You decide to go full throttle on potholes in the North West province, it stands rigid.
Yes, making a way to my village in Ganalaagte, in the far-flung Bokone Bophirima, one needs to use a bakkie and X-Rider came along, though my long month test drive was not a 4X4, as it found itself wanting in the mud such that we had to ask locals to give a nudge, unfortunately, perhaps due to limited manoeuvring when turning?
It offers some unique and rather attractive features such as a striking black hue. Nothing too unusual there, but subtle touches of red are added to items on the front bumper, roof rails and other parts of the vehicle.
Also adding to its visual presence are features such as black 18-inch wheels wrapped in impressive off-road tyres, to mitigate potholes and muddy roads.
The centre of any vehicle lies with the power-plant and the X-Rider is equipped with an extremely capable 2.5-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder diesel unit. Offering 100kW and 320Nm and linked up to automatic gearbox, I found the performance of the bakkie more than adequate.
It also boast Power: 100 kW @ 3 400 r/min and Torque: 320 N.m @ 1 800 – 2 800 r/min and fuel consumption (diesel) 8,10L/100km.
Although environmentalist might be against the word “diesel” globally it still relevant in our South African market, that’s if any of the farmers in NW have anything to go by.
While the Isuzu nameplate will always be a left-field choice in a segment dominated by the likes of Toyota and Ford, it does provide that feeling that you are driving something that is not mainstream.
Rebadged and updated from KB to D-Max as part of the brand’s realignment with its Japanese head office (Isuzu SA is the first wholly owned subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited outside of Japan), this refresh also introduced a six-speed automatic transmission to the 3,0-litre LX derivatives, where a five-speed self-shifter previously did duty.
The black seats leather are complemented by an 8.0 touchscreen infotainment system.
Who knows another off-road might be on the offering soon, though the pandemic has and still continues to ravage our lives-economically and socially.
But as for the X-Rider ‘the Show does Go On’
It is sold with a 5-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000km service plan.
It retails for R462 000
Image SLM (The Isuzu D-Max X-Rider in its unrelenting mood).
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (4)
Diesel 1-10 (4)
