New limited-edition Isuzu D-Max launched in South Africa – Pricing and features

Isuzu has officially launched a new, limited-edition version of the D-Max in South Africa.

The new model, known as the X-Rider Black, is built at the company’s Struandale plant near Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, and will be limited to a run of just 150 units.

“Each evolution of the X-Rider has been met with exceptional customer interest and satisfaction, and this is especially true of our current seventh-generation D-Max range, which is more popular than ever,” said Kevin Fouché, Department Executive, Product Planning, Isuzu Motors South Africa.

“The X-Rider embodies our customers’ desires to express their adventurous spirit and unique persona by the vehicle they drive, and the addition of the X-Rider Black simply elevates these attributes to an even more desirable level.

The D-Max X-Rider Black is available in three specifications, and prices start at R664,100.

Features

Isuzu’s latest creation is fitted with a special plaque on the left-hand side inner fender meant to reinforce its unique status.

The bakkie has also been given several styling details to enhance its presence on the road.

As its name implies, the new D-Max is exclusively sold in an Onyx Black paint scheme, and this aesthetic carries over to to other components.

The 18-inch alloy wheels have a gloss black finish with red “Isuzu” lettering on the centre caps, and there’s a new tubular black sports bar with a black plate and a laser-cut “X” emblem.

Contrasting the black colour scheme is a Gun Metallic finish on the front fascia and grille – a styling cue borrowed from the range-topping V-Cross.

It also has new body side decals, and a black Isuzu tailgate decal with a silver outline.

Like the standard X-Rider, the Isuzu lettering on the nose of the car has a bold red look that stands out from the dark colours.

Additionally, the bakkie has LED headlights and fog lamps, and a pair of dark gray roof rails can be found up top.

“The exterior changes and enhancements on the 2025 X-Rider Black add that extra touch of exclusivity, combined with the added appeal of the limited production of only 150 numbered units,” said Fouché.

“This ensures that the X-Rider Black is a truly special offering, while building on the core values that have consistently made the D-Max one of South Africa’s most popular vehicles.”

Inside, the special-edition model features black leather seats with a red contrast stitching pattern and embroidered red X logos on the headrests. 

This black-and-red theme can be seen elsewhere in the cabin, as the dashboard and door handle surrounds have a graduated red finish that contrasts with the piano black trim surfaces.

You’ll also find a leather steering wheel with red stitching and a red Isuzu logo, and similar touches can be found on the gearstick and park brake.

Standard equipment on the Japanese pickup includes cruise control, a 7-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six speakers, USB ports, automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera.

Furthermore, it has a list of active and passive safety features such as electronic stability control, traction control, trailer sway control, hill start and descent control, and six airbags.

Engine

The X-Rider Black is powered by the brand’s familiar 1.9-litre turbocharged diesel engine, which produces 110kW and 350Nm.

There are two rear-wheel-drive (RWD) options and one four-wheel-drive (4WD) model, which determines the gearbox selection.

The RWD units can be had with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, while the 4WD bakkie is only available with the automatic.

Fuel consumption works out to roughly 7.4l/100km on the RWD D-Max, while the 4×4 consumers 7.6l/100km.

All three versions are fitted with General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres and a tow bar, allowing them to pull loads weighing up to 2.1 tonnes.

Pricing

The South African pricing for the new Isuzu D-Max X-Rider Black is as follows:

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi D/Cab HR X-Rider Black – R664,100
Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi D/Cab HR X-Rider Black AT – R685,600
Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi D/Cab 4×4 X-Rider Black AT – R770,400

This includes a 5-year/120,000km warranty with roadside assistance, and a 5-year/90,000km service plan.

Isuzu D-Max X-Rider Black