Isuzu motors that introduced its first made in India MU-7 SUV with a manual transmission in December 2013, has now launched an automatic variant of the SUV. Priced at Rs. 23.90 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the AT version has been priced Rs. 2.5 lakh more than the manual gearbox variant, which according to us is a bit high. The automatic variant will be available at Isuzu’s 25 outlets across the country including Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Noida, Gurgaon, Indore, Tirupati, Cochin, Chandigarh, Lucknow etc.
The Isuzu MU-7 comes equipped with the same 2999cc four cylinder common rail turbo diesel engine that does duty in the manual variants also. The engine puts out 161bhp of max power@3600rpm and peak torque of 333Nm between 1600-3200rpm. Besides, automatic transmission Isuzu has provided independent double wishbone, torsion bar spring and anti-roll bar for the front along with the gas sealed shock absorbers in front and rear to ensure smooth ride.
The automatic variant gets some subtle changes inside the cabin in the form of a new steering wheel with audio controls, new dual tone dashboard with faux wood finish at the centre, Kenwood 3015 BT touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and rear parking sensors. There is also a reverse parking camera with display assistance on screen.
Other features on Isuzu remain same; it continues to sports a 2DIN audio system with bluetooth, USB, Aux-in support, a rooftop display unit, dual AC with ceiling vents for 2nd and 3rd row, seat slide function for all three rows and recline feature for 1st and 2nd row seats. In terms of safety it features dual airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and remote keyless entry.
Just to remind Isuzu MU-7 is one of the spacious SUV in the country with the dimensions of 4955mm long, 1800mm wide, 1805 tall and has a wheelbase 3050mm to guarantee bounty of space for the seven passengers.
Isuzu isn’t a huge or famous brand in India and pricing the vehicles steeply make things even worse for the company. The chief reason behind is the competition which comes from Toyota Fortuner, Hyundai Santa Fe and Ford Endeavour. Toyota and Hyundai selling their respective vehicles in good numbers and the reason behind is their wide network reach which Isuzu motors lack.
Commenting on the launch of AT MU-7, Mr. Naohiro Yamaguchi, MD, Isuzu Motors India, said, “We are happy to add the new MU-7 AT variant to our current product portfolio. The MU-7 is becoming popular with its combination of style and substance and has been receiving encouraging response from the customers, thanks to the sheer performance, space and comfort it offers. In line with ISUZU’s philosophy to constantly study the market and offer customers a great experience, we now add the new Automatic Transmission variant with more enhanced features on the interior. Many have approached us for an Automatic variant in the MU-7 and with this launch we are sure that a wider range of SUV enthusiasts will prefer the MU-7”.
