Isuzu has extended the X-Rider brand with the inclusion of the 3,0-litre version driving through an automatic gearboc.

“The X-Rider nameplate, which was first introduced in South Africa as a limited edition model in 2016, has been a great success for us. Until now we have only offered the X-Rider as a midrange vehicle available with the 100 kW 2,5-litre engine,” says Dominic Rimmer, Executive, Technical Services at Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSA).

“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. The 3,0 litre X-Rider has an imposing presence on the road with a rugged and sporty look which sets it apart from regular D-MAX models.”

The 3.0 X-Rider Automatic is powered by the four cylinder 130 kW turbo-diesel engine from Isuzu. Matched with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, max power output is reached at a low 3 600 r/min, with maximum torque of 380 Nm between 1 800 r/min and 2800 r/min.

X-Rider comes standard with a black roof rails, black sports bar with Red X-Rider logo, black running boards, 8-inch AX2 Radio with multifunction colour touchscreen, black tailgate handle with rearview camera and a 3,5 ton towbar. The seats are covered in black partial leather with red stitching.  

The 3.0 TD X-Rider is available in just three colours; Summit White, Switchblade Silver, Pull Me Over Red.

The vehicle rides on standard 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels on all terrain tyres and all black alloy wheels are available as a no-cost option.

The 3.0 TD Double Cab X-Rider Automatic slots in below the standard 3.0 Auto LX which retails for R 515 478.25 (excl. VAT), while the 3.0 X-Rider comes in just R 58 000 more than the 250 HO Double cab X-Rider Auto which retails for R421 043.48 (excl. VAT).