As the market demands for more lifestyle based bakkies, the Isuzu D-Max 250 Auto aims to please. The X-Rider sports good looks, a reliable engine and Isuzu has topped it off by adding an automatic gearbox to the model. We recently put it through its paces to tell you what’s what.
Design
The X-Rider is quite possibly one of the most good looking bakkies on the market. The first thing that draws your attention is that eye-watering colour which Isuzu calls Pull Me Over Red. Completing the look is a black X-Rider Side Step, Black X-Rider Sportsbar, and optional black roof rails. Whilst the competitor models use LED headlamps, the X-Rider makes do with projector headlamps – but does come with LED daytime running lights.
The X-Rider knows how to be a workhorse and a leisure bakkie – and it does the two pretty well.
Malusi
Inside
Let’s be honest, the interiors of the current generation Isuzu’s that we have in South Africa are a bit dated and with the X-Rider it’s no different. But as much as it looks dated, tough plastics are used to last. Not all is lost though. The X-Rider comes with power adjustable side view mirrors, air-conditioning, power windows all around – with the drivers side getting one-touch operation with jam detection. The X-Rider theme carries into the cabin, the front seats get X-Rider embossed on the seats and you also get X-Rider logos in the door inserts. The infotainment system comes with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, CD player, USB and auxiliary output.
The Drive
Powering the Isuzu D-MAX 250 Auto is the trusted 2.5-litre intercooled turbo diesel engine, producing 100 kW and 320 Nm of torque. This is great as it comes in as low as 1800 rpm. Isuzu claims it’ll consume 8.1 l/100 km. We managed a best of 8.7 l/100 km. The 5-Speed automatic gearbox is perfect for this car, the shifts are seamless and it always manages to be in the correct gear at the right time. Just like the manual version, the auto has a towing capacity of 2,100kg for a braked trailer.
Safety
On the safety side it features ABS, EBD, ESC with traction control, brake assist system, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, driver and passenger airbag, as well as ISOFIX Child Seat Attachment with Top Tether.
Verdict
The Isuzu D-Max may not up there in terms of interior trim and tech but it gets the job done. It knows how to be a workhorse and a leisure bakkie – and it does the two pretty well. One can only wait for the new generation D-MAX to be fully localized and to hit SA roads to see the major improvements. All in all, it’s a great bakkie.
Specs
- Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel
- Power: 100kW @ 3400 rpm
- Torque: 320 Nm @ 1800 rpm
- Transmission: five-speed automatic
- Acceleration: –
- Top Speed: –
- Fuel Consumption: 8.1 l/100 km (claimed)
- Price: R527 400
