Isuzu MU-X SUV gets a makeover: significant upgrades challenge Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest
The exterior of the Isuzu MU-X has received a significant upgrade over the previous model.
Image: Supplied
Isuzu has lifted the covers off their revamped MU-X SUV with an exterior and interior update, and also added a flagship ONYX XT 4x4 to the range.
Exterior
The exterior has received a significant upgrade over the previous model with a new bumper, restyled grille (the ONYX XT 4x4 giving off Mercedes G-Class vibes), redesigned Isuzu badge, LED headlights with bi-beam technology, LED daytime running lights and repositioned fog lights.
Around the back it's a lot more appealing than the outgoing MU-X with a mid-level spoiler, new badging and combination taillights linked by tailgate garnish.
It also gets new wheel designs with multi-spoke 18-inch alloys for the LS and LSE models and black 20-inch rims for the ONYX XT.
There are eight colour options with a new Biarritz Blue and Eiger Grey Metallic, with the latter looking particularly striking.
The Isuzu MU-X gets a redesigned seven-inch multi-information display in a new shaped instrument cluster.
Image: Supplied
Interior
Inside, it gets a redesigned seven-inch multi-information display in a new-shaped instrument cluster while the analogue dials for the tachometer and fuel gauge remain, alongside an LED temperature gauge.
There are new interior colours for the door cards and armrests, and the leather seat patterns have been reworked.
The infotainment system has been upgraded to a nine-inch display and is wireless, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.
The LSE and ONYX XT gain a new digital 360-degree Surround View Monitor with the LS model retaining an analogue reverse camera.
The camera has a new underfloor view that enables the driver to see and navigate around obstacles when venturing off the beaten track.
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The engine options and power outputs remain the same with Isuzu's trusted 3.0-litre diesel engine and the 1.9-litre variant.
Image: Supplied
Engines
The engine options and power outputs remain the same, with Isuzu's trusted 3.0-litre diesel engine delivering 140kW and 450Nm of torque available across the range.
The 1.9-litre variant with 110kW and 350Nm is available in the LS model with only a 4x2 option, while the 3.0-litre is offered in both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations, with a diff-lock and low-range transfer case on the 4x4 variants.
Both engine options are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
ONYX XT
The range-topping ONYX XT takes the fight directly to the Toyota Fortuner GR-Sport and Ford Everest Sport.
It's set apart by a gloss black grille, metallic Light Magnetite bumper, gloss black roof rails, black side mirrors, gloss black door mouldings, rear liftgate garnish, metallic Light Magnetite accent panels below the bumper and unique XT badging on the grille and bodywork, as well as the afore-mentioned black 20-inch alloys.
Inside, there's a soft-touch covered dash, red ambient lighting on the dashboard and doors, red stitching on the seats, the steering wheel is finished in piano black with a metallic lower-centre ornament, the rear gets extra USB Type-C ports, and the driver's MID features unique XT graphics with red accents.
Driving
Overall, it's a very neat package which we explored on the launch route in and around the Cape Winelands.
The wireless Android Auto connected effortlessly and, unlike some cars, stayed connected throughout the day.
It's a very comfortable driving position once you've adjusted the electronic seats with a clear view over the bonnet.
Build quality feels solid, and thank goodness the regular settings are buttons and dials so you don't have to go digging around on the touchscreen.
It's not the quietest engine on start-up, but once warmed up, it purrs along nicely with slick gear changes throughout the rev range.
When pressed hard to pass traffic there's some engine noise in the cabin but it calms down again quickly and with three of us in the car conversation could be had at normal volumes.
The rear passenger with us had more than enough legroom with the seat adjusted for my tall frame.
The updated Isuzu MU-X takes on the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest.
Image: Supplied
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