IN December 2013, the mu-X was launched at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, but it was not available in Japan due to its exterior dimensions being in a higher tax bracket, based on Japanese dimension regulations and the higher annual road tax obligation. The concept of the mu-X is the vehicle’s name itself as an acronym, which is derived from the claim that the car “Makes U eXciting”.
Isuzu Thailand has just launched a brand new mu-X lifestyle vehicle and it comes just in time when the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment is growing faster than expected in Asia-Pacific nations. The first generation mu-X had its world premiere in Thailand on 31 October 2013 and then arrived in Malaysia later in June 2015.
To date, the mu-X has been sold only in Thailand, Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, China and India. But Isuzu Motors has plans to market this 2020 model in 50 countries.
The Isuzu mu-X is a full 7-seater SUV adapted from the successful D-Max pick-up truck. At its launch it challenged Ford’s Ranger-based Everest SUV, Toyota’s Hilux-based Fortuner SUV and Mitsubishi’s Triton-based Pajero Sport SUV.
Now comes a brand new mu-X and it is long overdue as the 2013 model was NOT a good seller due to its bland looks and lack of excitement behind the steering wheel. Yes, the rivals were all ahead in drive dynamics and also looks of the older 2013 mu-X.
This new 2020 mu-X is now a variant of the 2020 best selling in Thailand and Australia Isuzu D-MAX pickup truck and it is a handsome vehicle with cabin features that better any of its rivals and even some European SUV’s, a new family of rivals.
This new mu-X projects a sophisticated premium image because of the Bi-LED projectors installed on the front face, combined with the sharp-looking headlamps and the front grill with detail-oriented formative design. The rear end is designed to give an innovative look by the tail lamps with a sharp formative design developed through detail-focused engineering.
Inside, the passenger car-like dashboard houses an instrument panel that stretches across the cabin with a large-size display located at the center, and consists of an accentuated formative design extending to right and left, and a seamless formative design from the center cluster to the floor console.
Drive dynamics has been much improved with a significantly improved 5-link rear suspension, thanks to the elevated roll center by relocating the lateral link, and the enhanced stabilizer by widening its effective width. On top of this, together with the front suspensions engineered in the D-MAX development, the driving stability and riding comfort have improved.
Utilizing Isuzu’s reliable 2,999cc diesel powerplant with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, this new mu-X has a decent 190PS coming in at 3,600rpm and 450Nm of torque at a low 1,600 to 2,600rpm. There is also the award winning 1.9-litre diesel engine that delivers low sipping qualities with its 150PS and 350Nm of torque and this is the version that Malaysians should be getting next year when it arrives alongside the all new D-Max pickup truck.
Be patient and wait for its arrival news right here at thevibes motoring section. – The Vibes, October xx, 2020
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