logo
New Isuzu MU-X local pricing and specs revealed

New Isuzu MU-X local pricing and specs revealed

TimesLIVE05-05-2025

The updated Isuzu MU-X range made its official South African debut on Monday.
Sporting a fresh exterior aesthetic, this family SUV looms large with a revamped front end home to a new bumper, restyled radiator grille, redesigned Isuzu badge and more defined LED headlight clusters. The latter are packed with bi-beam technology and LED daytime running lights. The front fog lamps have also been repositioned for enhanced visibility.
Updates to the rear of Isuzu's seasoned Toyota Fortuner rival include a revised bumper, all-new tailgate design and the introduction of a mid-level spoiler and new badging. Enhanced combination LED taillights are bridged by a distinctive new tailgate garnish.
While LS and LSE models roll on new 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, the flagship Onyx XT benefits from 20-inch alloy wheels. Two new exterior paint hues have been added to the mix (Grey Metallic and Eiger Grey) expanding the colour palette to eight options.
The Onyx XT further stands out with a gloss black finish applied to the radiator grille, roof rails, side mirrors, door mouldings and tailgate garnish. Adding contrast is a metallic light magnetite finish applied to the bumper accent panels. While unique XT badging adorns the grille and bodywork, customers can pick from four Onyx XT-exclusive colours: Eiger Grey Metallic, Dolomite White Pearl, Onyx Black Mica and Mercury Silver Metallic.
Inside the cabin you'll find the upgraded MU-X features a revamped dashboard home to a new nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. While LS models retain a conventional reversing camera, LSE and Onyx XT derivatives feature a new 360° surround view monitor for enhanced all-round visibility.
Isuzu says this system offers multiple selectable viewing angles, including an innovative new underfloor view that allows the driver to accurately guide the vehicle around obstacles, further enhancing 4x4 capability and safety. It also offers a wider field of view with dynamic guidelines for easier manoeuvring as well as improved screen brightness.
Customers can also look forward to a redesigned seven-inch multi-information display. Set inside the driver's instrument cluster it relays key real time driving data. Analogue dials for the tachometer and fuel gauge remain, alongside an LED temperature gauge.
Image: Supplied
Exclusive to the Onyx XT is sporty red ambient interior lighting, black leather seats with red contrast stitching and a multifunction steering wheel with a piano black finish and a metallic lower centre ornament. It further benefits from additional USB Type-C ports.
The new MU-X is available with two four-cylinder turbodiesel engine options. The 3.0l engine, offered in LS, LSE, and Onyx XT grades, produces 140kW and 450Nm of torque. The 1.9l engine, available in the LS model, delivers 110kW and 350Nm, with a claimed fuel consumption of 7.0l/100km. Both engines are meshed to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The 1.9 is offered in a 4x2 configuration only, while the beefier 3.0 is available in both 4x2 and 4x4, with 4x4 models including a differential lock and low-range transfer case.
Pricing:
1.9 LS 4x2: R752,300
3.0 LS 4x2: R852,600
3.0 LS 4x4: R939,500
3.0 LSE 4x2: R886,700
3.0 LSE 4x4: R973, 700
3.0 Onyx XT 4x4: R1,026,800
A five-year/90,000km service plan and five-year/120,000km warranty comes as standard.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Omoda and Jaecoo launch new plug-in hybrids with impressive range and luxury
Omoda and Jaecoo launch new plug-in hybrids with impressive range and luxury

