By Otsile Kadiege

Isuzu Motors South Africa recently launched their second-generation mu-X in Mzansi and we had the pleasure of spending a couple of days with it. Here are five things you need to know about the new and bold Isuzu mu-X. 

1 . D-Max underpinnings 

The new mu-X shares the same architecture with the soon to be launched and locally built next generation Isuzu D-Max bakkie.

2. Exterior dimensions 

The new Isuzu mu-X is wider, longer and has better ground clearance compared to the model it replaces. It’s 1,860mm wider (increased by 10mm), 4,825mm long (increased by 5mm) and has a ground clearance of 230mm (increased by 5mm). However, depending on the chosen variant the height ranges between 1,815mm to 1,860mm compared to old model’s 1,825mm to 1,860mm. 

3. New colour pallet and grades

There are eight colours to choose from, namely Santos Brown, Sapphire Blue, Red Spinel, Dolomite White, Splash White, Mercury Silver, Obsidian Grey and Onyx Black. the new Isuzu mu-X is also available in three grades, LS, LSE and Onyx. These grades are easily identifiable by their different wheel designs and sizes. The base LS model is fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels. The LSE and Onyx grades are fitted with 18- and 20-inch alloy wheels, respectively. 

4. Revised diesel engine 

Isuzu’s tried and tested 3.0-litre diesel soldiers on however, the codenamed 4JJ3 engine has been redesigned by Isuzu’s engineering team to be more refined, deliver more power and torque. The diesel engine now makes 140 kW and 450 Nm. This is an impressive increase of 10kW of power and 70 Nm torque. The turbo-diesel engine is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission and has a claimed combined fuel consumption of 7.6-litres/100 km. The fuel tank capacity has been increased from 65 litres to 80 litres meaning longer times of on the road between fuel stops.

The four-wheel-drive has the highest claimed braked towing capacity among its direct rivals – rated at 3,500 kg rather than the class average of 3,000 kg or 3,100 kg.

5. Improved safety

The top-spec mu-X Onyx grade comes equipped with Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS). This suite features passive and active safety systems like blind spot monitor and lane departure warning, which, according to the automaker, continuously monitors driving conditions and act autonomously to avoid a crash or minimise accident damage. The IDAS enabled the range-topping mu-X to score a five-star ANCAP rating. The LSE and LS grades safety are yet to be rated however, Isuzu is confident the models will fare well. 

Fun fact: the mu-X nameplate isn’t the first Isuzu SUV. Before the mu-X there was the Trooper and the Frontier. 

Pricing

The pricing and model line-up for the new mu-X is as follows:

> 3.0 Ddi mu-X 4×2 LS A/T Price: R 693,800;
> 3.0 Ddi mu-X 4×4 LS A/T Price: R771,600;
> 3.0 Ddi mu-X 4×2 LSE A/T Price: R 763,300; and
> 3.0 Ddi mu-X 4×4 ONYX A/T Price: R 860,500.

All models include a 5-year/120,000 km service plan and are covered by the Isuzu Complete Care Package with a warranty of a 5 year/90,000 km warranty and a 5-year unlimited km anti-corrosion warranty.