LISTEN: Will Isuzu D-Max X-Rider bother Hilux and Ranger?

Two years after the new Isuzu D-Max was rolled out in South Africa, the bakkie’s line-up has been expanded with the X-Rider moniker.

Based on the LS trim level, the X-Rider is offered in three derivates, all of which are double cabs. The 4×4 model is only offered with automatic transmission, with the 4×2 available in manual and auto.

Listen to Pitstop podcast

In The Citizen Motoring‘s Pitstop podcast, Jaco van der Merwe, Mark Jones and Charl Bosch discuss the positioning of the bakkie. And how the Isuzu D-Max X-Rider stacks up against South Africa’s top two best-selling bakkies, the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.

The X-Rider was first introduced to the local market in 2016 when the Isuzu D-Max was still known as the KB. Using the entry-level KB 250 Hi-Rider, the first X-Rider was spruced up on the in and outside.

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Popular choice

Originally planned to be a limited-edition model, the X-Rider was so popular that Isuzu kept them coming. And the Japanese carmaker even added a few models down the line.

The X-Rider models introduced to the Isuzu D-Max line-up, for the first time, is based on the LS trim level. Compared to the LS’s pricing, the X-Rider comes at a R55 400 premium.

It is only offered with the 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine, which produces 110 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque.

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Isuzu D-Max X-Rider sees red

Exterior enhancement from the LS include LED headlights and fog lamps and a gloss black grille with a red Isuzu badge. Plus black door handles and mirror caps, black sports bar as well as blacked-out B-pillar.

Other features include 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels with black centre caps and red Isuzu lettering. Plus grey roof rails, soft tonneau cover as well as X-Rider badges.

The red show continues inside, where X-Rider badges are scattered through the cabin.

The Isuzu D-Max X-Rider’s main rivals include the Toyota Hilux Raider X and the Mahindra Pik-Up Karoo. Then there is not a like-for-like for it in the Ford stable, with the XL Sport being discontinued.