Isuzu launched locally manufactured MU-7 at Rs. 22.3 lakhs
Isuzu Motors launched its first India manufactured SUV (sports utility vehicle) MU-7 yesterday on 10th December 2013 with the price tag of 22.3 lakhs and also unveiled that the assembly of Isuzu’s one more model D-max pick-up truck will be commenced soon. As per the statement by Isuzu Motors India, these local assembled vehicle’s production starts under a contract manufacturing agreement with Hindustan Motor’s plant near Chennai, the MU-7’s CKD kits will be imported from the Isuzu’s factory in Thailand, though.
Price:
While the earlier version of this SUV had the price tag of around 26.14 lakhs, this new Indian manufactured MU-7 containing two variants cost at 22 lakhs and 22.3 lakhs, respectively.
On the contrary, yet to be assembled D-max pick-up truck is expected to have a price range of 7.31 lakhs (tentative price).
Engine details:
The SUV MU-7 has two variants namely BS-III and BS-IV which are powered by a 2999c, 3.0 L 4-cylinder diesel engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox. This muscular engine provides the max power of 160.8bhp and 360Nm of peak torque and expected to offer the mileage of 10.3 km/l (ARAI certified).
Space & Dimension:
Isuzu guarantees that the seven seater MU-7 is India’s longest SUV till now in its segment which carries the overall dimension of 4955mm*1800mm*1805mm along with wheelbase of 3050mm, ground clearance of 210mm and boot space of 300 liters.
Interior & Exterior:
As per its interior as well as exterior is concerned, no such changes have been reported till now. It’s going to continue with the same equipments and designs like its predecessor. This new SUV is available in three colors i.e. black, white and silver.
Verdict:
Isuzu recently made its debut in Indian car market in February of this year with the launches of MU-7 and D-max truck as a completely built unit (CBU). Company also states that now with this local production, Isuzu has managed to decrease the price of its SUV than before. Reportedly, company is also going to have its all owned local manufacturing facility which will start by 2016 in Isuzu’s new plant at Sri City, Andhra Pradesh and company has planned to spend Rs. 3,000 crore for settling of this new project which is aimed to have an annual manufacturing target of 1,20,000 vehicles (approx).
Being a new brand in India, Isuzu just has two dealership network here till now, though company is making strategies to hike this figures up to 60 till 2016 and also expecting to sell 5,000 units each year.
In India, the main rivals for this royal SUV are Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavor etc. Though, the Fortuner is the king of this segment till now, but the new MU-7 costs at lower price than Fortuner. Hence it would be interesting to see that people would accept this new SUV as a change or would continue with the already crowned SUV Fortuner.
