What you need to earn to afford the new Isuzu D-Max X-Rider in South Africa

You will need to earn at least R72,000 per month in order to afford the new Isuzu D-Max X-Rider on a finance plan, according to a calculation by TopAuto.

The X-Rider is the triumphant return of one of the bakkie series’ most popular badges, and entails a suite of new cosmetic enhancements.

This includes a gloss black grille, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, dark grey roof rails, all-round LED lights, X-Rider badges and decals, red Isuzu logos on the wheel caps, and black accents on components like the door handles, side mirrors, and tailgate.

It also offers unique paint schemes, including Islay Gray, Mercury Silver, Red Spinel, and Splash White.

Further additions inside comprise a leather upholstery with red contrast stitching, special-edition floor mats, a red divider between the dashboard and glovebox, and red accents on the doors, gearshift, and hand brake.

The X-Rider is available in three specifications – a 4×2 manual, a 4×2 automatic, and a range-topping 4×4 auto – all of which are based on the existing LS models.

This gives the bakkie a 1.9-litre, turbocharged diesel engine producing 110kW and 350Nm, with fuel consumption averaging 7.3-7.6l/100km, depending on whether the six-speed manual or auto-box is selected.

It has a rear diff lock, can carry one tonne in the back, and tow up to 2,100kg, too.

Other equipment taken from the LS includes a 7.0-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker stereo, cruise control, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, ABS, traction control, electronic stability control, hill assist, and trailer sway control.

The Isuzu also comes with a 5-year/120,000km warranty, 5-year/90,000km service plan, and 5-year/120,000km roadside assistance.

What you need to earn

We can use the following formula to work out the monthly payments on the new Isuzu:

• Car price – R640,500, R659,200, R740,700 
• Payment term – 60 terms (5 years)
• Interest – 11.75%
• Deposit – 0%
• Balloon – No balloon payment
• Extras – No optional extras

According to this, you will need to spend at least R14,262 per month for the base X-Rider, R14,676 per month for the automatic, and R16,478 per month for the 4×4.

Financial experts then recommend that you do not spend more than 20% of your gross monthly salary on vehicle payments.

In other words, you will need to earn at least R71,310 per month in order to afford the bakkie, or between R73,380 per month and R82,390 per month for the other versions.

Note that this figure does not account for insurance, fuel, and maintenance, which must all be factored into your budget.