Isuzu MU-X: What to expect

Isuzu entered the Indian premium SUV market with the MU-7 at the time when it was discontinued in the rest of the markets. Thanks to its dated styling, the MU-7 was dead on arrival and there were hardly any takers for it here. But things are about to change soon with the upcoming Isuzu MU-X.

The MU-X, which is the successor to the MU-7, has been on sale in neighbouring markets including Australia since 2013, and is a popular product. This nameplate has recently received its mid-cycle update (facelifted model), and is likely to be launched in the country in coming weeks. The MU-X will go up against the Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, and others. Let us see what the MU-X is expected to offer in India while looking at the Thai-spec SUV.

Trivia: The Chevrolet Tavera, thanks to which General Motors is still breathing in India, was actually an Isuzu product - the Isuzu Panther. Also, the Chevrolet Trailblazer is essentially an MU-X with a different engine - Isuzu engineered it for GM, like the Tavera.

Dimensions

• Length: 4,825mm (67mm less than the Endeavour and 30mm more than the Fortuner)
• Width: 1,860mm (On par with the Endeavour, and 5mm wider than the Fortuner)
• Height: 1,825mm (12mm and 10mm shorter than the Endeavour and the Fortuner, respectively)
• Wheelbase: 2,845mm (5mm less than the Endeavour and 100mm more than the Fortuner)
• Ground Clearance: 230mm (5mm more than the Endeavour and the Fortuner)
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 65-litres

Design

Like its arch rivals, the Fortuner and the Endeavour, the MU-X is also carved out of a pick-up truck - the popular Isuzu D-Max V-Cross. But there's a catch - unlike the MU-X, the pick-up versions of the Toyota (Hilux) and the Ford (Ranger) are not available in the country. Up front, the MU-X looks identical to the V-Cross. But the facelifted 2017 MU-X gets restyled grille and updated headlamps, which the V-Cross will probably get at a later stage in India (international version looks identical, though)

What's More On Offer In The New Isuzu MUX Over The MU7?

We are familiar with its side profile as well, as the Chevrolet Trailblazer borrows it and the Chevy was launched before the MU-X. At the rear, it gets wrap-around tail lamps and the 2017 facelift has added a new rear spoiler and a shark-fin antenna.

Features

• Comes with Bi-LED projector headlamps (second to only the new Fortuner in the segment) along with LED daytime running LEDs and LED light guide
• Tail lamps get LED graphics
• Rides on 18-inch alloy wheels
• Black and beige cabin with soft-touch materials and faux wood inserts
• Features Isuzu's iConnect infotainment system with an 8-inch touch-based screen. The unit comes with built-in navigation along with air mirroring wireless connectivity for smartphone and USB-in. It also doubles up as a reverse parking camera screen

• The infotainment system is coupled to an eight-speaker system
• Comes with a 10.5-inch rear roof mounted screen for rear entertainment (not available in any of its competitor)

• Passive keyless entry with push-button engine start-stop (not available in the Endeavour)
• As for the safety features, it offers dual-front airbags (six or more airbags are a prerequisite in this space nowadays), ABS with EBD and brake assist, traction control, stability control, hill descent control and hill start assist

Mechanicals
The MU-X comes with two engine options internationally - 1.9-litre Ddi (150PS/350NM) and 3.0-litre Ddi (177PS/ 380Nm) diesel motors. The Indian-spec SUV is likely to offer the latter only, while the less powerful former might be introduced at a later stage. There will be two transmission choices - six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Drivetrain options will be similar to its peers - standard rear-wheel-drive along with four-wheel-drive.

Prices
Like the D-Max V-Cross, the MU-X will be locally manufactured at Isuzu's Indian manufacturing facility. It will perhaps be a better value-for-money offering as opposed to its alter ego, the Chevrolet Trailblazer, which is not available in a four-wheel-drive variant and is imported completely built from Thailand. Also, it will be significantly cheaper than the Endeavour and the Fortuner, which is rather obvious since it lacks significantly in terms of features on offer compared to these two. We expect its prices to hover in the vicinity of Rs 25 lakh. Stay tuned to CarDekho for more updates on the upcoming MU-X.

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