IOL News

time5 hours ago

  • IOL News

Omoda and Jaecoo launch new plug-in hybrids with impressive range and luxury

The Omoda C9 PHEV is positioned as their flagship luxury SUV. Image: Supplied Buckle up, Mzansi. The local automotive scene just got a significant jolt of electrified energy as the Omoda and Jaecoo brands officially unleash their latest plug-in hybrid contenders onto South African roads. Leading the charge are two distinct SUVs: the premium-focused Omoda C9 PHEV and the more accessible Jaecoo J7 SHS (Super Hybrid System), signalling a bold commitment to New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in our market. Pivotal moment For Omoda, the arrival of the C9 PHEV marks a pivotal moment. Positioned as their flagship luxury SUV, this plug-in hybrid aims to blend the serene efficiency of electric driving with the reassurance of petrol power and a hefty dose of premium appeal. Hans Greyling, General Manager for Omoda and Jaecoo South Africa, says: "The C9 PHEV represents a fresh chapter for efficient luxury motoring locally. It's crafted for drivers ready to embrace electric mobility but who equally demand performance, elegance, and safety. Think of it as having the best of both worlds – electric silence for the daily grind, petrol readiness for the open road." Efficiency Under the sculpted bonnet lies a high-efficiency electric motor working alongside a petrol engine and, together, they muster a substantial 440 kW and 915 Nm of torque. Yet, the real magic lies in its efficiency. Drivers can tap into up to 150 kilometres of pure electric driving – ample for most daily commutes – before the petrol engine takes over. This dual approach yields a claimed combined range exceeding 1,100 kilometres, while official combined fuel consumption dips as low as 1.4l/100 km. Charging practicality is key. Owners can replenish the sizable 34.5kWh battery pack in roughly 5.5 hours using a home Wall Box. For quicker top-ups, the C9 PHEV supports 70 kW DC fast charging, capable of boosting the battery from 30% to 80% in approximately 25 minutes at compatible public stations. "Keeping drivers moving with minimal downtime is crucial," says Lindokuhle Sibanyoni, Product Manager for Omoda and Jaecoo. The Omoda C9 PHEV supports 70kW DC fast charging, capable of boosting the battery from 30% to 80% in approximately 25 minutes. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Exterior Exclusively offered in the top-tier Explore trim, the C9 PHEV makes a visual statement. Its exterior features a diamond-shaped grille, sleek LED lighting front and rear (including daytime running lights), and standard 20-inch alloy wheels. Sporty red brake callipers hint at the performance within, while a panoramic sunroof and second-row privacy glass enhance the upscale feel. Colour options include Cosmic Black, Meteorite Grey, Moonlight White, and Quantum Grey, with a distinctive two-tone black roof available on Moonlight White and Tech Grey models. Performance Talking performance, the C9 PHEV does not disappoint, and a brief stint behind the wheel on the road to the Gerotek Testing Centre produced brisk acceleration with instant throttle response – the hallmark of electric power. Significantly, the ride is almost eerily quiet and supremely comfortable as the suspension soaks up the many ripples on our roads. At Gerotek there was an opportunity to do what is generally known as the 'moose test' – or, more pertinent for us, a pothole dodger – that involves a rapid swerve around an object from 60km/h and back into your original lane. For a car topping the 2-ton mark the agility and lack of histrionics were impressive. Interior Step inside, and the C9 PHEV envelops occupants in a cabin focused on contemporary luxury and advanced tech. The ambiance is set by Black/Light Brown Premium Nappa leather-trimmed seats, with the driver enjoying six-way electric adjustment and the front passenger four-way. Both front seats offer heating and ventilation, complemented by a heated Nappa leather steering wheel. Rear passengers aren't forgotten, benefiting from an electrically adjustable backrest and seat heating. Dual-zone climate control, rear air-conditioning controls and heated/cooled armrest storage add further comfort layers. Acoustic laminated glass significantly reduces wind noise, fostering a tranquil cabin environment. Technology takes centre stage with dual 12,3-inch digital displays – one for the driver's cluster, the other controlling infotainment and vehicle settings. An intuitive Intelligent Voice Command system (activated by "Hello, Omoda") allows hands-free operation. Entertainment is delivered crisply via a 12-speaker Sony sound system, while connectivity is covered by Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 50W wireless charging pad. Practicality isn't sacrificed, with a power-operated tailgate revealing 660 litres of boot space, expandable to 1 783 litres with the rear seats folded. The cabin is focused on contemporary luxury and advanced tech. Image: Supplied Safety Safety is paramount, with the C9 PHEV boasting an extensive suite of driver-assist systems. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind-Spot Monitoring (BSM) with intervention, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Brake (RCTA/RCTB), Lane Departure Warning and Prevention (LDW/LDP), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Integrated Cruise Assist (ICA), and Traffic Congestion Assist (TCA). Further reassurance comes from front and rear parking sensors, a 540-degree surround-view camera, and a comprehensive array of airbags. Pricing Priced at R999,000, the Omoda C9 PHEV is backed by a strong ownership package: a seven-year/100,000 km service plan, a seven-year/200,000 km vehicle warranty, a 10-year/200,000 km warranty for electric drive components, a 10-year/1-million km engine warranty, and an industry-leading 10-year/unlimited km warranty for the main power battery pack for the first owner (reverting to 10 years/200,000km subsequently). Seven years of roadside assistance completes the offering. Jaecoo J7 SHS: Electrified Accessibility Alongside the premium C9 PHEV, Jaecoo is expanding its popular J7 range with the new J7 SHS plug-in hybrid derivative. Building on the J7's success since its 2024 launch, which drew favourable comparisons for its driving dynamics, the SHS focuses on making plug-in tech more accessible. Power The J7 SHS pairs a turbo-charged 1,5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering power smoothly via a 3-gear Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). While output figures are lower than its Omoda sibling (approximately 265kW), the focus here is on efficiency and daily electric usability. Its standout feature is an impressive 90 km all-electric range, sufficient for many urban commutes. The smaller 18,3kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery supports fast charging, replenishing from 30% to 80% in around 20 minutes using a 40 kW DC charger. Combined range reaches an estimated 1,200 km, with fuel consumption rated below 5.0l/100 km overall, potentially dropping to 1.5 l/100 km under optimal electric use. Visually, the J7 SHS retains the model's distinctive 'waterfall' grille and gains unique 19-inch alloy wheels, maintaining the signature lighting elements front and rear. Inside, it offers a comfortable leather interior, ambient lighting, a large central infotainment screen, heads-up display, wireless smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), and an eight-speaker Sony audio system. Safety is also comprehensively addressed with 15 driver-assist features standard, including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross-Traffic Brake (RCTB), Front Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), and a Driver Monitoring System (DMS). The Jaecoo J7 SHS pairs a turbo-charged 1,5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering power via a 3-gear Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). Image: Supplied

