The local
SUV segment is really hotting up lately. Ford and Toyota have just introduced their latest offerings into the market in the form of the new Everest and updated Fortuner.
Isuzu has now joined the party with its updated
mu-X. What does this bakkie based
SUV have on offer? We have the details.
New offerings
Along with design upgrades that give the
mu-X a more upmarket edge, the 3.0-litre line-up has been bolstered with a new four-wheel drive version of the popular high-spec
3.0 LSE, along with a new value-oriented
1.9 LS model for the first time.
A total of five 3.0-litre
mu-X models are now available, comprising the
3.0 LS and
3.0 LSE which can be specified in 4x2 and 4x4 versions, as well as the luxuriously appointed range-topping 3.0 Onyx 4x4 – all of which use
ISUZU’s six-speed automatic transmission.
Updated design
The sleek exterior design of the
mu-X now incorporates dark Magnetite finishes for the radiator grille, front and rear bumpers, front fog lamp bezels, roof rails and side steps, replacing the Tungsten silver and chrome that defined the previous model. The rear combination lamps have also been given a refresh that continues the theme.
Also new to the
LS models is the fitment of 18-inch alloy wheels that are shared with the
LSE, replacing the 17-inch versions used previously. A matching full-size 18-inch alloy spare wheel is now provided on the
LS and
LSE in place of steel rims. The alluring Onyx gains even more curb appeal thanks to new 20-inch machined alloy wheels.
Added practicality
Everyday practicality is significantly enhanced on the high-spec
LSE and opulent Onyx models with the inclusion of a power tailgate with step sensor integrated into the rear bumper. This gives the owner hands-free access to the rear luggage compartment, which is especially useful when loading shopping bags or luggage. The power tailgate is linked to the Passive Entry Start System (PESS), and can also be operated via a button on the key fob.
Interior improvements
The spacious, comfortable and flexible cabin of the
mu-X has received several styling and functional enhancements. The door and instrument panel garnishes echo the dark Magnetite accents featured on the exterior, giving the interior an even more exclusive and upmarket ambience.
Leather seats are now standard across the range in place of cloth previously used on the lower-spec models, incorporating eight-way power adjustment and manual lumbar support for the driver, along with four-way power adjustment for the front passenger. The seat cushions have also been revised to improve overall comfort and support, while heel mats are added for greater durability and wear resistance in the front floor areas.
Added standard features
To aid parking and overall manoeuvrability in tight spaces, the
LS models gain front and rear parking sensors. On the
LSE, an auto-dimming rear view mirror is now standard, along with paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel, giving the driver fingertip control of the six-speed automatic gearbox.
The
LSE and Onyx now boast remote start functionality, allowing the driver to start the vehicle remotely from the key. This is a great feature that makes it possible to pre-cool the cabin on hot summer days, or warm the interior on chilly mid-winter mornings.
Under the skin
The new four-wheel drive LSE model shares ISUZU’s latest 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine with the rest of the range, which develops 140kW along with 450Nm of torque. An electronically controlled part-time four-wheel drive system allows easy switching between two-wheel drive (2H), 4x4 high range (4H) and 4x4 low range (4L) using a rotary dial on the centre console.
The latest version of
Isuzu’s six-speed automatic transmission is standard across the
mu-X range. It provides a seamless driving experience, with a standard rear differential lock further aiding traction on slippery surfaces.
The upgraded
mu-X also receives a harness protector for the rear differential lock on 4x4 models, providing greater protection against damage when tackling challenging off-road terrain.
Credit: Justin Jacobs
