The all new Isuzu MU-X has just made its debut in Thailand. Isuzu MU-X is supposed to be the equivalent of Toyota Fortuner. The 7 seat mid-sized SUV sits on the same D-MAX pickup platform, and carries the same engines too– just like the relationship between Toyota Hilux Revo & Fortuner!
Related: Isuzu MU-X: The Toyota Fortuner Rival
Now having entered its third generation, the latest MU-X shares the same ladder frame chassis with its pick-up sibling D-MAX, the 3rd generation of which debuted late last year. Compared to the out-gone model, the new MU-X is longer, wider & taller while riding on a longer wheelbase. It measures 4,850 mm long (+25 mm), 1,870 mm wide (+10 mm), 1,875 mm tall (+35 mm) and has a wheelbase of 2,855 mm (+10 mm).
Exterior of all new Isuzu MU-X
However it terms of looks, the latest MU-X isn’t as aggressive looking as the all new D-MAX but carries a rather toned down appearance. There is a slim pair of headlights with LED DRLs up front, a simplified character line on the side with body-colored D-pillar and sleek horizontally oriented tail lamps at the rear defining the looks the new MU-X. The mid-sized SUV wears 17-inch to 20-inch wheels depending on the variant.
Interior of all new Isuzu MU-X
The dual tone interior is a major shift from the predecessor but obviously remains largely similar to the latest D-MAX with some minor differences off course. There is a large center touchscreen in 7-inch or 9-inch guises depending on the variant, there is a multi-function steering wheel, 4.2-inch TFT multi-info instrument cluster display, electronic drive mode selector & electric parking brake, 8-way powered driver’s seat, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control with PM2.5 filter and ambient lighting.
Related: 2020 Isuzu D-Max Displayed at Thai Motor Expo
Safety features include 6 airbags, ESC, ABS with EBD & BA, HSA, HDC and TC. Driver assist systems available with higher-spec variants are a blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, a speed limiter, automatic high beam, multi-collision brake, parking assist and a pedal misapplication system.
The all new Isuzu MU-X is available with a choice of two turbodiesel engines. There is a RZ4E-TC 1.9 liter four-cylinder unit making 150hp and 350Nm while the higher end versions get 4JJ3-TCX 3.0 liter four-cylinder engine that develops 190hp and 450 Nm. The RZ4E-TC engine is deployed in four variants– the 1.9L Active, 1.9L Luxury, 1.9L Elegant and 1.9L Ultimate, while the 4JJ3-TCX is exclusive to the 3.0 Ultimate and 3.0 Ultimate 4WD. Standard transmission is a 6-speed automatic and 2WD, although the 1.9 Luxury is also available with 6-speed manual, and the 3.0 Ultimate 4WD is the only one offered with 4WD.
The MU-X name is actually an acronym itself which Isuzu says, is derived from “Makes U eXciting”. Currently the MU-X is sold in Thailand, India, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, but Isuzu has plans to market it overseas in 50 countries. Ghandhara having introduced the Isuzu D-Max range of pickups in Pakistan can introduce the MU-X to compete against the likes of Toyota Fortuner. Do you think the Isuzu MU-X can be a worthy addition to the 7 seat mid-sized SUV segment? Let us know with your comments.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
