Isuzu expands on D-MAX line-up
Isuzu is a much-loved brand here in South Africa. The automaker even has production facilities in Port Elizabeth and plays a vital role in the local and national economy. Isuzu is mostly known for their pick-ups (or bakkies, as we call them). One of the most popular is the X-Rider which has been given a new heart.
Isuzu has been tried and tested over the years, with many customers choosing it over others in the segment. Take Gerhard du Toit, for example, who owns a rather special Isuzu. His Isuzu has clocked over 1.7 million kilometres in its life. He uses Roadrunner to travel between Oudtshoorn and George twice a day, every day, for his courier business. This daily commute is through the scenic yet treacherous Outeniqua Pass with several sharp corners and 90-degree bends.
But it is not the more than 300 kms per day that Roadrunner travels that makes this bakkie a real workhorse: “I stop and start the bakkie between 80 to 100 times per day. This is as I drop off the parcels or pick up parcels at my various clients in the two towns. I have had to replace my front seat covers twice already, but I think Roadrunner may still outlive me one day,” chuckled Du Toit.
Besides his unique and careful driving skills, Du Toit also keeps his bakkie in top condition by never missing or skipping a service.
“That is a given; you do not miss that 10 000 km service for anything. Other than the oil and filter changes, wheel alignment, and so on, there are never any major problems when I take the bakkie for its service,” he said.
It is this proven reliability that makes the new Isuzu D-Max such an attractive offering. The X-Rider is offered with either a robust 2.5 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel. This motor develops 100kW from 3 400 rpm with 320Nm of torque between 1 800rpm and 2 800rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual.
For those wanting a bit more power, it is worth noting that Isuzu has added their legendary D-Max 3.0 TD to the X-Rider offering. This motor offers 130kW and 380Nm between 1800 and 2800rpm. Power is sent to the wheels via a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
The X-Rider an entry point into the Isuzu lifestyle range. It offers a decent blend of style and features at a competitive price point. The X-Rider comes standard with black roof rails, a black sports bar with a Red X-Rider logo, black running boards, eight-inch AX2 Radio with a multifunction colour touchscreen, and a black tailgate handle with a rearview camera.
Isuzu has made it clear that they are proud of the D-Max’s rich heritage of reliability and durability. The company will continue to thrive towards making the next-generation D-Max as reliable and durable as its predecessors, ensuring that its ‘tough’ reputation lives on.
The Isuzu X-Rider D-Max 3.0TD retails for around R578 700, while the entry-level D-Max 250 retails for R508 100. The Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD is, however, our pick as it offers all the must-have luxury features, stylish looks, and that formidable D-Max engine.
Also worth a look: the Isuzu D Max and the Isuzu D Max.
FAQ
Q: What does the Isuzu D-MAX X-Rider cost in South Africa?
The Isuzu D-MAX X-Rider starts from around R580,000 for the base 2.5-litre turbo-diesel manual variant, making it a competitive option in the mid-size bakkie segment.
Q: How reliable is the Isuzu D-MAX compared to other bakkies?
The D-MAX has proven exceptional reliability with examples like Gerhard du Toit's courier bakkie clocking over 1.7 million kilometres, demonstrating that proper maintenance can deliver outstanding longevity even under heavy commercial use.
Q: What engine options are available in the Isuzu D-MAX X-Rider?
The X-Rider comes with a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 100kW at 3,400rpm and 320Nm of torque between 1,800rpm and 2,800rpm, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Q: Is the Isuzu D-MAX good for commercial use in South Africa?
Absolutely, the D-MAX excels in commercial applications with proven durability for high-mileage operations, frequent stop-start driving, and challenging terrain like mountain passes, backed by Isuzu's local manufacturing and service network.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, the Isuzu D-MAX X-Rider is worth buying if you need a reliable workhorse bakkie under R600,000 in South Africa. At around R580,000, it offers exceptional value with proven million-kilometre durability, solid 100kW turbo-diesel performance, and the peace of mind that comes with local manufacturing and service support. While it may not have the flashiest interior or latest tech, the D-MAX delivers where it counts most: rock-solid reliability and genuine commercial capability that can handle everything from daily courier runs to weekend adventures.
