The facelifted Isuzu MU-X is now on sale in SA. The Japanese brand’s seven-seat SUV arrives with heavy revisions both inside and out, and launches with six models, two engine options, automatic transmissions exclusively and in 4x2 or 4x4 guise. Trims are the entry-level LS, mid-tier LSE and high spec Onyx XT.
The approach is fancier thanks to a completely redesigned façade made angrier by a new front bumper. The look also depends on the model. All models get honeycomb meshing but the flagship Onyx gets matching black slats whereas the lesser models get shiny alternatives. Aggression is amped up by a sharper headlamp clusters featuring bi-beam technology, LED daytime running lights and fog lamps.
The rear styling includes a new bumper, spoiler and new combination LED taillights and tailgate garnishes. New style alloy wheels in 18-inch and 20-inch sizes are available, with the larger diameter available standard in the Onyx XT model. New Eiger grey metallic and Biarritz blue paints are introduced, while the Onyx XT is available in Eiger grey metallic, Dolomite white pearl, Onyx black mica and Mercury silver metallic.
Interior enhancements include a new seven-inch multi-information display, nine-inches in the range-topper and a colourful driver’s information stack incorporating digital and analogue dials. All models up to the LSE grade get a reversing camera and the Onyx XT gains a new digital 360-degree surround view monitor with multiple selectable viewing angles, including a new underfloor view for bundu bashing.
The air of sophisticated luxury now permeates the cabin with piano black surfaces, while the Onyx XT looks sportier through red ambient lighting, leather-clad seats with red stitching. Connectivity is taken care of by wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and bluetooth.
There are eight Type C USB ports across the three rows of seats in Onyx XT, and a hands-free power tailgate and follow-me-home lights. Multizone climate control is also a standard fitment.
At the launch event held in Stellenbosch this week, we drove the Onyx XT model exclusively, and it’s — as before — powered by a 3.0l four-cylinder turbodiesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel shift pedals. Its output is 140kW and 450Nm and is matched to a 4x4 system.
The 1.9 LS that was absent from the launch has a 110kW and 350Nm four-cylinder motor paired with the same six-speed gearbox. The entry model is available as 4x2 only.
It’s the top model that we drove on a variety of surfaces, including farm gravel roads. On tarmac the model has decent shove for cruising and reaching higher speeds, and the transmission has intuitive responses, though the diesel engine clatter is audible from the cabin. The damping is satisfactory too, thanks to suspension revisions of larger diameter shock absorbers.
The launch route was also too short to get a handle on average fuel usage, but the company says fuel consumption in the 1.9LS is 7l/100km and 7.6l for the 3.0. The stack of buttons and switches on the central tunnel are used to configure the drivetrain for off-road sojourns. It remains cushy on craggy surfaces, with enough height to scale the mildly challenging obstacles we trod on the day.
You can switch between 4x2 and 4x4 on the fly, and in a test of standard prowess, we covered virtually the entire test route, dips, inclines and all in 4x2. All-paw traction was selected once on a particular axle twister, and the standard rear diff-lock was untouched, proving the MU-X is rugged enough even in 4x2 guise.
Initial impressions are positive, and the D-Max bakkie’s new SUV cousin is a head turner. It feels solidly built with the intrinsic workhorse DNA in its construction is well masked. The all new Isuzu M-UX is sold with a five-year/90,000km service plan, five-year/120,000km factory warranty and roadside assistance.
Pricing
1.9 Ddi MU-X LS 4x2 — R752,300
3.0 Ddi MU-X LS 4x2 — R852,600
3.0 Ddi MU-X LS 4x4 — R939,500
3.0 Ddi MU-X LSE 4x2 — R886,700
3.0 Ddi MU-X LSE 4x4 — R973,700
3.0 Ddi MU-X Onyx XT 4x4 — R1,026,800
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.