The ISUZU D-Max X-Rider is synonymous with reliability, versatility and is a staple on South African roads. The previous generation of the bakkie was released almost a decade ago, making the release of the 7th generation ISUZU D-Max X-Rider a long-awaited arrival.
Does the bakkie live up to expectation and how will it compete in what has become a highly competitive market? Is its arrival a guaranteed success due to its loyal fanbase? Following our test of the bakkie, it showed its power in delivering a level of versatility that many other competitors do not quite hit. Some have more luxury and technological focus than rugged usefulness while others simply serve the needs of a ‘rural’ bakkie – the X-Rider sits square in the middle.
The drive
The X-Rider delivers the exact drive one has come to expect from the bakkie. Distinctly diesel, confident both on and offroad and with enough power to meet most needs one has of a bakkie. While it is a red-blooded bakkie, on the road it is just as agile. You feel the firmer suspension but it still swallows bumps, imperfections and speed humps without your body feeling it too harshly.
With a 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine drivers can expect 110 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque. This is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. While it is admittedly less powerful than other bakkies on the market, I did not find it lacking in any respect. Perhaps it took a moment longer to pass slower vehicles but once it gains momentum it performs just as well.
The achieved fuel consumption was a fair 9.3L/100km. After testing a few SUVs where the consumption did not drop below 10, it was a refreshing change. Drivers get size plus economy, not just in price but fuel consumption as well. These figures were achieved with an even mixture of open road driving on the highway and suburban, stop-and-go driving.
Claimed fuel consumption is considerably lower, however, at 7.4L/100km. We only made use of a quarter of a tank so our figures could definitely be improved. Could it be improved all the way down to 7.4? Not easily but a consumption between 8 and 9 might be possible.
Last year ISUZU embarked on a 1-tank challenge aiming to drive between Cape Town and Joburg on a single tank. During this the fuel consumption was around 5.6L/100km – lower than the claimed consumption. Even if all energy was focused on reducing consumption, it is impressive nonetheless.
Design updates
The design updates to the ISUZU X-Rider bring the bakkie ten paces forward in modernity. It now features a gloss black grille with red ISUZU lettering above it. The 18-inch diamond-cut wheels also feature red lettering on the centre caps.
X-Rider badges adorn both the interior and exterior of the bakkie. These are on the front doors and tailgate on the exterior.
Of note is the updated LED head and rear lights which are impressive to say the least. Other updates include grey roof rails, a curved sports bar, black accents throughout.
The interior matches the red and black accents added to the exterior. Red X logos are seen throughout including on the headrest, on the driver information screen below the speedometer and on the floormats.
This is complemented with red accents. The leather seats, steering wheel and gear lever are finished off with red stitching. The door panels have ombre red accents by the handles and on the dash above the cubby. ISUZU is written across the steering wheel in red as well.
This is complemented by the rest of the interior in black hues. Like many other vehicles have adopted recently, the roof of the X-Rider is also black which adds that extra level of sportiness and modernity.
The space in the rear is also noteworthy. I may stand corrected if I were to compare physical dimensions, but from my judgement, I believe it is one of the bigger rear sections in a bakkie. Three children will fit comfortably and if you needed to fit three adults for a short distance, this should not be an uncomfortable journey for them either, provided the middle occupant is on the smaller side.
For me, the ISUZU bakkie is synonymous with trips to the Kruger Park, giving their occupants the best vantage point. The rear seats are also slightly elevated allowing smaller occupants in the rear to have a better vantage point, whether at the bush or on a normal trip.
The rear of the vehicle oozes practicality especially if you have pint sized passengers. In particular, is the rubber floor mats which make it extremely easy to clean. These are also useful in off-roading scenarios where traipsing dirt into the car is inevitable.
Stepping inside
The interior is where the X-Rider meets both the demands of luxury and practicality. While previous generations of the bakkie were rather sparse, seemingly focussed on practicality over tech or luxury, the X-Rider makes considerable strides in incorporating a bit more into their bakkies.
It also effectively combines functionality and comfort. The centre console serves as both an armrest that slides forward and as a sizeable storage cubby. There is also another storage bin the top of the dash.
If you are expecting a digital climate control system, the X-Rider does not offer this. It keeps the simple but functional AC controls below the infotainment screen. To me this is not a downside. Nothing can truly illustrate the value of being able to reach forward to quickly adjust the AC.
The X-Rider features a 7-inch infotainment screen but unfortunately, it falls victim to the sun’s glare. There is a reverse camera but at certain times of the day you cannot make use of it because it catches the glare making it useless. Other than that, it has all the basic functions you would need – while not wildly advanced it serves the intended purpose.
There is only a USB charging point in the front and no C-ports or wireless charging pads. It is one of the most affordable bakkies on the market, but I am not sure leaving out the wireless charger is the best decision – or at least include a C-port. In the rear there is another USB port and a shelf to rest your phone while charging.
The driver information screen features both analogue dials for the speedometer and rev counter. It also, however, has a digital screen in between displaying information like fuel consumption and range.
Other features in the ISUZU X-Rider include ISOFIX child seat anchors, wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay and 6-speaker audio system.
Safety
The ISUZU X-Rider has all the expected safety features as well as a bit extra
- ABS
- EBD
- Brake Assist
- Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control
- Hill Start Assist
- Hill Descent Control
- Trailer Sway Control
Of note is the increase from two airbags in the previous gen to seven in the latest X-Rider including driver and front passenger, front side airbags, curtain airbags and driver’s knee airbag.
With Chinese brands adding to the competitive bakkie market that even puts the price of an ISUZU to the test, how will it fare? A loyal fanbase and reliability that comes from South African manufacturing do put it in good stead. The additions to the latest gen also help it serve equally important needs of a more technologically advanced vehicle with the practically that bakkies should still have.
I believe this would be the perfect option for someone who needs a bakkie for work or business but which will function equally well as a day-to-day and family vehicle.
Good to know
The specs
Engine: 1.9-litre, turbodiesel
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel consumption: 7.3L/100km (claimed)
Power: 100 kW
Torque: 350 Nm
Price: starting from R646 000
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