Isuzu mu-X SUV Returns With A New Heart

• New 1.9-litre diesel engine produces 14PS and 20Nm less than the older BS4 3.0-litre diesel unit.

• It is paired with a new 6-speed automatic transmission that can drive power to two wheels or all four wheels.

• Retains the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, push-button stop-start, and one-touch split/fold seats for the second and third row.

• Rekindles its rivalry with the Mahindra Alturas G4, Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, and the MG Gloster.

Isuzu has finally completed the long overdue transition of its passenger model lineup to BS6 emission norms. Its flagship SUV, the mu-X, has now been revived via the BS6 treatment with prices starting from Rs 33.23 lakh (ex-showroom Tamil Nadu). Of course, this upgrade has resulted in a price hike, which is quite steep compared to its BS4 counterpart.

The biggest change to the SUV is under the hood. The BS4-compliant 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine has been replaced by a BS6-compliant 1.9-litre DDi diesel mill. This downsized engine has led to a power reduction, with an output of 163PS (-14) of power and 360Nm (-20Nm) of torque. It is paired to a new 6-speed sequential automatic transmission and can be had with rear-wheel as well as all-wheel drivetrains. 

On the outside, the 7-seater SUV remains as is with a muscular stance and bi-LED projector lamps with LED DRLs. Other highlights include 18-inch alloys wheels and tail lamps which feature an LED strip. It also comes in a new Nautilus Blue body shade alongside the existing colour options: Red Spinal Mica, Silky White, Pearl Galena, Grey Black Mica, and Silver Metallic.

It retains the 7-inch touchscreen system, adjustable headrests for all seats, and the one-touch split/fold seats in both the second and third row. It also gets push-button stop/start, a 6-way powered driver’s seat, and roof-mounted AC vents for the rear seats. Safety is covered by six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill descent control, park assist with rear-view camera, and traction control.  

Meanwhile, the carmaker introduced the next-gen mu-X in Thailand back in October 2020. There’s no word on when it will make its way to India. The updated model rekindles its rivalry with the Mahindra Alturas G4, Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, and the MG Gloster.