Isuzu’s mu-X may not be a top of mind SUV. It should be.
Enhanced inside and out, this latest evolution of Isuzu’s adventurous sport utility mu-X 3.0TD LSE 4WD raises the bar as it brings improved styling, upgraded technology and safety, and refined driving dynamics to the table. It’s also taken another significant styling step forward through its major, recent facelift.
Bolder and more dynamic, mu-X has been thoroughly redesigned with a contemporary new grille complete with revised Isuzu badge between aggressive bi-beam tech LED daytime running headlamps atop an all-new bumper. Walk around the rear to find a completely new look thanks to linked combination LED taillights across the entire new tailgate, another revised bumper, a mid-level spoiler, and new badging.
A better looking bakkie-based SUV
Based on the latest D-Max bakkie, we enjoy its large, solid Japanese feel. Easy on the eye and now even more China doll looking, it has strong character lined flanks punctuated by new silver 18-inch multi-spoke wheels which really pop with this Biarritz Blue. We’d say that it’s among the best looking of the popular bakkie-based SUV brigade in Southern Africa.
The doors click open and thud firmly closed as you step aboard. That newfound comfort and sophistication is immediately apparent. Ambient lit, the dual zone climate control cabin sports comfy seats, and a pleasant, spacious driving environment. The revamped dash, reworked red stitched leather seat patterns, new trim and footwell and overhead console illumination bring a premium feel.
The upgraded piano black finished high-resolution 9” infotainment even retains those all-important knobs and touch-sensitive switches. It’s now fully CarPlay and Android connective via wireless Bluetooth or USB cable. Add eight-speaker audio new multiple angle 360-degree broad field surround view, new semi-analogue dials include a 7” multi-screen.
Infotainment retains all-important knobs
Isuzu has added a customisable welcome function over and above the existing follow-me-home lighting and hands-free power tailgate. Built from the ground up as a seven seater, the mu-X has a third row in case you need to carry small people far, or big people not too far. The rearmost pews also stow into the floor to make a mammoth boot accessed by a height adjustable tailgate.
Not much has changed under the bonnet. Isuzu’s eternal and pioneering creamy 140 kW 450 Nm 3 litre four-pot turbodiesel is quiet once running, smooth, and effortless. Makes mu-X easy to drive. A great engine, some may call it a touch agricultural. And a little thirsty in this modern downsized world. That said, this car was considerably more elastic and responsive in our tests that the last 3-litre mu-X we tested.
It’s mated to the best Isuzu 6 speed auto gearbox we’ve yet driven. Pulls strong from low down the rev range, tends toward its higher cogs and shifts as it should. The fuzzy logic auto box soon learns how you prefer to drive, while shifter paddles allow you to override the auto patterns if you so desire.
Facelift spreads to mu-X suspension tweaks
What has changed under the skin is that mu-X now rides on further enhanced locally honed suspension. The spring and roll bar set-up gains larger diameter dampers for even better composure both on and off the road. Mu-X is surprisingly free of body roll and road holding is good for a car this size both on and off road.
Steering is responsive, while Mu-X also matches its best rivals’ 3.5-ton braked trailer capacity. Mu-X’s fine chassis tuning, great suspension articulation and travel will take even extreme off-roading in its stride. And that in 4×2 diff lock, there’s still 4×4 if you need it.
Add sharp brakes, traction control, and a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Packed with all form of driver assistance, you can extinguish it if it bugs you with a three second prod on the steering button on the wheel. You can thank Auto for that!
The Isuzu mu-X packs it all in
So, as far as bargain family SUVs go, the Isuzu mu-X packs it pretty well all in to deliver a decent bargain. If you’re shopping in that neck of the woods, this car really should be on your radar.
Cheaper than the compatible Fortuner and far less expensive Ford’s rival Everest, don’t ignore this high value, highly all-round capable mu-X, if you’re shopping for a decent family SUV. – Michele Lupini
Images & testing: Giordano Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Isuzu mu-X 3.0TD LSE 4WD
Engine: 140 kW 450 Nm 3-litre turbodiesel H4
Drive: 6-speed automatic 4x4
Max Braked Trailer: 3500 kg
TESTED:
0-60 km/h: 3.86 sec
0-100 km/h: 9.55 sec
0-120 km/h: 13.33 sec
0-160 km/h: 25.86 sec
400m: 16.6 sec @ 135 km/h
80-120 km/h: 6.93 sec
120-160 km/h: 12.52 sec
CLAIMED:
VMax: 190 km/h
Fuel: 7.6 l/100 km
CO2: 200 g/km
Range: 1050 km
Warranty/Service: 5y 120K/5y 90K km
LIST PRICE: R973K
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