The Isuzu Thread

DRIVEN: Isuzu mu-X 1.9 Ddi is a new entry model that’s surprisingly capable

Cruising down the highway it was impossible not to notice how quiet things were inside the cabin of the 1.9-litre diesel Isuzu mu-X that has been added to the range as the base version.

The revised mu-X was launched earlier this year – longer, wider and bigger than its predecessor and there was, perhaps, a tinge of expectation that the small diesel engine would not be able to handle the voluminous bodywork without a bit of a struggle.

On the contrary, it is more than up to the task and Kevin Fouche, Department Executive: Product Planning and Programme Management at Isuzu Motors South Africa, says: “Adding a new entry-level 1.9-litre model significantly broadens the appeal of the mu-X. It offers outstanding space, comfort and versatility but is more affordable and with lower running costs.

“This is the first time we’ve offered the mu-X with the 1.9-litre Ddi engine and at this price point. We believe the timing is perfect due to the continued growth of the SUV segment.”

The fuel-sipping achievement of the Isuzu 1.9-litre bakkie making it all the way from Johannesburg to Cape Town on a single tank of fuel has been well documented and it is now the turn of the family-sized mu-X to opt in with an automatic version.

 
Facelifted Isuzu D-Max bakkie revealed in Thailand

You might think it’s a bit soon for the Isuzu D-Max bakkie to receive a comprehensive makeover such as this, but the latest generation model has actually been on sale abroad since 2019.

But thanks to Covid-related delays, it took until 2022 for the current model to enter production in South Africa and given how fresh it still appears on our shelves, it’s unlikely that this facelift will reach our shores in the near future.

The updated model that you see here has been revealed in its key market of Thailand, and includes a sharper exterior design as well as numerous cabin revisions.

On the outside we see a taller and wider front grille that flows into a redesigned bonnet that now boasts a subtle “power dome”. The headlights have been freshened too, with the DRLs now positioned along the upper edge.

At the back end, the LED taillights now have three segments (was previously two) and the tailgate has been given a smoother look, with the crease line now spreading across the panel.

The cabin of the facelifted Isuzu D-Max retains its familiar architecture, however there is a new instrument cluster, featuring a larger 7.0-inch digital display in the centre, and the central infotainment system has been updated to include fresh graphics and the return of physical buttons for volume control and radio tuning.

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

The X-Rider badge will soon make a return 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.

Though we don’t yet have images to share, we do know 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).

 
Isuzu D-Max X-Rider is making a comeback, first details released

The Isuzu D-Max X-Rider first started out as a special edition back in back in 2016 but due to high demand it quickly became a permanent fixture in the range.

Combining a sensible specification sheet, that wasn’t too fancy, with sporty styling and a reasonably accessible price tag, the X-Rider hit a sweet spot for many consumers in the double cab space.

While the X-Rider variant disappeared when the latest-generation D-Max was introduced in 2022, it is now making a comeback.

Isuzu Motors South Africa has released the first pictures and details of the new model, which is offered as a double cab only, but pricing has not been released as yet. However logic dictates that it will be priced somewhere north of the LS models that form its basis and these, for the record, cost between R585,100 and R685,200.

 
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