2020 Isuzu D-Max X-Rider 3.0TD performance
The Isuzu D-Max range of vehicles has become a staple in South Africa. Their application can be seen across various industries, from mining to farming, from delivery to lifestyle. Many rely on Isuzu as it forms part of our local economy. The D-Max 3.0TD is the most potent Isuzu bakkie on sale today. How does it perform in this competitive segment? Let's take a closer look.
Isuzu continues to build a reputation for diesel engines since developing Japan's first air-cooled automotive diesel engine in 1936. The ISUZU D-MAX comes from a lineage of the world's toughest, most reliable trucks. Almost a century of truck-manufacturing DNA has gone into the ISUZU D-MAX to deliver a pick-up that genuinely redefines the category.
The Isuzu D-Max remains a top seller here in South Africa, and Isuzu offers one of the largest dealership groups, which is an advantage for many customers. Isuzu has built its name on reliability and quality over the years, which has made the D-Max a popular choice.
The Isuzu D-MAX range is powered by the highly refined Isuzu 4JJ3-TCX 3.0L turbo diesel common rail engine, which offers impressive fuel efficiency thanks to low friction, fuel injection optimisation, and a large front-mounted intercooler. The 4 cylinder 130kW turbodiesel engine from Isuzu is matched with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, max power output is reached at a low 3 600rpm, with max torque of 380Nm coming in between 1800 and 2800rpm.
The D-Max motor makes use of a steel timing chain (not belt) which assures reliability. To reduce friction, the rocker arms feature large roller bearings, and the melt-in liner technology strengthens the cylinder for longer life.
One of the highlights about this motor is that it can tow an impressive 3500kg and comes standard with a tow-bar to match. It has a 945kg payload rating and a claimed fuel efficiency of around 7.8 L/100km.
The 3.0 TD Double Cab X-Rider Automatic slots in below the standard 3.0 Auto LX, making it great value for money as it benefits from a host of features. These include items such as black roof rails, a black sports bar with a Red X-Rider logo, black running boards, eight-inch AX2 Radio with a multifunction colour touchscreen, and a black tailgate handle with a rearview camera.
Also worth a look: the Isuzu D Max and the Isuzu D Max.
FAQ
Q: What does the 2020 Isuzu D-Max X-Rider 3.0TD cost in South Africa?
The 2020 Isuzu D-Max X-Rider 3.0TD Double Cab Automatic retails for around R659,900, making it one of the pricier options in the bakkie segment but still competitive against rivals like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux.
Q: Is the Isuzu D-Max X-Rider 3.0TD worth buying?
Absolutely, the D-Max X-Rider 3.0TD is worth buying if you need a reliable workhorse that can tow 3,500kg, offers decent fuel economy at 7.8L/100km, and comes backed by Isuzu's extensive dealer network across South Africa.
Q: How much can the Isuzu D-Max X-Rider 3.0TD tow?
The D-Max X-Rider 3.0TD can tow an impressive 3,500kg thanks to its 130kW turbodiesel engine that produces 380Nm of torque, and it comes standard with a factory-fitted tow bar.
Q: What's the fuel consumption of the D-Max X-Rider 3.0TD?
Isuzu claims the D-Max X-Rider 3.0TD achieves 7.8L/100km, which is competitive for a bakkie of this size and power, though real-world consumption will vary depending on your driving style and load.
Q: How reliable is the Isuzu D-Max engine?
The 4JJ3-TCX 3.0L engine is built tough with a steel timing chain instead of a belt, roller bearing rocker arms, and melt-in liner technology, giving it excellent reliability credentials that Isuzu has been perfecting since 1936.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, you should buy the 2020 Isuzu D-Max X-Rider 3.0TD if you're after the best all-rounder bakkie under R700,000 in South Africa. At R659,900, it offers serious towing capacity of 3,500kg, decent fuel economy, and Isuzu's legendary reliability backed by one of the country's largest dealer networks. The 130kW turbodiesel engine delivers enough grunt for both work and weekend adventures, while the 6-speed automatic makes daily driving a breeze. Sure, it's not the flashiest bakkie on the road, but when you need something that'll start every morning and handle whatever you throw at it, the D-Max X-Rider is hard to beat.
