Isuzu MU-X: Five things you should know

Isuzu is known for its reliable diesel engines in the Indian market. The Japanese automaker introduced its D-Max range of pick-up trucks in 2012. It also offered a 7-seater SUV, the MU-7 which it failed to please potential customers. After the introduction of D-Max V-Cross pick-up truck last year, it has gained popularity among adventure seekers and off-roaders. Now the automaker has decided to launch its new SUV, the MU-X, on May 11. Here are the five things you should know about the upcoming SUV.

If MU-X looks familiar, fret not! 

You would be forgiven to think that the MU-X looks quite similar to the Chevrolet Trailblazer. Yes, both SUVs are basically built on the same platform and are rebadged products. Based on the D-Max V-Cross, the MU-X’s fascia looks similar to the international iteration of the pick-up truck. The MU-X’s side profile looks identical to the Trailblazer, barring the different alloy wheel pattern. The rear gets a set of redesigned wraparound taillights, a shark-fin antenna and a spoiler which help differentiate it from its Chevrolet cousin. 

The MU-X is a proper seven-seat SUV with a wheelbase of 2,845mm, which is just 5mm shorter than the Ford Endeavour and a whole 100mm longer than the Toyota Fortuner. So expect it to be quite spacious inside. 

Well-equipped offering

The MU-X will feature projector headlamps with LED daytime running lamps (DRLs). You also get 18-inch alloy wheels and tail lamps with LED elements. On the inside, the layout of the cabin and equipment list are similar to the that of the V-Cross. But in the MU-X, you get a dual-tone black and beige dashboard with soft touch materials and faux wood inserts. The  MU-X will also come with an 8-inch touchscreen unit with various connectivity options. On the safety front, Isuzu will offer dual airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist as standard. 

Powerful diesel motor

The MU-X will be powered by a 3.0-litre diesel motor which produces 177PS and 380Nm of torque. Isuzu is likely to offer both 5-speed manual and automatic transmission with the MU-X in India. The D-Max V-Cross, on the other hand, gets a 2.5-litre diesel engine that produces 136PS and 320Nm of torque. So not only with the MU-X be more powerful, it will also be a lot more capable in the dirt than the V-Cross. 

4X4 capabilities to take you places

Speaking of dirt, adventure seekers can rejoice as Isuzu will offer the MU-X with shift-on-the-fly 4WD system with a low-ratio gearbox. We expect Isuzu to launch both 2WD and 4WD variants of the MU-X, helping Isuzu to price the SUV aggressively. 

Heavily localised and likely to be aggressively priced

Since Isuzu has heavily localised the production of MU-X and the fact that it shares most of its components with the D-Max V-Cross, we expect Isuzu to price it in the range of Rs 22-25 lakh thereby helping it undercut the Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner, Pajero Sport and Hyundai Santa Fe by a significant margin. The MU-X will be manufactured at the Isuzu’s Sri City plant in Andhra Pradesh alongside the D-Max V-Cross pick-up truck. 

Source: Zigwheels.com