Try it for yourself and you’ll agree with me on the my previous stanza.
In kasie lingua they say ‘it eats dust’ literally.
Perhaps a case in scenario was when some ‘naughty’ boys tried to compete with us en route from Pongola to Emalahleni as we headed back home to Jozi after a sojourn in the KwaZulu-Natal province. Yes, this was twice in a space of two-weeks that’s if you read my previous review last week on Citroen C5.
Yes, them boys ‘ate dust’ as abundance of potholes and hairpin turns were no worry for the brash Isuzu X-Rider, thanks to its black 18-inch wheels wrapped in impressive off-road tyres.
The 3.0 Van, diesel unit is available in a six-speed automatic configuration with outputs of 130kW and 380Nm. It has a 3.5-ton towing capacity with a standard-fitment towbar and standard 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels on all-terrain rubber. Now you understand why and what makes it a superb and worthy asset to own!
Aesthetic styling touches include black roof rails and sports bar with Red X-Rider logo, black running boards and tailgate with a black handle and X specific wheels. Inside is a 20.3cm multifunction colour touchscreen display and bespoke interior leather styling.
Until now the X-Rider guise has been available exclusively in the D-Max 250 with the 100kW and 320Nm 2.5 turbo diesel engine. As for manoeuvring the turn circle is limited, we tried parking at a Mall in Umhlanga and it proved to be a mission.
The only turn off from this ‘big and brash’ X-Rider is non-availability of a reverse camera or is it because its meant for farmers, no urban market is also interested in owning one, folks.
“Based on the popularity of the X-Rider, we felt it would make sense to match this nameplate with our most powerful engine, while retaining the attributes which make the X-Rider so popular,” says Dominic Rimmer, Executive, technical services at Isuzu Motors South Africa.
Its no wonder, ‘even caked in grime after tackling rather challenging driving conditions, the X-Rider still manages to make a strong statement and yes, a head-turner.’
It retails for R551,100.
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (6)
Diesel 1-10 (5)
Image SLM (The new Isuzu X-Rider packs a punch).
