Its’ brash, rugged but at the same time stylish and that’s what set it apart from its competitors.
With 100kW and 320Nm of torque, this common rail direct injection turbodiesel gives performance in keeping with the X-Rider’s sporty and recreational positioning.
‘Isuzu says the newcomer represents a unique blend of versatility and comfort’, can’t disagree more with that sentiment, as we took it off road to the muddy and untarred roads of my village Ganalaagte in the far-flung Bokone Bophirima Province- for the uninitiated NW.
What was supposed to be a wedding for family turned into “you boys are rolling hard” from well-wishers as we bracingly dropped off my Gran, who unceremoniously complained “why is this bakkie way too high, mare” as ululations filled the village this time for the newly Weds, not the X -Rider.
Its presence shows attitude a far cry from ordinary bakkies, stru…But keep an eye on your tank when accelerating.
The-exterior – most obvious visual cues are stylish diamond-cut 18inch alloys with their red “Isuzu” centre caps, the black bumper guard with integrated fog lamps, tubular side steps/sports bar combo in black with X-Rider decals, and the blacked out B-pillars.
The wheels are shod with low-profile 255/60 Grabber AT all-terrain rubber. This domestic package is unique to the X-Rider.
As part of wider lift, the high output stands at 2.5-litre power plant. That was put to the test having carried all unwanted gabbage/destroyed cement/damaged doors to the nearest dumping spot.
The interior, is most definitely not of the workhorse variety. Rather, it is where functionality and elegance come together in the interests of creating a comfortable and user-friendly environment from full leather upholstery; leather steering wheel; leather gear-lever boot; piano black door trim; piano black trim on air vents, radio and front console.
Adding some style to the cabin comes in the form of red stitching on the seats, steering wheel and gear-lever boot. The X-Rider insignia is embroidered on the front headrests, with a red ‘X’ in the same font also appearing on the door trims.
Remote keyless entry, satellite controls on the steering wheel, satellite controls on the steering wheel and gear lever boot. The X-Rider insignia is embroidered on the front headrests, with a red ‘X’ in the same font also appearing on door trims.
All Isuzu KB models are sold with a fully-comprehensive five-year or 120 000km warranty or roadside assistance programme, a five-year or unlimited mileage anti-corrosion warranty and a five-year or 90 000km service plan.
Service intervals are 15 000km or twelve months for all derivatives.
We hogged headlines at Delayreyville as all and sundry –including the ‘Boere’-boys– giving us imminent high fives.
Buyers can choose from 3 colours – Summit White (the one we tested), Switchblade Silver or “Pull Me Over” Red. Ahem.
It retails for R388 400.
Verdict
Performance: 1-10 (6)
Diesel 1-10 (5)
