Isuzu has launched its new-generation MU-X in South Africa. If the 7-seater Adventure SUV is indeed vastly better than its predecessor, Isuzu should be perfectly poised to post a stronger challengetosegment heavyweights such as the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest. Gero Lilleike attended the launch event ofthe new MU-X on the Garden Route, during which hesampled the newcomeron some of South Africa’s most scenic mountain passes. Has Isuzu hit the bullseye?

Let’s be honest. The first-generation (KB-based) Isuzu MU-X fell short of expectations. Not only did it lack overall refinement and performance, but its plastic-laden utilitarian interior didn’t age particularly well. What’s more,while the MU-X was capable off-road, its ability was limited due to the fact that it didn’t initially featurea difflock (an Eaton rear differential lock was introduced in 2019). These factors (and others) resulted in slow market uptake and MU-X didn’t gain significant traction against the segment-leading Fortuner and Everest; even theMitsubishi Pajero Sport and Haval H9arguably outshone it.

Are the tables about to turn, however?It appearsthat Isuzu may find itself in a strong position to claw back some market share with the introduction of its new 2nd-generation MU-X, which is sourced from Thailand and is based on the same platform that underpins the new D-Max bakkie which will be produced right here in the Republic in 2022.

Isuzu has not only harnessed the power of hindsight to rectify many of the first-generation MU-X’s shortcomings (see below), but the new MU-X and forthcoming D-Max represent a fresh and energetic rebirth for a brand whose heritage is deeply entrenched in the commercial vehicle sector, butwhich hasn’t fully unlockedits potential in the leisure market.At least not yet, anyway…

So, with that “rebirth”in mind, let’s explore what the new Isuzu MU-X has to offer.

What’s on offer?

The new Isuzu MU-X is arguably winning in the segment style stakes. Would you agree?

If the styling of the previous generation MU-X didn’t win you over, perhaps this new MU-X’s appearancewill!It’s arguably better looking than the Fortuner and Everest by virtue ofa bold “World Crossflow” grille and sleeker LED headlights, which give the new Isuzua purposeful look. Overall, we think the new MU-X’s styling marks a major improvement over that of its predecessor!

Isuzu has structured its local MU-X range in line with current buying trends and is offering the MU-X with 3 trim levels including the base LS, which can be had in either 4×2 or 4×4 guise (with 17-inch wheels), the mid-spec LSE, which is only offered in 4×2 guise (with 18-inch wheels) and then, lastly, the range-topping MU-X Onyx 4×4 (with 20-inch wheels).

See further specification details here!

The new MU-X boasts a significant boost in terms of safety with the debut of Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS).

It’s important to mention that the MU-X Onyx debuts Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS), which incorporates a host of driving assistance features, such as Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Attention Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Turn Assist and Pedal Misapplication Mitigation. The safety specis bolstered with 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability control with traction control, hill start assist and hill descent control.

In terms of performance, the new MU-X is powered by a revised version of Isuzu’s 3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine (codenamed 4JJ3),which now delivers 140 kW and 450 Nm, bringing it more in line with other offerings in this segment. Note that the outgoing MU-X offered peak outputs of 130 kW and 380 Nm.

Furthermore, all MU-X derivatives are fitted with a 6-speed automatic transmission as standard, with the range-topping MU-X Onyx featuring steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles.

What’s the newIsuzu MU-X’s interior like?

Isuzu has taken a more upmarket styling approach for the new MU-X’s interior – it represents a huge leap forward over its predecessor.

In addition to its more eye-catching and contemporary exterior styling, the Japanese Adventure SUV features anewly-designed interior, which is likely to find favour with buyers who would otherwise be considering family cars of the crossover variety. Isuzu has lifted the MU-X’s interior appeal appreciably with a modern look and feel that’s more aligned with expectations in the leisure-vehicle segment.

The first major improvement is the new leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, which issmaller and “sportier”than before and provides easy access to all the vital functions that the driver would want (and need) at their fingertips, such as Bluetooth telephony, audio- and driver-assistance controls, to name a few examples. The central multi-information display (MID) can be configured via the steering wheel buttons and is flanked by the 3D-styled rev counterdial on the left and the speedometer dial on the right.

The visual appeal of the cabin is further enhanced with a new 9-inch infotainment touchscreen for LSE and Onyx derivatives (LS derivatives are fitted with a smaller 7-inch unit). Despite its fancy look, the infotainment system isn’t all that sophisticated – it’s actually very basic and, therefore, simple to use. The interface, however, does become markedly more engaging when you are connected to either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Note that there’s no integrated navigation and vehicle information and settings are accessed via the aforementioned MID using the steering wheel-mounted controls.

Sadly, there is only 1 USB port in the front cabin(we think 2 would have been better) and 2 USB ports in the rear as well as the obligatory 12V sockets which are sorely needed when you are adventuring.

The base MU-X LS derivative features a smaller 7.0-inch touchscreen and round dials for the air conditioning.

