While far from perfect, there is a lot to like about the Isuzu MU-X LS. It may not be as modern and fancy as the offerings from Toyota or Ford, but for those looking for a dependable seven-seater with off-road chops, this is a great option.
Bakkies have been Isuzu’s bread and butter for the longest time, with the D-Max single-handedly keeping the brand in the sales conversation every month. But the truth is that while South Africa is a bakkie nation, Isuzu needs an SUV for buyers who are also casting an eye at the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest.
This is where the mu-X comes into play – it is the SUV version of the popular D-Max that’s currently on sale in SA. The mu-X was first introduced to the local market in 2020, but the general consensus was that the first-generation was lacking in certain departments, including its overall refinement and performance.
The mu-X is available in three trim levels: the LS (available in 4×2 or 4×4), LSE (only available in 4×2) and the flagship Onyx (available in 4x4 only). The mu-X finds itself competing against not only big sellers in the SUV segment, but some of the best-selling vehicles in SA, namely the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
Powertrain and aesthetics
The first engine powering the new mu-X is a 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel (LS only), which is the same one used in the D-Max bakkie range. This engine offers respectable fuel economy and a robust design that uses a high-pressure common rail direct injection system. It delivers a power output of 110kW along with 350Nm of torque. The beefier option is a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine that develops 140kW , along with a substantial 450 Nm of torque. Both engines come standard with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Concerning fuel consumption, Isuzu claims a figure of 7.0 litres/100km for the 1.9 and 7.6 litres/100km for the 3.0, although a more realistic figure for the latter is around the 9.0-litre mark – more specifically, 9.1 in our time spent with it. The fuel tank is bigger than the older model, having increased in capacity from 65 to 80 litres, which gives the vehicle a range of over 1100km. The SUV also claims a towing capacity of 3 500kg and an impressive ground clearance of 235mm.
One of the biggest changes with the new generation comes in the aesthetics department. The front grille chrome section is sleeker with narrower headlights, while the rear lights are also a big improvement. The SUV also benefits from an improved windmill-like alloy wheel design with sizes starting from 17-inches and going up to 20-inches.
Features
The interior is simple and to the point, with a multifunction steering wheel, infotainment touchscreen (LS derivatives come with a 7-inch while LSE and Onyx models get a 9-inch) that has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. There's only a single USB port in front, along with a 12V power socket for wired connectivity. LS derivatives feature a cloth interior while LSE and Onyx derivatives up the ante with leather upholstery and an eight-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat.
The mu-X is well-specced with standard features like dual-zone climate control, brake assist, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, reverse camera, cruise control, airbags (driver, passenger, curtain, knee, front seat side) and stability control. The list increases further with additional driving assistance features, lane keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure prevention, attention assist, emergency lane keeping and lane departure warning.
The drive
First off, the seats are comfortable and rear occupants have more than enough legroom to accommodate three passengers comfortably. The 1.9-litre unit is definitely capable of hauling the 2 700kg chassis and at no point feels underpowered, especially when boost kicks in from around 2 500rpm.
Despite being based on a bakkie, the mu-X oddly does not drive like one. The turning circle is brilliant, and the gearbox offers smooth gear selection. The 1.9-litre is honed more for easy efficient cruising while the 3.0-litre is more heavy-duty for towing and off-roading. Power figures aren’t everything, though, and don’t paint the full picture of how the mu-X performs in real-life situations.
There’s nothing wrong with the entry-level 1.9-litre 4x2 LS, only that it does not have built-in navigation and lacks a few safety features. There is quite a big jump in pricing of more than R100 000 from the 4x2 LS to the 4x2 LSE equipped with a 3.0-litre unit. It all depends on the application the SUV is going to be used, and the LS make derivative makes sense for those that aren’t fussed about hectic off roading.
Specs, pricing and aftersales
mu-X 1.9 LS 4x2 - R722 200
mu-X 3.0 LS 4X2 - R816 000
mu-X 3.0 LSE 4x2 - R859 700
mu-X 3.0 LS 4x4 - R902 700
mu-X 3.0 LSE 4x4 - R946 300
mu-X 3.0 ONYX 4x4 - R970 300
Offered as standard across the range is a 5-year/120 000km mechanical warranty and a 5-year/90 000km service plan. There's also a 5-year/120 000km roadside assistance and 5-year/unlimited km anticorrosion warranty.
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