Isuzu MU-X 2021 joined the SUV battlefield
We have seen the photos of the patents. We saw the teaser campaign. After weeks of waiting, it is finally available.
Say hello to the 2021 Isuzu mu-X and you'll be ready to take on the Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Nissan Terra and Ford Everest.
Unlike its competitiors, the 2021 mu-X is neither a facelift nor a heavily revised model. Instead, everything is new, from bumper to bumper, to chassis and engines. The second-generation mu-X rides on the same platform as the third-generation D-Max pickup.
For the new mu-X, Isuzu decided to give it a different look than its pickup counterpart. Instead of applying the same front end as the D-Max, the mu-X has its own distinctive design. Some elements of the D-Max are present, but overall the look is unique to this SUV. For example, the grid is noticeably smaller and the surrounding panel is more prominent. Also, the bumper is less angular than that of the D-Max.
Isuzu even made the fenders and doors unique to this model. While the D-Max features relatively flat panels, the mu-X has more character lines on the sides. There is a sharp line running through the doors and the rear quarter panels, which represents a significant change from the current model. Then there is the third window, connected to the side windows instead of the tailgate.
The most dramatic change is in the rear. The mu-X 2021 looks little like the version that will be released soon. Also, the taillights are slimmer and the license plate bracket is lower. Finally, the bumpers, which go against the trend of angled corners for a more rounded look.
Now for the interior, and it's a bit like the D-Max. It seems Isuzu has high-level aspirations for the next-gen mu-X with its cabin design. The dash has a more dynamic theme and the climate controls are now switches instead of dials. Even the gear selector gets a bit fancier, with a gloss black finish on top and a leather shift boot. On top of that, the new multi-information display on the dash is larger than before and features high-definition graphics.
The new mu-X also incorporates a number of safety and semi-autonomous driving technologies. The 2021 mu-X is available with lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, pedal misadjustment mitigation and even multi-collision braking. Also included are six airbags, as well as stability control, hill start assist, traction control and hill descent control.
Two turbodiesel options are available for the 2021 mu-X. The base engine is the familiar 1.9-liter mill used in the soon to be launched model. Nicknamed the RZ4E, it is good for 150 PS & 350 Nm of torque and uses a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.
On the other hand, the higher-end versions of the mu-X use an updated version of the 3.0-liter engine. It produces more power than before, with 190 hp and 450 Nm of torque. That is an increase of 13 PS and 70 Nm of torque compared to the previous generation. The 3.0-liter turbodiesel shifts gears with a six-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is available with the largest engine option. Speaking of four-wheel drive, it can cut through deeper floods with its wading ability dropping from 600mm to 800mm.
We have seen the photos of the patents. We saw the teaser campaign. After weeks of waiting, it is finally available.
Watch out, Fortuner! the Isuzu mu-X 2021 is ready for action!