Isuzu MU-X: 7 Things You Need To Know

The Isuzu MU-X has been launched in India and this is one SUV we are looking forward to drive. In fact, the launch announcement came just a couple of weeks back. The MU-X replaces the company's current flagship model in India, the Isuzu MU-7, and we have to say the leap is a big one. Compared to its predecessor, the MU-X is modern both in terms of styling and features. The arrival of the Isuzu MU-X has been speculated for quite a while now and we knew it was on its way here when we told you about a single test unit being imported last year for homologation. In fact, much recently the brochure of the SUV was recently leaked online revealing a lot about the MU-X's features and specification. So, here are 7 things that you need to know about the Isuzu MU-X.

The Isuzu MU-X will replace the MU-7 SUV

1. The Isuzu MU-X was first launched in international markets in 2013 at the Tokyo Motor Show. Having said that, the SUV is not sold in its home country because of its larger dimensions that do not comply with Japanese dimensions regulations and thus attract higher road tax. In terms of dimensions, the MU-X measures 4825 mm in length, 1860 mm in width, and 1840 mm in height. The SUV has a wheelbase of 2845 mm and an impressive ground clearance of 220mm.
2. The Isuzu MU-X is based on the new-generation D-Max pick-up truck, which is currently sold in India. The platform was developed by the Japanese automaker in collaboration with General Motors which is why the MU-X shares its underpinnings with the Chevrolet Trailblazer, one of its key rivals in India.
3. The SUV has been very successful in other south-east Asian markets like Thailand and Indonesia, where Isuzu has a strong brand presence. The SUV is also largely sold in other right-hand-drive (RHD) markets like Australia, Malaysia and Philippines. And now it's finally coming to India.
   

   Isuzu MU-X comes with flared wheel arches and 17-inch alloy wheels
4. As mentioned earlier the Isuzu MU-X is the successor to the Isuzu MU-7 and the name MU-X is essentially an unofficial acronym derived from the term 'Makes U eXciting'.
5. Visually, the MU-X has that signature appearance of a premium butch SUV. Butch because of its muscular character lines and brawny profile, and premium because of the extensive use chrome for exterior styling. Up front, you have a dual-slat chrome grille and chrome underlines for the round foglamps. In fact, even the door handles and the ORVMs are bathed in chrome.
   

   Isuzu MU-X Cabin
6. The equipment list of the MU-X is pretty long with features like - 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, projector headlamps with daytime running lights and LED taillamps. Comfort and safety features include - climate control, integrated 7-inch infotainment system, cruise control, keyless entry feature, dual front airbags, ISOFIX mounts for the child seats, ABS with EBD, traction control system, and hill assist among others.
7. The Isuzu MU-X has only one diesel engine on offer - a 3-litre, four-cylinder oil burner that makes 174 bhp and develops a peak torque of 380 Nm. Transmission duties will be handled by a 5-speed sequential shift automatic gearbox as standard, so yes there won't be a manual gearbox on offer, at least initially.

The Isuzu MU-X is likely to be launched in India with a price tag north of the Rs. 25 lakh mark. Upon launch, it will rival the likes of Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, and Chevrolet Trailblazer along with upcoming models like the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Skoda Kodiaq.