From classroom to boardroom: How SA companies are future-proofing talent pipelines through Inqubeko
From classroom to boardroom: How SA companies are future-proofing talent pipelines through Inqubeko

The Citizen

time6 hours ago

  • The Citizen

From classroom to boardroom: How SA companies are future-proofing talent pipelines through Inqubeko

Inqubeko offers a cohesive talent development journey designed to build character, capability, and leadership over time. South African companies in the mining, manufacturing, and automotive sectors are under growing pressure to meet compliance targets while navigating a complex skills crisis. What if your business could do both: tick every compliance box and build a reliable, long-term talent pipeline? That's exactly what Inqubeko Training Academy helps you achieve. We partner with leading companies to invest their skills development, bursary, and compliance budgets in structured, high-impact programmes that take young South Africans from primary school to the boardroom, creating job-ready, STEM-proficient talent rooted in their local communities. A holistic model that delivers measurable impact Unlike once-off training initiatives or siloed CSI projects, Inqubeko offers a cohesive talent development journey designed to build character, capability, and leadership over time. Our clients trust us because we understand both ESG imperatives and business needs, and we handle the implementation end-to-end. Our five integrated programmes are tailored to support every stage of the talent pipeline: Stage Product Focus 1. Foundation Rising Leaders Primary School Foundations STEM readiness and character formation for both students and teachers 2. Aspiration High School Leadership Development Programme STEM proficiency, career discovery, leadership, and soft skills 3. Access Tertiary Bursary Administration (new) Financial access and oversight 4. Perseverance Bridge Mentorship & Coaching Persistence and professional identity 5. Acceleration Fast-track Managerial Programme Readiness for leadership and future of work Inqubeko is launching the Future of Manufacturing Programme for 2025, which is part of our High School Leadership Development Programme, on 28 June, in partnership with a leading automotive manufacturer in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). We're inviting companies across South Africa to join us by sponsoring a high school learner on this impactful, structured programme that builds leadership, discipline, and career readiness from the ground up. It's a powerful way to invest your skills development or compliance budget in something with real, measurable results and long-term strategic value. Sponsorship slots are limited, so secure yours today. Why our clients choose Inqubeko Our partners — across the mining, automotive, and manufacturing industries — choose Inqubeko because we offer: A turnkey solution that ensures B-BBEE compliance with full audit readiness A clear, data-backed pathway to impact, not just activity Deep experience working in complex rural and industrial environments A reputation for delivering results that both HR and finance teams appreciate Don't let your compliance spend go to waste Your 2025 compliance cycle is already underway. The question isn't whether you'll spend, it's whether that spend will actually move the needle for your business, your workforce, and your surrounding communities. Book a 20-minute discovery call Let's explore what impact looks like in your industry. Book a short, no-obligation discovery call with Inqubeko's executive team to see how your company can turn this year's compliance budget into a long-term strategic win. Click here to schedule your call

‘Transformation is not a favour, it's a necessity,' Says Ramaphosa as Starlink fight heats up
‘Transformation is not a favour, it's a necessity,' Says Ramaphosa as Starlink fight heats up

