Isuzu D-Max X-Runner | new car sales price

Isuzu Ute has announced a limited edition version of its D-Max to be sold exclusively in Australia. Dubbed ‘X-Runner’, the new model is intended to bring more ‘street-cred’ to the existing range. Just 660 units of the new variant will be available, priced from $46,990 drive-away.

Isuzu Ute Australia’s Dave Harding told Carsguide “the Isuzu D-Max X-Runner is exclusive to the Australian market. That said, it is loosely based on the Thai market’s special edition, the X-Series D-MAX.” The X-Runner can be had in either pearlescent white or black mica metallic paint, with contrasting decals. Further exterior accessories including gun-metal grey alloy wheels and sidesteps, black sports bar, body-coloured tonneau cover, plus a subtle body kit, come as standard.

The interior has also been dressed up with seats trimmed in two-tone red and black fabric, a steering wheel with contrasting red stitching and high-gloss piano black dashboard inlays. “The 2014 X-Runner is geared more towards the urban market than hardcore off-roaders. Aesthetically the X-Runner will appeal to the younger end of the one-tonne ute market and those who want something a little bit different,” says Harding.

The new special edition retains the standard D-Max’s 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine, which produces 130kW and 380Nm of torque. Fuel economy is listed as 8.3L/100km for the manual-equipped car, and 8.1L/100km for its automatic equivalent. Maximum towing capacity is rated at an impressive 3500kg, while the D-Max has also been awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

The X-Runner goes on sale on the 17th of March (next Monday) and is covered by Isuzu Ute’s five-year warranty and roadside assistance program. Harding expects all of the special edition vehicles to be sold before the middle of this year. “Last year’s X-Runner sold out in about three months – we expect this one to do the same”.

Priced competitively at around $10,000 less than the similarly equipped Ford Ranger Wildtrak, the X-Runner could be seen as a value alternative. Harding says, “at less than $47k drive-away you could get an X-Runner D-MAX and that new dirt bike or jet ski you’ve always wanted for the price of a Wildtrak.”

Given the success of the D-Max range, Isuzu Ute Australia could introduce more variants in the future. Harding said, “we are always looking at new model variants that will help us attract new members to the D-MAX family.” However, a more stylish limited edition version of Isuzu Ute’s other model, the MU-X SUV, isn’t currently on the cards. “At this stage there are no plans for a similar treatment to the MU-X,” says Harding.