By Zizipho Jebe

As we wrapped up the festive season, our companion on the road was the facelifted Isuzu mu-X Onyx. The seven-seater SUV recently underwent some minor enhancements, and we had the pleasure of exploring its features during the holiday season.

mu-X Onyx Styling

The mu-X Onyx’s exterior enhancements are striking, featuring a subtly redesigned front grille in Magnetite and Black Chrome, newly crafted 20-inch wheels, Magnetite roof rails, side steps, rear LED combination lamps, and a hands-free power tailgate. Overall, the range topping mu-X Onyx is a looker.

mu-X interior styling and tech

Stepping inside, the mu-X welcomes with Dark Magnetite garnishes on the dashboard and door panels, complemented by 8-way power leather seats. The touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adds a modern touch to the interior. The mu-X’s stylish and spacious interior ensured a comfortable ride for each family member, with ample legroom and well-designed, and supportive seating.

Performance and drive

Under the hood, the mu-X Onyx houses a 3.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine, that produces 140kW and 450Nm. Paired with a 6-speed auto transmission, the SUV boasts a claimed fuel consumption of 7.6l/100km, but our steed saw us average around 9.0 l/100km. We still think it’s a decent fuel-consumption figure considering the size of the seven-seater SUV. The mu-X places a strong emphasis on delivering a comfortable ride and smooth handling, albeit at the cost of some noticeable body roll, especially when steering inputs are overly enthusiastic.

Embarking on a family road trip from Gauteng to Limpopo and then to Mpumalanga, the Isuzu mu-X demonstrated its prowess on various terrains. From highways to off-roads, the SUV exuded confidence, providing a sense of reliability and control. The responsive steering and adequately powerful engine contributed to an overall enjoyable driving experience.

Final thoughts

After four weeks of companionship, we bid farewell to the Isuzu mu-X Onyx. Throughout our journey, the mu-X Onyx proved to be a reliable steed, effortlessly chauffeuring us on daily activities and an incredible road trip companion. The mu-X Onyx stands out as a versatile and enjoyable vehicle, seamlessly blending comfort, style, and performance. Pricing for the Isuzu mu-X Onyx starts from R960,600.