The Isuzu MU-X SUV comes with a less bulky exterior compared to the MU-7 and also gets additional features and a potent diesel engine under the hood.
Arrived on Indian shores in 2013, Isuzu commenced passenger vehicle operations with the MU-7 SUV premium SUV that has found fewer takers owing to the limited existence of the brand on a pan-India level. However, two years down the road, the Japanese SUV maker has expanded to newer regions of the country while it still continues to assemble its offerings at Hindustan Motor’s facility till its Rs. 3000 crore plant is under construction. Now, a recent report suggests that Isuzu has imported the MU-X SUV in the country for R&D purpose and could launch the model later in the year.
The Isuzu MU-X premium SUV sits above the MU-7 in the company’s lineup and is a much more modern and well equipped SUV in comparison. The former could also act as a potential replacement to the MU-7 in the segment while competing against the Toyota Fortuner, Hyundai Santa Fe, as well as the upcoming 2016 Ford Endeavour and Chevrolet TrailBlazer. On the outset, the MU-X is a lot more proportioned in appearance and gets a bold appearance with a large twin-slat grille, accentuated wheel arches and boasts of impressive road presence.
On the inside, the Isuzu MU-X is a seven-seater with roomy interiors done up in black and comes with major creature comforts including climate control, rear cabin air-con vents, leather upholstery, cruise control, multi-function steering wheel, six-way adjustable driver’s seat, ABS, ESC, EBD while there is also a Terrain Management system for different road conditions. The MU-X also scores a 5-star safety rating at the Australian NCAP. In terms of power, the SUV uses a 2.5-litre diesel engine with 134 HP of power and 320 Nm of torque, paired to a 5-speed manual transmission with power being sent to the rear wheels or all four wheels. If launched in India, the Isuzu MU-X will command a price tag of around Rs. 20 lakhs (ex-showroom).
If the Isuzu MU-X does make it to India, it will be interesting to see how two of the same products battle it out in the premium SUV segment. Essentially, the MU-X and the Chevrolet TrailBlazer share the same underpinnings and were co-developed by Isuzu and GM. In terms of powertrain though, the MU-X will come with a 2.5-litre diesel and the Chevy TrailBlazer will come with a 2.8-litre diesel motor, giving the Isuzu a marginal price advantage while the features list will be identical on both the models.
[youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OKc75TCrDQ 540 375]
Source – Zauba.com