The Isuzu Thread

Pricing scoop! Isuzu D-Max X-Rider badge returns to SA

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.

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

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC L 4×2 – R550 900

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC L 4×2 AT – R568 500

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC LS 4×2 – R585 100

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC LS 4×2 AT – R603 800

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

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC L 4×4 – R652 400

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC X-Rider 4×2 AT – R659 200

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC LS 4×4 AT – R685 200

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC X-Rider 4×4 AT – R740 700

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

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 Ddi DC LS 4×4 AT – R781 600

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 Ddi DC LSE AT – R821 700

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 Ddi DC V-Cross AT – R859 800

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 Ddi DC LSE 4×4 AT – R869 500

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 Ddi DC V-Cross 4×4 AT – R908 600

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 15 000 km).

 
New Isuzu D-Max X-Rider double cab launched in South Africa

When the new-generation D-Max was launched in 2022 some Isuzu fans were disappointed that there was no X-Rider model in the range.

With its sporty exterior and interior touches and mid-range pricing, the X-Rider was a popular fixture in the previous range, and now it’s being offered in the latest D-Max for the first time.

Available in three 1.9-litre double cab configurations, pitched between the LS and LSE variants, the new X-Rider is priced at R640,500 in manual 4x2 guise, with the auto coming in at R659,200, and there’s also a 4x4 auto version that will set you back by R740,700.

Interestingly the original X-Rider double cab cost R366,000 when it launched back in 2016, which is around R520,000 in today’s money according to the Inflationcalc app.

The new X-Rider models cost R55,000 more than the equivalent LS models that they’re based on, and for that you receive a glut of unique features inside and out.

Isuzu D-Max Double Cab Pricing (March 2024)

1.9 TD L 4x2 manual - R550,900

1.9 TD L 4x2 auto - R568,500

1.9 TD LS 4x2 manual - R585,100

1.9 TD LS 4x2 auto - R603,800

1.9 TD X-Rider 4x2 manual - R640,500

1.9 TD L 4x4 manual - R652,400

1.9 TD X-Rider 4x2 auto - R659,200

1.9 TD LS 4x4 auto - R685,200

1.9 TD X-Rider 4x4 auto - R740,700

3.0 TD LS 4x4 manual - R764,000

3.0 TD LS 4x4 auto - R781,600

3.0 TD LSE 4x2 auto - R821,700

3.0 TD V-Cross 4x2 auto - R859,800

3.0 TD LSE 4x4 auto - R869,500

3.0 TD V-Cross 4x4 auto - R908,600

3.0 TD AT35 4x4 auto - R1,159,900

 
Review: Isuzu D-Max 1.9 X-Rider

Verdict

The D-Max X-RIDER is a great stylistic addition to Isuzu’s range and should find favour in a local market seeking differentiation in such a popular motoring segment. While the vehicle does not present any changes in engineering, Isuzu has garnered a loyal following for the build quality and reliable engineering prevalent in all its model. The X-RIDER is no different, offering the same robust build, all the necessary capabilities to venture off into the dirt, and just the right amount of luxury to fight right back in on the city streets. With the top-spec X-RIDER priced at under R750 000 – in a market where R800k plus is becoming all too familiar – Isuzu’s new bakkie should become a strong contender.

 
Isuzu D-Max X-Rider (2024) Launch Review

How much does the X-Rider cost in SA (March 2024)

The vehicle is sold with a 5-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km).

D-Max 1.9TD DC X-Rider 4×2 manual R640 500
D-Max 1.9TD DC X-Rider 4×2 automatic R659 200
D-Max 1.9TD DC X-Rider 4×4 automatic R740 700

Summary

Given how popular the X-Rider derivatives of the (long-serving) previous-gen D-Max were, this iteration of the distinctive and sporty trim grade will probably be welcomed by Isuzu loyalists. The cosmetic and lifestyle enhancements are clear drawcards and the price difference (of around R55k) seems good value.

While we have reservations about the towing ability and under-load performance of the 1.9TD, this D-Max should be on your shortlist if you’re simply looking to purchase a new lifestyle double-cab bakkie that does the basics right. We look forward to putting the X-Rider through a comprehensive road test.

 
DRIVEN: Isuzu D-Max X-Rider takes on three-day Garden Route road trip

With the X-Rider range kick starting at R640,500 for the 4x2 manual model, this represents only a R55,000 premium over the standard LS model, which in that context makes the X-Rider quite an appealing value-for-money proposition considering the niceties you gain. The X-Rider 4x4 automatic is priced at R659,200, with the range-topping 4x4 automatic priced at R740,700.

