By Malusi Msomi

The Isuzu D-Max is one of the most popular amongst the lifestyle bakkie segment. With that in mind, Isuzu is always looking for ways to keep their customers happy with variety. Enter the D-Max X-Rider, we headed down to the beautiful city of George for a first drive of the new bakkie.

Styling

Based on the LS, it borrows some features from the LSE but in a more stylish package. It boasts sleek black gloss grille, distinctive red ‘ISUZU’ lettering at the front, and stylish black accents on the door handles, B-pillars, side-mirror covers, and tailgate handle. It also gets LED lights and 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. Colour options include Splash White, Mercury Silver, Red Spinel and Islay Gray. It’s honestly one of the best looking bakkies on the roads right now.

Interior

Inside, the D-Max X-Rider gets red accents on door materials, stitching, and leather seats with ‘X’ logos. It also gets dark surfaces, a seven-inch infotainment screen, cruise control, and essential features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, rear park assist, and a rear-view camera. There is a generous use of plastics in the cabin, but that won’t be a deal breaker for most. We love the straight-forwardness of the cabin where everything is placed and works well.

Power

All D-Max X-Rider’s are powered by a 1.9-litre diesel engine which produces 110 kW/350 Nm. Isuzu claims a fuel consumption of 5.6 L/100 km. The X-Rider range consists of three models, the double-cab HR X-Rider LS with a six-speed manual transmission, the HR X-Rider LS AT and 4×4 X-Rider LS AT which both come equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.

It feels comfortable on most road surface we took it through. We had a chance to take it off the beaten track on a short stint through Phantom Pass, and we can report that the X-Rider still holds proper off-road prowess. Some might say it lacks in the oomph department, but the trade off with that is great fuel. These are the same engines Isuzu used for their One Tank Challenge, managing to drive from Johannesburg on a single tank of fuel. We do however suspect a 3.0-litre version of the X-Rider soon.

Safety

When it comes to safety, the X-Rider comes with driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag. Active safety features available to the driver include ABS brakes, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BAS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control, Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Trailer Sway Control.

Verdict

Aside from the bold styling, the D-Max X-Rider offers a great ride, reliable engine, and a well specced at a compelling price. We’re eager to get our hands on it for a comprehensive review.

Pricing

D-MAX 1.9 X-RIDER – R640,500

D-MAX 1.9 X-RIDER A/T – R659,200

D-MAX 1.9 X-RIDER 4×4 A/T – R740,700