The X-Rider badge has returned to the Isuzu D-Max bakkie range! We’ve unearthed initial details – including pricing – ahead of the SA launch of this revived nameplate…

At the start of 2023, the X-Rider badge was applied to the latest-generation Isuzu D-Max for the first time, though interestingly only in Australia on a limited-run Thailand-built version. Now, Cars.co.za can confirm that the X-Rider moniker – which has enjoyed tremendous success here in South Africa – will soon make a return to the local market, too.

UPDATE: We initially published this story on 22 November 2023, but Isuzu Motors SA has since officially announced the new X-Rider for the local market, while also releasing images. Though the company says “pricing will be released soon”, we already have those details, which you can find below…

Yes, the Struandale-manufactured D-Max range is in line to gain a trio of new X-Rider double-cab derivatives, expanding the local line-up to 27 variants (or 32 if you include the prolonged lifecycle Gen 6). From what we understand, the X-Rider will be offered exclusively – for now, at least – with the Japanese firm’s familiar 110 kW/350 Nm 1.9-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, rather than the flagship 3.0-litre motor.

Set to be available only in double-cab form, the locally built X-Rider portfolio will kick off with the 4×2 configuration, in conjunction with the standard 6-speed manual gearbox (the D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC X-Rider 4×2 for R640500). This rear-wheel-drive set-up will also be offered in 6-speed automatic guise (the D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC X-Rider 4×2 AT for R659200), while the top-spec version will boast 4×4 and the self-shifting transmission (the D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC X-Rider 4×4 AT for R740700).

According to our information, the X-Rider trim level will be positioned between the 1.9 LS and 1.9 LSE grades, commanding a premium of about R55000 over the former in each case. So, what do you score for the extra outlay?

ALSO READ: Isuzu KB and D-Max (2013-2021) Buyer’s Guide

Well, the SA-specific D-Max X-Rider differs markedly from the Australian model, with the local version adopting gloss-black elements for its grille, including the incorporation of bold red “Isuzu” badging up front. Items such as the exterior door handles, tailgate handle and side-mirror caps have also been handed the gloss-black treatment, while revised “X-Rider” badges have been applied to the front doors and the tailgate. The three paint colours initially on offer will be Splash White, Red Spinel and Islay Grey, with Mercury Silver set to be added to the palette from April 2024.

Further distinguishing features include a black tubular sports bar, a soft tonneau cover, 2-tone 18-inch alloy wheels, a tow bar, grey roof rails and LED headlamps (the latter matching those of higher-spec 3.0-litre models). Inside, Isuzu Motors SA offers the X-Rider with leather upholstery featuring red stitching, with this crimson hue repeated on parts of the dashboard and interior door-panel trim. Dark headliner and branded floor mats have also been added.

The X-Rider heritage is strong in Mzansi, with this badge having made its debut back in July 2016 as a “special value model” in the KB range (in both extended and double-cab form). By April 2017, the dual-cab version of the X-Rider had become a permanent fixture in the line-up, such was its popularity.

The special-edition X-Rider Black followed in May 2018, before a new version of the X-Rider Black – based on the facelifted bakkie that had by then switched to the D-Max nameplate – launched late in 2019. Finally, 3 more X-Rider Limited Edition derivatives followed at the end of 2021, effectively seeing off the RT-generation model. As a reminder, the current RG-gen D-Max launched locally as recently as April 2022 (which is why our market may have to wait for the introduction of the recently revealed facelift).

Year to date, the D-Max is South Africa’s 3rd best-selling bakkie (behind only the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger), with 16277 units registered over the opening 10 months of 2023. According to Lightstone Auto data, 7 387 units of those were double-cab derivatives. Meanwhile, the most recent addition to the range was the flagship AT35 derivative.

We expect Isuzu Motors SA to release official details – including images – of the new D-Max X-Rider soon, so check back for more information in the coming days and weeks. For now, check out exactly where the X-Rider derivatives (highlighted in italics) fall in the broader D-Max double-cab range below…

How much will the new Isuzu D-Max X-Rider cost in SA?

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC L 4×2 – R550900

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC L 4×2 AT – R568500

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC LS 4×2 – R585100

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC LS 4×2 AT – R603800

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC X-Rider 4×2 – R640 500

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC L 4×4 – R652400

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC X-Rider 4×2 AT – R659200

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC LS 4×4 AT – R685200

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC X-Rider 4×4 AT – R740700

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 Ddi DC LS 4×4 – R764 000

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 Ddi DC LS 4×4 AT – R781600

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 Ddi DC LSE AT – R821700

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 Ddi DC V-Cross AT – R859800

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 Ddi DC LSE 4×4 AT – R869500

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 Ddi DC V-Cross 4×4 AT – R908600

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 Ddi DC AT35 4×4 AT – R1 159 900

The prices above include a 5-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15000 km).

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