Isuzu lobs special edition D-Max X-Runner
BY BARRY PARK | 11th Mar 2014
Based on the $46,100 (before on-roads) 4x4 LS-U crew cab, the X-Runner sells from $46,990 drive-away with a five-speed manual gearbox (an auto is available), but adds contrasting grey stripes, gun-metal grey alloy wheels and side steps, a more aggressive front bumper and styling changes to the rear one, a matte-black sports bar and a tub liner.
Inside, the black seat trim features red contrast stitching, and a piano black trim on the centre console. Paint colours are restricted to black or white.
The X-Runner crew cab will be limited to 660 units, sourced as per the regular ute from Thailand.
Isuzu introduces the special edition to its showrooms as it embarks on a plan to capture even more market share in one of the hottest market segments in Australia – albeit one that is down this year due to diminished business and rental sales.
The ambitious company also wants to close the gap to the related Holden Colorado, which has more than doubled the D-Max’s tally this year (2914 units to 1332).
The company’s local arm said last week it had ordered an extra 3000 vehicles to come to Australia from its Thai plant, after running out of stocks of especially the MU-X seven-seat SUV.
However, D-Max sales are down this year, alongside numerous other LCV rivals.
The 4x2 has been hit hardest, losing 33.3 per cent over the same period last year, compared to the 4x4’s 4.4 per cent drop in sales.
This loss in momentum comes after Isuzu’s strong 2013, when its sales jumped 21.7 per cent on the back of the new D-Max model that arrived in Australia mid-year. In December, Isuzu sweetened the deal by extending its standard warranty to five years and 130,000km.
