The Isuzu Thread

Road Test: Isuzu mu-X 3.0TD Onyx XT 4X4

Isuzu MU-X 3.0TD Onyx XT 4X4 Fast Facts
Price: R1 026 800
0-100 km/h: 10.55 seconds
Top speed: 180 km/h
Power: 140 kW
Torque: 450 N.m
CAR fuel index: 10.92 L/100 km
CO2: 200 g/km

With things changing and moving so fast in the automotive sphere, it’s quite refreshing to have vehicles such as the mu-X that are rewriting the rulebook by simply sticking to what they’ve capably done for years. There’s a hard-to-articulate pleasingness to the Isuzu’s relatively frill-free approach to motoring and its overall feel – it’s one of the few cars out there that, from new, manages to feel reassuringly run-in; for want of a better analogy, it feels a bit like a pair of indestructible hiking boots that someone has worn in for you. The styling updates, while considered, give it the presence that’s perhaps seen this capable SUV operating in before and while the powertrain isn’t at the bleeding edge of technology, we’d wager that it will outlast most of the newer units on the market. Pleasing as it is to look at, with the XT’s asking price broaching the million-rand mark, we’d suggest the 4×4 automatic LS and LSE models, at R939500 and R973 700 respectively, which don’t deviate that much in terms of standard specification as the models of choice in the range.


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Isuzu X-Rider Black: limited edition bakkie with unique styling hits the market

The Isuzu bakkie is back in black with the announcement of the X-Rider Black limited-edition model.

Only 150 of the X-Rider Black units will be produced at Isuzu’s Struandale plant in Gqeberha this year, available to South African customers as well as those in other African markets.

Each X-Rider Black will be numbered, with a special plaque fitted on the left-side inner fender, and it gains several unique styling enhancements.

There will be three derivatives of the double cab bakkie with the choice of a six-speed manual transmission or automatic in 4x2 guise, or the 4x4 automatic with shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive engagement.

Engine

Under the bonnet, it’s fitted with Isuzu’s 1.9 DDi four-cylinder turbodiesel engine producing 110kW and 350Nm of torque.

It’s the same engine that achieved an economy figure of 5.58l/100km during the Isuzu One Tank Challenge – driving 1,452km from Midrand to Cape Town without refuelling.

Exterior

Obviously black dominates with it being the only X-Rider variant available in Onyx Black.

The theme is carried through to the rest of the exterior, including the 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels wrapped in General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres with red ‘Isuzu’ lettering on the black centre caps.

It gains a tubular black sports bar featuring a black plate spanning the vertical spars that is laser cut to reveal an ‘X’ emblem.

The front fascia and grille get Gun Metallic treatment and red ‘Isuzu’ lettering copied from the range-topping D-Max V-Cross, while the tailgate Isuzu decal receives a silver outline.

The door handles, B-pillars, side-mirror covers and tailgate handle are all finished in black, while standard dark grey roof rails are fitted.

Pricing

1.9 Ddi D/Cab HR X-Rider Black: R664 100.
1.9 Ddi D/Cab HR X-Rider Black AT: R685 600.
1.9 Ddi D/Cab 4x4 X-Rider Black AT RHD: R770 400.

 
2025 Isuzu D-Max X-Rider Black in SA: Price & Specs

Sporting stealthy exterior trim elements, Isuzu South Africa has announced the D-Max X-Rider Black. Only 150 examples will be available. See local pricing below.

Isuzu South Africa has introduced the D-Max X-Rider Black limited edition to our market. Limited to only 150 examples, the special edition D-Max is set apart from its standard stablemates through the addition of Gun Metallic finishes for the grille, which features red ‘Isuzu’ lettering, 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels, replete with red ‘Isuzu’ lettering on the centre caps, and a black styling bar. The D-Max X-Rider Black is exclusively available in Onyx Black body hue.

2025 Isuzu D-Max X-Rider Black Price in SA

The X-Rider Black will be available with six-speed manual and automatic transmission, and in 4×2 and 4×4 flavour. Pricing for the limited edition kicks off R664 100 to R770 400 and includes a five-year/90 000km service plan and a five-year/120 000km warranty.

1.9 Ddi D/Cab HR X-Rider Black – R664 100
1.9 Ddi D/Cab HR X-Rider Black AT – R685 600
1.9 Ddi D/Cab 4×4 X-Rider Black AT RHD – R770 400


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Isuzu D-Max X-Rider Black (2025) Price & Specs

Isuzu Motors South Africa will produce just 150 units of the new D-Max X-Rider Black, each powered by the brand’s 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine. Here’s what they cost…

- X-Rider Black badge returns to D-Max line-up
- Just 150 units will be produced in Struandale
- 3 derivatives available, priced from R664 100

Back in March 2024, the X-Rider badge officially returned to the Isuzu D-Max range in South Africa. Now, the Japanese brand has rolled out a limited-edition version called the D-Max X-Rider Black.

Of course, this name will be a familiar one to many local bakkie fans, with Isuzu having launched an X-Rider Black based on the previous-generation D-Max back in 2019. The 2025 iteration will again be built at the automaker’s Struandale factory in the Eastern Cape, though just 150 units will be produced (and spread across Mzansi and “other African markets”).

Every example will be numbered and come complete with a special plaque fitted to the left-side inner fender. Mimicking the X-Rider line-up on which it’s based, just 3 double-cab derivatives will be on offer. There is thus a 6-speed manual variant and a 6-speed automatic derivative, each in 4×2 guise, as well as a 4×4 automatic version. In each case, power comes from the standard 1.9-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine delivering 110 kW and 350 Nm.

The D-Max 1.9TD X-Rider Black 4×2 6MT is priced at R664 100 (a premium of R11 600), while the D-Max 1.9TD X-Rider Black 4×2 6AT comes in at R685 600 (R11 800 more than the standard X-Rider equivalent) and the D-Max 1.9TD X-Rider Black 4×4 6AT at R770 400 (up R12 600).

What does the Isuzu D-Max X-Rider Black cost in SA?

DERIVATIVE PRICE

Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD X-Rider Black 4×2 6MT R664 100
Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD X-Rider Black 4×2 6AT R685 600
Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD X-Rider Black 4×4 6AT R770 400

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 Double Cab: Top 5 Accessories to Consider

Want to make your Isuzu D-Max Double Cab just a little more special? We’ve picked out 5 genuine accessories worth considering for this locally built bakkie…

The Isuzu D-Max has long been South Africa’s 3rd best-selling bakkie, meaning there are plenty out on the road today. So, how can you make your D-Max Double Cab look and feel just a little more special? Well, we’ve rounded up 5 accessories worth considering.

Yes, we’ve rummaged through the lengthy list of genuine D-Max accessories available from Isuzu dealers and selected some standout options. According to the Japanese automaker, these factory-backed accessories all enhance either the look or functionality of the Struandale-built bakkie.

 
Isuzu D-Max Double Cab: Top 5 Accessories to Consider

Want to make your Isuzu D-Max Double Cab just a little more special? We’ve picked out 5 genuine accessories worth considering for this locally built bakkie…

The Isuzu D-Max has long been South Africa’s 3rd best-selling bakkie, meaning there are plenty out on the road today. So, how can you make your D-Max Double Cab look and feel just a little more special? Well, we’ve rounded up 5 accessories worth considering.

Yes, we’ve rummaged through the lengthy list of genuine D-Max accessories available from Isuzu dealers and selected some standout options. According to the Japanese automaker, these factory-backed accessories all enhance either the look or functionality of the Struandale-built bakkie.

 
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