With the introduction of the 7th-generation D-Max mere months away, Isuzu Motors SA has released a trio of X-Rider Limited Edition derivatives of its current (8-year-old) bakkie, of which only 210 individually numbered units will be produced.

Following a R1.2-billion to upgrade its Struandale production facilities in Port Elizabeth (now known as Gqeberha) in 2019 and a delay of about a year owing to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Isuzu will finally launch its all-new D-Max range in South Africa in March 2022.

But, before then, Isuzu will avail the X-Rider Limited Edition in 2.5 HO X-Rider LTD 4×2 5-speed manual, 2.5 HO X-Rider LTD 4×2 5 speed Auto and 3.0 X-Rider LTD 4×2 6 Speed Auto guises.

First introduced in 2016 as a special value model in the then KB range, the X-Rider became a permanent fixture of the Isuzu model line-up in Mzansi as well as in other African markets. Although the 6th-gen D-Max is a, well, seasoned campaigner in the market, Isuzu’s bakkie range has continued to sell well based on its solid value proposition and enviable reputation for durability and reliability.

From a South African market perspective, the D-Max is 8 years old, and it may surprise some readers to know it’s 2 years younger than the outgoing Ford Ranger! Incidentally, the Japanese marque sold less than 100 units than Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa in November.

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X-Rider Limited Edition derivatives are distinguished by exclusive features such as blacked-out 18-inch alloy wheels, black roof rails, X-Rider Edition Limited-branded sports hoop and tailgate, a branded carpet set, as well as a standard load box roller-shutter.

“The X-Rider Limited Edition is a celebration of the success we’ve had with the 6th-generation D-Max (and) a vehicle that true Isuzu fans will be proud to own and keep as part of their garage,” Craig Uren, Isuzu Motors SA’s senior vice president of sales and marketing said this week.

“(It’s) the most robust and well-built example of the D-Max to date. This is a vehicle which will last a lifetime,” Dominic Rimmer, the firm’s senior vice president of technical operations, added.

The 250 HO versions are powered by the proven 2.5-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces 100 kW at 3400 rpm and 320 Nm from 1800 to 2800 rpm. The 300’s 3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel motor, in turn, delivers 130 kW at 3600 rpm and 380 Nm from 1800 to 2800 rpm.

The claimed combined cycle fuel consumption for the 2.5-litre derivatives is 7.7 L/100 km, with CO2 emissions of 203 g/km for the manual, Isuzu Motors SA claims. The 3.0-litre version’s combined cycle fuel consumption is said to be 7.5 L/100 km with CO2 emissions of198 g/km.

All Isuzu D-Max derivatives come standard with a 5-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan. Service intervals are every 15 000 km or 12 months.

Prices for the Isuzu D-Max X-Rider Limited Edition

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