Isuzu recently added a stylish X-Rider 1.9 turbo diesel model to its D-Max range of double cab bakkies in SA. It is the latest iteration of the X-Rider series that was launched as a limited edition model in 2016 but has continued due to its popularity.
Based on the D-Max 1.9 Ddi LS selling for R691,700, there are three X-Rider double cab models on offer: a 4x2 in manual and automatic guises, and a 4x4 automatic.
It stands out with a fashionably gloss black radiator grille with bold red “Isuzu” lettering, and other black items including the B-pillars, side mirrors, roof rails and sports bar in the load bay. Completing the snazzy exterior makeover are LED headlamps and LED fog lights, with 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.
The cabin has red accents including embroidered red “X” logos on the headrests, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dark ceiling liner and a set of X-Rider floor mats.
All X-Rider models come standard with seven airbags, ABS brakes with EBD and brake assist, electronic stability control, hill start assist, hill descent control and trailer sway control.
My advice to anyone contemplating purchasing an Isuzu D-Max 1.9 is to test drive a 3.0l model first and decide which gives better bang for buck.
On paper the 1.9 D-Max is not especially underpowered with outputs of 110kW and 350Nm of torque, compared to the 140kW/450Nm of the 3l. The smaller engine’s problem is the prominent turbo lag it has in a standing start, particularly at Gauteng altitude where it takes a couple of seconds before a throttle thrust is converted into any kind of forward progress.
It can become quite tiresome, even nerve racking if you’re trying to dart into busy traffic, although the 1.9 Isuzu will undoubtedly feel more fleet footed at sea level where there is less turbo lag due to the thicker air.
Once it gets the revs up, even in Gauteng’s thin air, the smaller-engined D-Max feels semi-respectably powered. It is able to cruise at the national speed limit and more, and it has half-decent overtaking pace if you plan the move.
But because you’re spending a lot of time hard on the throttle to extract some enthusiasm, the 1.9 Isuzu is not especially frugal, and the test vehicle averaged around 9.8l/100km in an urban/freeway driving mix — similar to what we achieved in the more powerful 3.0 double cab.
The 1.9l D-Max achieved 5.6l/100km in Isuzu’s recent One Tank Challenge from Johannesburg to Gqeberha but that was mostly on the open road.
Like the 3.0 D-Max, the 1.9l engine makes a prominent diesel clatter, sounding more suited to agricultural work than leisure activities. But that’s not the case, as the X-Rider has a high level of comfort features including cruise control, a seven-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a six-speaker audio system, Wi-Fi compatibility and a rear USB port.
The D-Max is capable of off-tar adventures with a wading depth of 800mm, underbody protection and, on the 4x4 model, a shift-on-the-fly 4x4 drive system with low range and a rear diff lock.
Isuzu’s double cab has a relatively comfortable ride, without the bone jarring that characterised earlier one-tonne bakkies. It also has a spacious cabin that comfortably takes four to five adults, making for a practical family adventurer and workhorse.
The 1.9 LS X-Rider double cab auto costs R750,200 which isn’t all that much less than the cheapest D-Max 3.0 double cab, the manual LS, which goes for R764,000, with the 3.0 auto priced at R781,600. The X-Rider has a couple of extras including a standard-fit tow bar, LED headlights and leather upholstery (the 3.0 LS has cloth seats).
Sometimes a less powerful version of a vehicle can be a well balanced package of performance, price and fuel consumption, but in this case I’m inclined to recommend the gutsier 3.0 version as the better value-for-money D-Max package if you can stretch the budget. With its extra power it is more effortless to drive and also makes a superior tow vehicle.
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