The facelifted Isuzu MU-X has been showcased at the 2017 Bangkok Motor Show. The updated seven-seater was launched in Thailand in January, and the same will be introduced in India later this year.
The MU-X SUV was first introduced in 2013 and has been on sale in international markets of Australia, New Zealand, Laos, Indonesia and Philippines. The Japanese carmaker has given the SUV a mid-life update, and this new car will now debut in India.
The upgraded car now includes reworked headlights along the large horizontal grille slat. The LED day-time running lights have been integrated alongside the projector units. The bumpers have been tweaked with a new roof-mounted spoiler and stylish 18-inch alloy wheels which give the car a modern appeal. The roof rails, wrap-around LED taillights and high ground clearance are some of the features which characterise the new MU-X. The overall design philosophy is very similar to that of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, which the MU-X is based upon. On the inside, the seven seater gets a dual-tone dashboard with soft touch plastic and leather upholstery. A new eight-inch infotainment screen with the carmaker’s all new iConnect feature has also been added, which includes navigation and smartphone connectivity. The feature list including six speakers (plus two roof-mounted speakers), 14 cup holders, steering mounted controls, six-way seat adjustment, and climate control all come as standard.
Powering the MU-X is a 2.5-litre turbodiesel unit, which does its duty in the D-Max V-Cross, producing 136bhp of power and 320Nm of torque. Internationally, the MU-X is powered by a newly-developed 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine producing 150bhp and 350Nm and a 3.0-litre diesel motor with 177bhp and 380Nm. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and a six speed automatic.
When launched in India, the MU-X will be manufactured at Isuzu’s facility in Andhra Pradesh, where the V-Max is currently produced. Isuzu’s upmarket offering will go up against the likes of Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner, Chevrolet Trailblazer and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. The MU-X will replace the MU7 in India and likely be priced similarly between Rs 20 – 25 lakh. There are rumours that Isuzu will launch the facelifted MU-X in India sometime in May.
