Isuzu’s alternative to the Toyota Fortuner (and Ford Everest), did not quite enjoy the same popularity as the first mentioned competitor, but with a serious upgrade the mu-X hopes to achieve better sales in future.
Along with design upgrades that give the mu-X a more upmarket appeal, the 3.0-litre line-up has been bolstered with a new four-wheel drive version of the high-spec 3.0 LSE, along with a new value-orientated 1.9 LS model for the first time. The specifications and price of the 1.9 LS will be made available later, Isuzu says.
What’s new?
The new mu-X four-wheel drive version of the 3.0 LSE gives our customers greater choice. Previously it was only the LS and range-topping 3.0 Onyx that offered a 4x4 drivetrain.
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.
Exterior:
The 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. The rear combination lamps have also been given a refreshed look.
Also new to the LS models is the fitment of 18-inch alloy wheels that are shared with the LSE. The Onyx gains new 20-inch machined alloy wheels.
Under the skin, the upgraded mu-X receives a harness protector for the rear differential lock on 4x4 models, providing greater protection against damage when tackling challenging off-road terrain.
Interior:
The door and instrument panel garnishes echo the dark Magnetite accents featured on the exterior.
Leather seats are now standard across the range replacing the cloth seats previously used on the lower-spec models, incorporating eight-way power adjustment and manual lumber support for the driver, along with four-way power adjustment for the front passenger.
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.
Engines:
The new four-wheel drive LSE model shares Isuzu’s 3-litre turbodiesel engine with the rest of the range, delivering 140 kW and 450 Nm.
Safety:
Standard driver aids across the ISUZU mu-X range, including the LS models, comprise Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control, ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist System (BAS), Brake Override Accelerator (BOA), Hill Start Assist (HAS), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Trailer Sway Control, Cruise Control, as well as front and rear parking sensors with a rear-view camera.
The LSE and Onyx models step up the game even further with a standard tyre-pressure monitoring system, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert and rear radar.
The infotainment system is upgraded to a larger nine-inch touchscreen on the LSE, complemented by a total of eight speakers.
Prices:
4X2 LS (R666 746.67), 4X4 LS (R739 034.78), LSE (R703 181.45), 4x4 LSE (R775,469.57) and the 4X4 Onyx (R791 643.48).
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
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