After we criticised the range-topping Onyx version of Isuzu’s MU-X for being pricey, the more affordable LS version of the SUV strikes a better value-for-money balance. It has all the convenience and luxury features you need without going over the top with fancy gadgets.
The 3.0 LS 4x4 priced at R902,700 offers significant savings over the mid-level 3.0 LSE 4x4 (R946,300) and 3.0 Onyx 4x4 (R970,300).
The LS has fewer frills than its stablemates but retains a decent level of luxury, including leather seats, front and rear parking sensors, electrically adjustable front seats and roof-mounted air conditioning vents for the second and third rows with separate fan speed control.
Infotainment in the base LS version comprises a smaller 7" touchscreen system compared to the 9" display found in the LSE and Onyx, but it’s large enough to use comfortably and comes with integrated Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Wi-Fi, with front and rear USB charging ports and six speakers.
The LS lacks fancier items such as steering wheel paddle shifters, remote starting functionality and a power tailgate that can be opened by swiping your foot under it. It also foregoes driver-assist features like tyre pressure sensors, blind spot monitors, rear cross traffic alert and rear radar, but retains key safety items such as stability control, ABS brakes, hill start assist, hill descent control and seven airbags, including an airbag between the driver and the front passenger — all of which earned the MU-X a five-star Australian NCAP safety rating.
Mechanically, the LS is the same as the pricier MU-X models, comprising a 3.0l turbodiesel engine linked to an electronically controlled part-time four-wheel drive system that allows easy switching between two-wheel drive, 4x4 high range and 4x4 low range.
The engine is quite vocal with a distinctly agricultural clatter, but the MU-X otherwise displays acceptable refinement with minimal wind or road noise. The 3.0l unit delivers hearty power for cruising and overtaking, and chugs along with an easy lope. At sea level, where this road test was conducted, it gets off the line briskly, without the slight turbo lag that afflicts similarly engined Isuzus we tested at Gauteng altitude.
The gravel-voiced engine may sound like it’s smoked a few too many cigarettes, but there is no complaint about its parsimony. The large SUV’s average of 9.8l/100km in an urban/freeway mix was commendably frugal, even though this was some way off the claimed 7.6l.
The MU-X is a very competent hauler of large families and loads. It is a full-sized seven-seater with a third row that is spacious enough for adults, with a modular interior that allows the second and third rows to fold flat, creating a cavernous cargo maw.
Imported from Thailand, the second-generation MU-X was launched here late in 2021 as a seven-seat SUV based on the D-Max bakkie. In May 2023 it was given a styling update and the 3.0 LS was one of two new models added to the line up, the other being a 1.9l derivative.
A subtle exterior tweak saw the previous Tungsten silver finishes replaced with smarter-looking dark Magnetite finishes for the radiator grille, front and rear bumpers, front fog lamp bezels, roof rails and side steps. The tail lamps were also given a refresh that continues the theme.
The dark Magnetite accents are continued inside to give the cabin a more upmarket appearance. Leather seats become standard across the range in place of cloth previously used on lower-spec models, with electrically adjustable front seats. The seat cushions have been reworked for better comfort and support.
Also new to the LS models are 18" alloy wheels shared with the hi-spec LSE, replacing the old 17" versions. They give the LS a more comfortable ride than the range-topping Onyx model which rolls on lower-profile 20" rubber.
Like its Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Ford Everest rivals, the Isuzu has a rugged body-on-frame construction suited to the rough and tumble of off-roading, but with coil springs in the rear suspension instead of the more rugged leaf springs used by most bakkies, including the D-Max.
The MU-X tackles gravel roads and off-road trails in commendable comfort, along with a 235mm ground clearance that provides good obstacle-clambering ability. Switching between rear- and four-wheel drive is conveniently done on the move with a twist of a rotary dial. A low-range transfer case and a lockable rear diff, as well as a rough terrain driving mode, further ensure the MU-X plods effortlessly through rugged off-road trails.
At a nearly R70,000 saving over the top-of-range Onyx, the LS makes an attractive deal in the MU-X range. It’s priced a snip below the VX 4x4 model of the market-dominating Toyota Fortuner, which has additional spec like automatic aircon, electric tailgate and a cooled glovebox, but the Isuzu has a better five-year/120,000km warranty than the Toyota’s three years/100,000km.
Tech specs
ENGINE
Type: Four-cylinder diesel turbo
Capacity: 3.0l
Power: 140kW
Torque: 450Nm
TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed automatic
DRIVETRAIN
Type: Rear-wheel drive with selectable four-wheel drive, low range and rear diff lock
PERFORMANCE
Top speed: n/a
0-100km/h: n/a
Fuel consumption: 7.6l/100km (claimed); 9.8l/100km (as tested)
Emissions: 200g/km
STANDARD FEATURES
Electronic stability control, ABS brakes, seven airbags, remote central locking, leather upholstery, cruise control, infotainment system with 7” touchscreen, electric windows, electrically adjustable front seats, park distance control with rear parking camera, aircon, rain-sensing wipers, auto on-off lights, LED daytime running lights
COST OF OWNERSHIP
Warranty: Five years/120,000km
Service plan: Five years/90,000km
Price: R902,700
Lease: R20,062 a month
*at 11.75% interest over 60 months no deposit
Isuzu MU-X 3.0 Ddi LS auto
WE LIKE: Practicality, price, right amount of features
WE DISLIKE: Noisy engine
VERDICT: Best value in the MU-X range
Motor News star rating
Design ****
Performance ****
Economy ***
Ride ****
Handling ****
Safety *****
Value For money ****
Overall ****
COMPETITION
* Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.4 DI-D 4x4 Aspire, 133kW/430Nm — R874,990
* Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4x4, 150kW/500Nm — R907,700
* Ford Everest 2.0 BiTurbo 4x4 XLT, 154kW/500Nm — R974,800
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.