely like standing next to him. What a pleasure. The reverse camera is great at guiding you, because this double cab is not short and I found it a bit tricky to park. Although I am sure if I was a bakkie driver or had more time with the vehicle I would have been used to it. 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 on a 4×2 model. Under the bonnet the five-speed automatic gearbox has been developed to suit the performance of the 2.5-litre intercooled turbodiesel engine which produces 100kW of power at 3 400 r/min. The maximum torque output of 320Nm is available between 1 800 and 2 800 r/min and gives the vehicle impressive load-lugging performance. We were building over the festive season and the X-Rider handled a one-ton load with ease. It also has a good ground clearance of 225mm, which was really helpful for my nerves while they were loading. The tonneau cover is also super easy to take off and replace. The gear ratios are well calculated, making for effortless changes and even with a load the gearbox does not have to search for power. Isuzu South Africa claim consumption to be around 7,7 litres/100km, but I got a 9,6litres/100km average with a good mix of town and highway driving at the speed limit. All and all, I had a really enjoyable time in the X-Rider. It is fancier now, but it is still the solid workhorse Isuzu intended it to be. I would strongly recommend you have a look at it, as at just over R470 000 it is certainly more affordable than most of its rivals that offer the same high-end treatment. And when it comes to value for money, you cannot beat it. It comes with Isuzu Complete Care, which comprises a five-year/120 000km bumper-to-bumper warranty and Isuzu Roadside Assistance, a five-year/unlimited km anti-corrosion warranty and a five-year/90 000km service plan. Photos: QuickPic