Isuzu Australia will soon expand its passenger vehicle range with the introduction of the all-new Isuzu MU-X SUV. This will be only passenger vehicle the company sells locally, alongside its extensive range of commercial trucks and utes.
Built on a similar platform as the Isuzu D-Max ute, which is also shared with the Holden Colorado and Colorado 7, the MU-X is a robust, family-sized SUV which will offer excellent off-road capability.
The engine is borrowed from the D-Max, consisting of a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder. Using a variable geometry turbo, an intercooler, and a common-rail injection system, the unit produces 130kW and 380Nm.
Available with either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic, the MU-X will come in either 4×2 or 4×4 forms. The 4×4 versions use a ‘Terrain command’ select system with 2-high, 4-high, and 4-low range driving modes. Automatic models also get hill ascent and descent control.
Depending on the mode variant, fuel economy is quite respectable for a large SUV. For the 4×2 rear-wheel drive version, it returns an official combined cycle average of 8.2L/100km.
With extensive underbody protection, a very high 230mm ground clearance, and competitive 30.1-degree approach and 25.1-degree departure angles, Isuzu promises “rear-world off road capability”. Isuzu says,
“Clever engineering ensures there are no low-slung components – the front lower control arms don’t hang too low, and the air intake is hidden within the front fender. In the engine bay, the ECU isn’t exposed, and the alternator sits up nice and high.”
The underbody uses a revised suspension geometry which has been specially developed for the MU-X, with a independent double wishbone front layout and a five-link rear with coil springs and gas shocks. Isuzu says the setup presents “car-like” ride and handling.
All variants also come with a three-tonne braked towing capacity, making it perfect for weekends away with a boat or caravan.
Inside, all variants will come with a premium six-speaker sound system with iPod and Bluetooth connectivity. The top-of-the-range LS-T variant adds a comprehensive ‘Sky Sound’ roof-mounted entertainment system including a 10-inch LCD monitor for the rear passengers. The front also gets sat-nav with live traffic updates and maps for over 10,000 off-road destinations.
The new model will arrive in Australian in December. Prices will start from the following (excluding on-road costs):
Isuzu MU-X LS-M 4×2 (auto) – $40,500
Isuzu MU-X LS-U 4×2 (auto) – $42,000
Isuzu MU-X LS-M 4×4 (manual) – $45,600
Isuzu MU-X LS-M 4×4 (auto) – $47,800
Isuzu MU-X LS-U 4×4 (manual) – $47,100
Isuzu MU-X LS-U 4×4 (auto) – $49,300
Isuzu MU-X LS-T 4×4 (auto) – $53,500
All come with a five-year/130,000km warranty.
