The Isuzu KB X-Rider In South Africa

Isuzu KB X-Rider

The Isuzu KB is what I would describe as a decent bakkie, in the same way that Pepsi is a decent alternative to Coca-Cola – there are many things I dislike about it, but overall it seems to do a good job in relation to its purpose.

For me, the KB never had an appeal to a younger or even an adventurous audience, however, and came across as being a little boring. It needed a little something extra and by little, I actually mean a lot. We’ll now we might have it, in the shape of X-Rider.

X-Rider is a variant of the KB which was previously available as a limited option only, but has now been added as a permanent fixture to the KB range.

What’s different with the Isuzu KB X-Rider?

Firstly, this model is based on the 4×2 KB 250, which features a strong 2.0-litre diesel producing 100 kW and 320 N.m.

From a visual perspective, the X-Rider features black accents on many areas of the vehicle such as the front bumper, side bars and sports bar, b-pillar and the 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.

Further to this, the Isuzu KB X-Rider features a heavy duty tow bar as standard which provides a braked towing capacity of 2100 kg.These are the main adjustments to the exterior and after looking at the images, it does look a lot more exciting.

The interior follows the same direction with a full leather appointment, including the steering wheel, and red accents found in the stitching and logo embroidered into the seats. A piano black finish can also be found amongst the trim to aid this less “workhorse” and more “twerkhorse” look and feel.

In terms of Tech, the Isuzu KB X-Rider will come with keyless entry, steering wheel controls, projector headlights and air conditioning – nothing too fancy then, but then again, who turns to the bakkie segment when looking for “fancy”?

Overview

The X-Rider is definitely a more exciting version of the KB and does distance itself from the trusty workhorse feel that the Isuzu KB has come to own.

Although this vehicle will appeal to a younger more adventurous audience with it’s appearance, I feel that it’s missing one thing, 4- wheel drive.

Currently only available as a 4×2 and with low-profile tyres as standard, it’s obvious that this vehicle will not be so suited to the Kingsley Holgate amongst us…Hopefully this is something Isuzu is considering for the future and will release an X-Rider based on the 4×4 KB 300.

The benefit of no 4×4 is the price, however, and the X-Rider is available from just R382 500 in the crew-cab variant. Not bad if you consider what you’re getting, but from a purpose point of view, it doesn’t really make much sense.