IOL News

time7 hours ago

  • IOL News

‘Transformation is not a favour, it's a necessity,' Says Ramaphosa as Starlink fight heats up

President Cyril Ramaphosa, reiterating government's stance on economic transformation policies despite huge backlash from opposition parties. Image: ANC/X President Cyril Ramaphosa has once again defended South Africa's Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act and the Employment Equity Act, saying the country must reject the 'false notion' that it must choose between economic growth and transformation. Ramaphosa's remarks, made in his weekly newsletter on Monday, after weeks of controversy over a policy proposal by Communications and Digital Technology Minister Solly Malatsi to ease B-BBEE requirements for satellite communication services such as Elon Musk's Starlink. The proposal sparked backlash from opposition parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, which argued that it would allow foreign companies to bypass empowerment laws. EFF described the proposal as a 'backdoor for foreign multinationals' to exploit Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes (EEIPs) to sidestep B-BBEE compliance. The MK Party called it a 'treacherous blueprint' to dismantle state capacity and strike deals with foreign tech oligarchs. Despite this, Ramaphosa stood by the policy, arguing that B-BBEE is not just a policy preference but a constitutional imperative. He invoked the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter, which proclaimed that 'the people shall share in the country's wealth.' 'Our Constitution reflects the promise we made to one another and to future generations to redress the injustices of our past and realise the full potential of our country,' Ramaphosa wrote. 'For this reason, we reaffirm that broad-based black economic empowerment is not just a policy choice but a constitutional imperative.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Ramaphosa said the world is currently in a 'polycrisis,' characterised by global conflict, economic stagnation, mistrust in institutions and environmental degradation, challenges that South Africa is not immune to. He argued that this is not the time to backtrack on empowerment but to double down. 'We must make our empowerment policies more meaningful,' Ramaphosa said. 'Economic growth without transformation entrenches exclusion, and transformation without growth is unsustainable.' He emphasised that South Africa has made measurable progress since 1994 through a 'robust legislative framework' anchored by the B-BBEE Act and the Employment Equity Act. 'We have seen real changes in ownership patterns, including more businesses owned by women. We have seen changes in management control, enterprise development and skills development,' he wrote. According to Statistics South Africa, between 2006 and 2023, real household income increased by 46% for black Africans, 29% for coloured households, and 19% for Indian households. However, Ramaphosa acknowledged that, on average, white households still earn nearly five times more than black African households. 'This is the gulf we must close through deliberate and sustained efforts to expand opportunity,' he said. 'Transformation is not a favor, it is a necessity.' Ramaphosa criticised those who continue to benefit from historical privilege while challenging B-BBEE in the courts, calling for national unity on the issue. 'We must dispense with the false notion that we must choose between growth and transformation,' he said. 'B-BBEE is not a cost to the economy; it is an investment in it.' He said this commitment underpins government programs like the Black Industrialists Programme and the newly established Transformation Fund, aimed at supporting innovative black-owned enterprises. 'There is a critical need for black-owned businesses to access funding on affordable terms,' he said. He called on private banks to review their lending practices. 'They have the resources to make the greatest impact.' Ramaphosa said the Public Procurement Act must be used to expand opportunities for businesses owned by women, youth and persons with disabilities. 'Transformation must reach into every sector, whether it is mining, construction, energy, IT or agriculture,' he said. 'The private sector should use their supply chains far more deliberately to empower more black-owned businesses, not just to improve their B-BBEE scorecard, but to grow and diversify their supplier base.' As the country develops infrastructure, green industries and localized manufacturing, transformation must remain central, he added. 'The transformation we seek is not about ticking boxes. It is about building a resilient, just economy for generations to come,' he wrote in the newsletter. 'I call on all South Africans, and in particular the private sector, to recommit to economic transformation.' Meanwhile, Starlink, owned by Musk's SpaceX, does not currently hold an operating license in South Africa. Its efforts to obtain one reportedly failed after Musk rejected the requirement that foreign telecommunications companies sell a 30% stake to historically disadvantaged South Africans in order to operate. In February, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at isolating South Africa, citing allegations of anti-white policies and accusing the government of harboring hostility toward the US and its allies, including Israel. This action was widely viewed as part of Musk's pushback against South Africa's empowerment regulations. In response, Ramaphosa led a delegation to Washington on May 21 in an attempt to salvage key trade agreements and attract new investment amid the diplomatic tension. IOL Politics

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store