Isuzu preparing for stronger assault on Fortuner and Everest with new MU-X

With the all-new Isuzu D-Max around the corner, the Japanese automaker has set its new product ball in motion with the unveiling of the second generation MU-X.

Arriving on the back of its world debut in Thailand last year, the D-Max underpinned MU-X not only provides a taster of what to expect from Isuzu’s rival for the new Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, but also represents a massive departure from the original that debuted in 2018 as the replacement for its departing sibling, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer.

Based on the same Drive Dynamics platform as the D-Max, the MU-X once again provides seating for seven with dimensions of 4 850 mm in overall length, a wheelbase of 2 855 mm, height of between 1 820 mm and 1 825 mm and width of 1 870 mm.

As part of its new architecture, the Thai-built MU-X boasts a five-link rear suspension setup with the front comprising a double wishbone with coil spring design. Ground clearance is rated 235 mm with Isuzu claiming a wading depth of 800 mm.  

Able to a 3 500 kg braked trailer, the MU-X has a breakover angle of 24 degrees, departure of 26 degrees and approach of 30 degrees with the towing capacity for an unbraked trailer standing at 750 kg.

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New inside and out, the MU-X, for the first time in South Africa, offers a choice of trim levels with motivation coming as standard from the upgraded 4JJ3-TCX 3.0-litre D-TEQ, now called DDI, turbodiesel engine.

Hooked to a six-speed automatic gearbox, the unit produces 140kW/450Nm, 10kW/70Nm more than the previous 3.0-litre 4JJ1-TCX, with Isuzu claiming a combined fuel consumption of 7.6 L/100 km. A rear diff-lock is standard on all models.

As mentioned, the line-up expands from two four models with specification in the entry-level LS comprising 17-inch alloy wheels, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus the following:

• reverse camera;
• six-speaker sound system;
• multi-function steering wheel;
• cruise control;
• rear parking sensors;
• follow-me-home, auto-levelling LED headlights;
• electric mirrors;
• rain sense wipers;
• LED daytime running lights;
• leather wrapped steering wheel;
• all around electric windows;
• rear air-conditioning vents;
• Hill Start Assist;
• Hill Descent Control;
• Trailer Sway Control;

Moving up, the LSE swaps the 17-inch wheels for 18-inch alloys, while also receiving front parking sensors, keyless start and walk away auto locking as well as:

• folding and heated electric mirrors;
• nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system;
• eight-speaker sound system;
• leather upholstery;
• dual-zone climate control;
• electric front seats;
• central storage area;
• electric tailgate;
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert;
• Blind Spot Monitoring

Sitting at the top of the range, the Onyx rides on model specific 20-inch alloys and serves as the only derivative to come as standard with Multi-Collision Brake Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, a front camera and Autonomous Emergency Braking.

Also part of its spec sheet is:

• Auto High Beam Assist;
• Forward Collision Warning;
• Pedal Misapplication Mitigation;
• Driver Attention Monitor;
• Lane Departure Warning;
• Lane Keep Assist;
• ambient lighting;
• auto-dimming rear-view mirror;
• heated front seats

In total, the MU-X comes in a choice of eight colours with five being new:

• Splash White;
• Obsidian Grey
• Dolomite White;
• Mercury Silver;
• Onyx Black;
• Santos Brown;
• Red Spinel;
• Sapphire Blue

Pricing

Standard on all models is a five year/120 000 km as well as a five year/90 000 km service plan.

• MU-X 3.0 DDI LS AT – R693 800
• MU-X 3.0 DDI LS 4×4 AT – R771 600
• MU-X 3.0 DDI LSE AT – R763 300
• MU-X 3.0 DDI Onyx 4×4 AT – R860 500