Isuzu Motors South Africa has added a fresh limited-edition model to its range of KB bakkies, dubbing the newcomer the X-Rider Black.
Available exclusively in KB250 double-cab guise (with grunt directed to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox), the special-edition X-Rider Black slots in above the standard X-Rider that was made a permanent fixture of the range early in 2017.
And, like that 4×2 model, it is powered by the Japanese brand’s familiar 2,5-litre turbodiesel, delivering an unchanged 100 kW and 320 N.m. Priced at R426 300, the X-Rider Black commands an R18 500 premium over the standard rear-wheel-drive X-Rider (for the record, the standard X-Rider is also offered in 4×4 configuration, while the X-Rider Black is not … for now, at least).
What does that extra cash buy you? Well, the most obvious change is the exclusive “Black Meet Kettle” body colour, while you’ll likely also notice the 18-inch alloy wheels, complete with red Isuzu badges.
In addition to the black front bumper guard, the new variant boasts blacked-out B-pillars, black side-steps and a black sports bar (the latter bearing the “X-Rider” logo). A tonneau cover is also provided as standard, along with projector headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights, and front foglamps.
Inside, you’ll find black leather seats (with red stitching and the “X-Rider” logo repeated on the headrest), a leather-trimmed steering wheel and piano black trim for the vents, radio and console.
“The X-Rider has been a fantastic addition to the existing Isuzu line-up in South Africa, creating a niche of its own with its distinctive styling elements and upmarket features that set it apart from the rest of the range,” said Dominic Rimmer, executive for technical services at Isuzu Motors SA.
“The success of the X-Rider proves that there is strong demand for a tough and reliable bakkie that also looks great and offers an extensive range of added-value content. With the limited-edition X-Rider Black, we’re ramping up this exclusivity a notch to offer Isuzu bakkie buyers something even more special in the bakkie segment,” he added.
As with other KB models, the X-Rider Black comes with a five-year/120 000 km warranty and a five-year/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km).