However way you look at it, there’s no denying that the Isuzu D-MAX X-Rider positions itself as a well-packaged product with hard-to-beat value-for-money.

 
Isuzu is readying an electric D-Max pick-up truck, and here’s what it’ll look like

Longstanding workhorse set for electric makeover, and it might come to the UK
Permit us a brief foray into the not-so-small world of electric pick-up trucks. Isuzu has revealed its intention to build a version of its longstanding D-Max powered solely by electrons.

Unsurprisingly dubbed the D-Max BEV, Isuzu has revealed a few renders of its incoming electric workhorse, designed to offer all the benefits of the thoroughly capable diesel-engined version without… the thoroughly rattly diesel engine.

The plan is to fit a 66.9kWh battery into the D-Max’s bluff body offering a max output of 130kW – the equivalent of around 174bhp. That’s spread across a pair of electric motors front and back for four-wheel-drive and “instant torque with a linear acceleration feel characteristic of BEVs”.

Though, linear acceleration is perhaps the least fun characteristic in a professional truck, Isuzu recognising this and pegging the top speed to 81mph. Sensible. We’re told the D-Max BEV will get a one-tonne payload and a 3.5-tonne towing capacity, which broadly mirrors the ICE version.

 
Isuzu D-Max range expands with LS Single Cab, while Double Cabs get spec boost

Until now Isuzu has kept things rather basic with the Single Cab versions of its seventh-generation D-Max bakkie.

But now the base and L models are being joined by five LS derivatives that add more luxury to the Japanese truck maker’s workhorse equation. At the same time, certain Extended and Double cab D-Max models have been given a spec boost.

The Single Cab LS line-up kicks off with the 1.9 Ddi high rider 4x2 manual model at R516,500, which is a R55,000 premium over the equivalent L variant.

The 1.9 Ddi LS is also offered as a 4x2 auto (R538,400) and 4x4 auto (R618,800) and as a further bonus Isuzu has also introduced a pair of 3.0 Ddi models, with the 4x2 retailing at R590,800 and the 4x4 at R665,400.

Aimed at “owner operators” who spend long hours behind the wheel, the LS comes with cruise control, powered mirrors and a 7.0-inch (17.8cm) touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration.

 
Isuzu D-Max Single Cab LS (2024) Price & Specs

Isuzu Motors SA has expanded its D-Max Single Cab range to include new, higher-spec LS variants, while also rolling out the 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine to this body style…

Isuzu Motors South Africa has effectively doubled its D-Max Single Cab line-up by launching 5 new LS derivatives. In the process, the Japanese firm’s local division has also extended the 140 kW/450 Nm 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine to this workhorse body style.

Previously, single-cab versions of the current-generation, Struandale-built D-Max bakkie were available only in base and L specification – and only with the 110 kW/350 Nm 1.9-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel motor. Now, however, the single-cab range includes a trio of 1.9 LS derivatives and a pair of 3.0 LS newcomers, taking the total to 10 variants.

The 1.9 LS is available in 4×2 guise paired with either a 6-speed manual or an automatic cog-swapper with the same number of gears, as well as in 4×4 form (only with the self-shifting gearbox). Both 3.0 LS derivatives come equipped with the 6-speed automatic transmission, though there’s a choice of 4×2 and 4×4 configurations. Scroll down to the bottom of this article to check out full pricing.

How much do the new Isuzu D-Max Single Cab LS models cost?

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 single cab 6MT – R442 800

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 single cab L 6MT – R461 900

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 single cab L 6AT – R479 900

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 single cab LS 6MT – R516 500

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 single cab LS 6AT – R538 400

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 single cab L 4×4 6MT – R568 500

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 single cab L 4×4 6AT – R586 500

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 single cab LS 6AT – R590 800

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 single cab LS 4×4 6AT – R618 800

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 single cab LS 4×4 6AT – R665 400

All derivatives ship standard with a 5-year/120 000 km warranty (with roadside assistance) and a 5-year/unlimited distance anti-corrosion warranty, as well as a 5-year/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km).

 
These prices have no basis in reality for me anymore. We need a bigmac index for car prices. I feel like everything has skyrocketed in the last 10 years.

@FiestaST , any chance of you making a list of comparable cars/prices in the near future? I'm guessing the "city golf" Polo would be the simplest reference point.
 
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