Isuzu MU-X premium SUV launched in India at Rs 23.99 lakh

Japanese carmaker, Isuzu on Thursday launched its new flagship 7-seater SUV, the MU-X, in India at a starting price of Rs 23.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The MU-X SUV is available in two versions – 4×2 and 4×4. The new MU-X is priced in India at Rs. 23.99 lakh for its standard 4×2 variant while the top-end 4×4 variant is priced at Rs. 25.99 lakh (all prices ex-showroom Delhi). The MU-X SUV is built on the same platform as the brilliant D-Max V-Cross pick-up truck and carries a lot of design and styling elements from the new-generation D-Max pickup truck as well.

Based on the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross platform, the all-new MU-X premium SUV replaces the old MU-7 SUV, which failed to get sales for the company in the Indian auto market. Isuzu has a presence in the Indian car market for years now, supplying engines to the Contessa and the Ambassador. The all-new MU-X premium SUV will be competing against the more established SUVs like the Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Hyundai Santa Fe. The flagship SUV will be assembled at the company’s newly opened facility in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh.

In terms of exterior design and specifications, the new MU-X comes with signature chrome garnished dual slat front grille that is flanked by projector headlamps on either sides and rear bumpers come with two-tone metallic grey colour. The headlights also get integrated LED DRLs (daytime running lights). Some of the standard features include 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, silver roof rails, dual-tone ivory-grey interior, chrome finish on the door handles, wing mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seats, six-way electrically-adjustable driver seat. The feature list also includes a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 8-speakers and Bluetooth compatibility, a roof-mounted 10-inch DVD monitor, reverse camera, roof-mounted surround sound system, keyless entry, cruise control, climate control and AC vents for all three rows as well.

In terms of dimension, the new MU-X SUV measures at 4,825 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width and 1,840 mm in height. The MU-X SUV also gets a relatively long wheelbase of 2,845 mm and a massive ground clearance of 220 mm. The Isuzu MU-X is available in four colour options for the body – Silky White Pearl, Cosmic Black Mica, Orchid Brown Mica and Titanium Silver Metallic.

In terms of power, the Isuzu MU-X SUV comes with a 3.0-litre four-cylinder Isuzu Ddi VGS turbo Hi-Power diesel engine that is capable of producing a maximum power of 174bhp at 3600 RPM and developing 380 Nm of peak torque between 1,800 rpm and 2,800 rpm. The engine comes mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift & brake shift lock. Additionally, the 4×4 models get a terrain management system’ along with electronic shift-on-the-fly rotary dial for the four-wheel-drive system, which gives the option to select two-high, four-high and four-low ranges. The MU-X SUV also comes with uphill and downhill drive control. The Isuzu MU-X delivers an ARAI certified fuel economy of 13.8 kmpl.

In terms of safety, the Isuzu MU-X SUV comes equipped with dual front airbags, traction control system (TCS), hill-start assist (HSA), electronic stability control (ESC), 4-channel, 4-sensor anti-lock braking system (ABS) setup with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist (EBA). Safety features in the Isuzu MU-X SUV also include impact-sensing automatic door unlock with airbag release, front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, rear parking camera and three ISOFIX child seat anchorages in the second row.