When Isuzu came out of its shell from the old General Motors marriage, there were widespread concerns about its viability as a standalone business. Fast forward four years later and Isuzu Motors is now firmly a top 10 manufacturer in this country. The D-MAX range itself is in the top 3 best-selling bakkies/ pickups in South Africa, which again, is something quite phenomenal, given the company’s local size and lack of product range.
One of the reasons for this success is the relationship that the company has with its partners – dealers in particular. And one of these is Isuzu Johannesburg, which is located in the bustling east side of Johannesburg in City Deep, the dealership is where plenty of action is. City Deep is where Johannesburg industry works, where the large container port is. It is also where the country’s biggest vegetable market resides. Perfect for workhorses from the Isuzu stable.
Of course Isuzu does not just produce successful workhorses. They also deliver lifestyle vehicles such as the D-MAX X-Rider 3.0 TD automatic. Based on the existing D-MAX double cab, this particular model has some added highlights that make it a very attractive buy for people planning to mix business with pleasure.
The D-MAX X-Rider 3.0 TD automatic features a completely different nose, with a red Isuzu badge at the centre of the black front grille. Black 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres are unique in this model, giving it immediate presence. There are black running boards on either side, roof rail are standard and so is the black sports bar with X-Rider logos on it. X-Rider 3.0 TD appears on the front side fender to signify the model designation. X-Rider is also at the rear end, as well as a standard tow bar. The vehicle is fitted with a reversing camera and it is visible on the tailgate. Isuzu lettering is different from other models, while the full-sized spare wheel is located beneath the floor panel.
Some of the interior standout features include black and red X door inserts that greet you when you open the doors, leather seats with highlighted stitching and embossed X-Rider markings on the headrests, stitching on the leather covering the multifunction steering wheel, electric windows all around, air cooled front cup holders and an infotainment system with a 20.3cm touch screen.
The vehicle is powered by a 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine which produces a healthy 130kW of power and 380Nm of pulling torque. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission for the first time in an X-Rider model, and has a braked trailer towing capacity of 3 500kg. Because this is an X-Rider model, it comes with 4x2 running gear, but does offer a rear differential lock.
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