After slew of leaks and speculations, Isuzu has launched MU-X in India at a starting price of Rs. 23.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). It is based on I-GRIP platform which also underpins D-Max V Cross pick up and Chevrolet Trailblazer. Available only in a single trim, it will replace MU-7 and will take on the likes of Ford Endeavour and Toyota Fortuner. The SUV will be manufactured locally at manufacturer’s Sri City-based facility in Andhra Pradesh.
Price
Isuzu MU-X 2WD: Rs. 23.99 lakh
Isuzu MU-X AWD: Rs. 25.99 lakh
Engine Details
Under the hood of MU-X is a 3.0 litre turbo diesel 4-cylinder motor that makes 174.5bhp@3600rpm and 380Nm of torque between 1800-2800rpm. The engine is linked to a 5-speed automatic with brake shift lock and sequential shift as standard. The MU-X is also available with four wheel drive system and optional Terrain command control. The SUV is capable of delivering 13.8 Kmpl of mileage.
Space and Dimensions
The Premium seven seat SUV measures 4825 mm in length, 1860 mm in width and 1840 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2845 mm and offers 220mm of ground clearance. The MU-X has 235 liters of boot space which can be further expanded up to 878 liters by folding third row seats. Thanks to long wheelbase and spacious dimensions, the SUV can comfortably accommodate 7 passengers.
Exterior
The SUV takes design cues from the adventure pickup truck and its sibling Chevrolet Trailblazer flaunting muscular bonnet flanked by twin slate chrome front grille. It gets sharply designed projector headlamps with muscular bumper featuring with horizontally air intakes and fog lamps.
On the sides, blackened glass area, 17 inch diamond cut alloy wheels, chrome plated outer rear view mirrors and flared wheel arches further enhances the appeal of the SUV. Besides, it gets LED tail lights, faux silver skid plates, and thick chrome bar above the license plate and rear spoiler.
Interior
On the inside, the Style quotient is enhanced by sporty black theme, 7 inch touchscreen infotainment system with eight speakers, bluetooth and iPod connectivity. It also features roof mounted 10 inch monitor, power socket for all three rows, automatic climate control with separate control, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, engine start/stop button, Leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, 2nd row armrest with two cup holders and much more.
Colors
The Isuzu MU-X will be available in four colors– Orchid Brown Mica, – Silky White Pearl, Cosmic Black Mica and Titanium Silver Metallic.
Safety
As for the safety, the SUV sports features like dual front airbags, hill start assist, rear parking camera, ABS (anti-lock braking system) with EBD (electronic brake force distribution), traction control system (TCS), electronic stability control (ESC), Hill descent control, rear parking camera, three pointer seat belts etc.
Speaking on the launch, Mr. Hiroshi Nakagawa, Director of the Board and Managing Executive Officer, Isuzu Motors Ltd, said, “India is a key market for Isuzu globally and is also a future hub of our global manufacturing operations. We will continue to invest in the Indian operations and also bring in the best technology and engineering that Isuzu has to offer globally. Isuzu is globally renowned for making tough, reliable and fuel efficient vehicles that are known to be engineered for life. The MU-X embodies these characteristics and will be built at out state-of-the-art manufacturing plant at Sri city with the same exacting quality standards that have made Isuzu a trusted brand all over the world.”
