Isuzu D-Max X-Rider rides wave of value

ISUZU Ute Australia (IUA) has launched a limited run of special-edition D-Max X-Rider dual-cab utilities in the lead up to Christmas, priced from $39,990 driveaway.

Based on the entry-level SX 4x4 pick-up which normally starts at $44,600 plus on-road costs, the X-Rider undercuts its stablemate by $4610 and throws in driveaway costs as well as a range of genuine accessories.

The additions include 16-inch gunmetal grey alloy wheels, a black sports bar, X-Rider badging, X-embossed door mouldings and blacked-out B-pillars.

Customers have a choice of three unique paint finishes to choose from in white, silver and grey, while opting for the six-speed automatic transmission over the standard six-speed manual adds another $2000 to the asking price.

Mechanically, the X-Rider is identical to the rest of the D-Max range – including its range-toppingcounterpart, the X-Runner – with all variants relying on the venerable 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 130kW of power and 430Nm of torque.

According to IUA, the X-Rider will be available in very limited numbers though an exact figure is still to be confirmed.

IUA had sold 9378 examples of the 4x4 D-Max to the end of October, accounting for 6.7 per cent of the segment but marking an 11.1 per cent sales decline on the same period last year.

Its closest rivals are the Nissan Navara (9054) and Volkswagen Amarok (6880), while the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux dominate the class with more than 30,000 units sold each.