Much ado about mu-X
The second-generation Isuzu mu-X has just come ashore at Gqeberha – and it’s bigger and safer than ever, says Cyril Klopper.
The first mu-X was particularly popular in Australia, but back then, General Motors decided to sell the mu-X in South Africa as the Chevrolet Trailblazer. This was one of GM’s less successful decisions, as the Trailblazer didn’t do nearly as well here as the mu-X did in Australia. But that’s all in the past, and now Isuzu’s latest SUV has arrived.
What do we have here?
Not only does the latest Isuzu mu-X look different on the outside, but its cabin is also larger than before. This means Isuzu extended the mu-X’s body by 25 mm to 4 850 mm.
Up front, the grille is larger and the spotlights in the bumper sit lower down. The wheel arches are no longer as prominent, and the side windows are longer (the C-pillar has been moved a bit to the back), so the rear passengers have a better view of what’s outside. At the rear, the brake lights have a sharper appearance – that applies to the headlights, too. Isuzu calls it its arrow design.
Craig Uren, senior deputy president of sales and marketing at Isuzu South Africa, says the new mu-X is a huge step forward for the manufacturer. “The vehicle represents a shift in how customers will view vehicles in this segment in terms of ride quality, luxury, and technology. The new mu-X will not only attract more buyers in this segment, but will most likely also attract buyers from other segments.”
The new mu-X scored five stars in an Australian NCAP crash test. Among other elements, Isuzu fitted an airbag between the driver and the front passenger – a world first – and the body has high-tensile steel in all the right places to protect occupants.
All mu-X models get Isuzu’s 3 ℓ turbodiesel engine that delivers 450 Nm of torque at a low 1 600 revolutions, and the well-known six-speed automatic gearbox that’s proved itself to be reliable.
There are four models: the 4x2 LS costs R693 800; the 4x4 LS is R771 600; the 4x2 LSE R763 300; and the flagship model, the 4x4 ONYX, will cost you R860 500.
On paper, the 4x4 LS appears to be the better choice, at least as far as we’re concerned, because the flagship 4x4 ONYX has 20-inch alloys, which is a strange choice for an off-road vehicle. The ONYX does have the most safety equipment of the four, leather seats, and a nine-inch touchscreen on the centre console, while the 4x4 LS only has a seven-inch one – plus you sit on seats upholstered in fabric, and you don’t have the benefit of a computer looking out for your safety.
The ONYX and LSE boast dual-zone climate control, eight speakers, and heated seats, while the lower models get standard air-conditioning and six speakers – and we suggest that you grip a flask of hot coffee between your legs if the seats are cold.
All models get a rear-view camera and Bluetooth with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for your smartphone. The Isuzu mu-X is based on the latest D-Max, but in an unnusual turn of events, the SUV version has arrived ahead of the bakkie.