The Isuzu D-Max bakkie may be a neighborhood favorite, however its MU-X SUV sibling is miles behind section heavyweights just like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest. The Citizen’s Jaco van der Merwe took the up to date MU-X for a spin to search out out whether it is able to gaining any floor on its rivals.
Picture: Equipped
On common, the Toyota Fortuner holds round half of the SUV market share in South Africa, with the Ford Everest a distant however regular second. Third place is an almighty scrap between the Isuzu MU-X and Mahindra Scorpio-N, with the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport additionally within the combine.
However even throughout months when the MU-X does edge out the Scorpio-N, it doesn’t come near the type of market share that the D-Max has established within the bakkie race, even in markets like Australia.
Isuzu will not be underneath the phantasm that the facelifted MU-X goes to carry out miracles. However the Japanese producer hopes it might at the very least construct on the gradual single-digit share progress the SUV has achieved for the reason that introduction of the second era regionally in 2021.
The facelifted model of the seven-seater SUV options styling enhancements and extra know-how on board. It retains the earlier 1,9ℓ and 3ℓ powertrains throughout six fashions, with the refined flagship mannequin now adopting the Onyx XT moniker to turn into the primary native Isuzu to interrupt the R1 million barrier.
Seeing the facelifted MU-X from the entrance approaching from a distance offers off severe earlier era Mercedes-Benz GLE vibes. The up to date Isuzu MU-X contains a redesigned entrance bumper that homes a model-specific grille flanked by redesigned LED headlights.
The grille and redesigned fog mild bezels share the identical honeycomb sample, with the ‘Isuzu’ lettering shifting up from the grille to beneath the bonnet line.
The German-inspired styling continues on the rear the place the full-width lightbar between the revised LED taillight cluster is harking back to the Audi Q8.
LS and LSE fashions journey on 18” alloy wheels, with the Onyx XT kitted out in gloss black 20” rims. The latter works a allure together with a blacked-out grille with XT badge, magnetite accents, gloss black wheel arch cladding, and black facet steps, mirrors caps and roof rails.
Transferring to the within, the MU-X’s dashboard has been revamped, whereas new colors function on the doorways and armrests.
The seats additionally function reworked leather-based patterns.
Now customary throughout the vary is a 9” infotainment system with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Normal throughout the vary is push begin, electrical entrance seats and entrance and rear parking sensors. An honest set of security methods is customary throughout the vary, with the Onyx XT benefitting from superior methods like lane departure warning.
The 1,9ℓ blown diesel mill produces 110kW of energy and 350Nm of torque, despatched to the rear wheels through six-speed automated transmission.
The 3ℓ turbo-diesel engine produces 140kW/450Nm and can be mated to a six-speed auto field.
The Onyx XT comes customary with all-wheel drive, whereas the opposite 3ℓ fashions provide both rear- or four-wheel drive.
A current launch drive across the Cape Winelands was sufficient for the 3ℓ mill to show that it has loads of urge with little turbo lag. Off the overwhelmed observe, the MU-X is as succesful as you’d come to count on from an Isuzu off-roader.
MU-X 1.9 Ddi LS 4×2 R752 300
MU-X 3.0 Ddi LS 4×2 R852 600
MU-X 3.0 Ddi LSE 4×2 R886 700
MU-X 3.0 Ddi LS 4×4 R939 500
MU-X 3.0 Ddi LSE 4×4 R973 700
MU-X 3.0 Ddi Onyx XT 4×4 R1 026 800
Pricing features a five-year/90 000km service plan and a five-year/120 000km guarantee.
