Isuzu, best known for their pickups launched the MU-X SUV in Thailand last week. The MU-X is based on the D-Max pickup with which it shares its ladder chassis and engines options. The MU-X is essentially a Chevrolet Trailblazer or a Holden Colorado 7 albeit with changes to the grille, lights and the emblems and is a result of being co-developed between GM and Isuzu. However, the Isuzu MU-X look and feels very different from its siblings with heavy changes to give it the Isuzu family look along with changes in the interior decor and trims. The MU-X replaces the MU-7 in the international markets and should do so in India as well.
The Isuzu MU-X will be offered with two diesel engine units in Thailand. Moving the SUV will be a 3.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine producing 177 HP of power at 3600 RPM and 380 Nm of torque between 1800–2800 RPM; while a smaller 2.5-litre diesel mill will also be offered delivering 136 HP of power at 3600 RPM and 320 Nm of torque between 1800–2800 RPM. The SUV will be offered in 2WD and 4WD options, with the 4WD having a Terrain Command Switch. The transmission on offer includes both a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 5-speed automatic. The SUV features 230 mm of ground clearance and 30.1-degree approach and 25.1-degree departure angles.
The Isuzu MU-X SUV comes loaded with daylight illumination and a newly developed suspension system. The coil spring suspension comes with 5-link suspension setup for driving stability and excellent traction which gives a car like ride quality. The MU-X can be brought to a halt with ventilated discs on all four wheels for braking. The SUV is available with three rows of seats for a seating capacity of seven. The navigation system comes in as standard with a 7-inch screen and a DVD player with a 7-inch touch screen. For the safety aspect, the MU-X comes loaded with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, ESC and a rear view camera, while the passengers are protected by dual SRS airbags.
The 2014 Isuzu MU-X is on sale in Thailand at an introductory price of 1,014,000 Baht (Rs. 20 lakhs) and will be competing against the Toyota Fortuner and the Chevrolet Colorado 7 in its segment. The MU-X will be offered in 5 colour options – Arctic Silver, Coal Black, Norwegian Blue, Spanish Brown and Everest Pearl White.
Apart from Thailand, the MU-X is slated to launch in Australia in December and will be offered with only the 3.0-litre engine with seven variants to choose from. Prices are expected to start from $40,500 (Rs. 23.59 lakhs) for the base 2WD variant and escalate up to $53,500 (Rs. 31.16 lakhs) for the top of the line 4WD drive variant. In India, the Japanese automaker sells the MU-7 and we can expect the MU-X to make its way to our country when local production of Isuzu vehicles commences.