The cabin has also been enhanced with soft-touch leather trim atop the dashboard,on the transmission tunnel and insides of the doors. Combined with piano black trim elements, chrome highlights and aluminium finishers, the MU-X’s cabin is now far more upmarket than that of its predecessor. Nonetheless, it must be noted that the cabin does also feature some harder (scratchy) plastic elements which do detract from an otherwise hugely-improved interior. Perceived interior build quality is on par with the standards of the segment.

Isuzu also deserves praise for providing comfortable new seats in the MU-X. LSE and Onyx derivatives gain leather upholstery (cloth for LS derivatives) with an 8-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support. The seats offer superb levels of comfort and support for long-distance driving and they are heated too, so well done, Isuzu!

Other nice-to-have features include a 2-tier storage compartment ahead of the front passenger, up to 12 holders for bottles and cups throughout the cabin and dual-zone climate control.

The rear legroom is on the tight side for tall passengers and the third row of seats is best suited for children.

As far as practicality is concerned, Isuzu claims best-in-class hip, shoulder, head and legroom, but we found legroom in the 2nd row to be average at best – in fact, taller passengers may experience some discomfort in the middle row on longer journeys. The third row of seats are accessed by flipping the second row of seats forward and while adults are able to squeeze themselves into the third row, we think those seats are better suited for children.

Unlike the Fortuner, the Isuzu’s third-row seats fold flat into the floor to createa more than usefulspace for loading luggage. The range-topping MU-X Onyx is also fitted with an adjustable electronic tailgate that takes the work out of closing and opening, especially when you have your hands full.

What’s the new Isuzu MU-X like to drive?

The MU-X is now more refined than before and boasts significant improvements in its ride and handling ability.

The launch route of the new Isuzu MU-X’s presentation event saw a large contingent of motoring journalists undertake a 350-km road trip that incorporated a number of scenic and twisty mountain passes in the Western Cape, including the Robertson Pass, Swartberg Pass, Meiringspoort Pass, Montague Pass and the Outeniqua Pass.

The route provided a good mix of highway and gravel road driving and highlighted just how much better the new MU-X is to drive.The first notable improvement is in terms of the turbodiesel engine’s performance and refinement. At highway speeds, the MU-X’s 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine is far less audible –it appears Isuzu has taken further measures to insulatethe cabin from road and wind noise.

With more power and torque on offer – in conjunction with a recalibrated, faster-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission– the MU-X’s powertrain feels moreresponsive and, perhaps more importantly, its overtaking ability is appreciablystronger. The MU-X delivers good acceleration between 80 kph to 120 kph, which is typically the speed range in which you want to make quickovertaking manoeuvres.

The new MU-X is at home on gravel as much as it is on tar.

For a start, the new MU-X rides very well on tar eventhoughit’s now more firmlysprung than before.The modeldelivers a supple and forgiving ride quality on somewhat uneven road surfaces courtesy of its revised suspension, which comprisesanindependent front setup(with increased spring rates) in combination with a 5-link coil-sprung configuration at the rear. Needless to say, the MU-X also delivers a comfortable ride on gravel and manages to “even out” mild ruts and bumps with aplomb. The poor gravel mountain passes we traversed on this event hardly unsettled thenewcomer!

It’s also worth mentioning that although the outgoing MU-X suffered from severe body roll when cornering at higher speeds, we were highly impressed with how composed and planted this new MU-X felt when it negotiated bends at a proverbial canter. Body roll has now been drastically reduced and the MU-X’s on-road stability is significantly more resolved than before.It’schalk and cheese!

In terms of fuel consumption, Isuzu claims 7.6 L/100 km but real-world figures of 9.0 L/100k m and higher can be expected. The new MU-X also has a larger 80-litre fuel tank (previously 65 litres) which means that you could, in theory, drive over 1 000 km on a single tank, but we will have to put that to the test! Isuzu also claims a towing capacity of 3 500 kg, which is 500 kg more than the outgoing model.

How does the new Isuzu MU-X perform off-road?

Capability is a core strength for Isuzu and the MU-X is up for the challenge.

Off-road enthusiasts will be happy to learn that the new MU-X’s 4×4 derivatives are equipped with a locally-developed rear electronic differential lock as standard, which is rather handy when you need to tacklea tricky off-road course.The diff-lockcan be engaged by simply pressing a button on the centre console.

The new MU-X is equipped with a 4×4 transfer control dial that allows the driver to easily switch from 2H to 4H at speeds of up to 100 kph and, when the conditions demand it, 4L can be engaged (when the vehicle is stationary) to navigate more difficult terrain.

In addition to this, the new MU-X also comes equipped with a Rough Terrain Mode that can also be engaged via the centre console. This mode would typically be used on a poor gravel surface, for example, and when the mode is active, the Isuzu’s traction control and electronic stability control settings are adjusted to ensure enhanced traction and handling ability.

The new MU-X – spotted in the wilds of the Western Cape.

For those buyers who will be looking to cross rivers in the new MU-X, a claimed wading depth of 800 mm will be particularly useful. The newcomer’s ground clearance, meanwhile, is said to be227 mm.

We put the MU-X to the test on a moderately difficult 4×4 course, which includeda handful of challenging obstacles, but the MU-X had little trouble in negotiating the rough terrain. We do, however, look forward to exploring the full extentof the new MU-X’s off-road ability when it arrives at our office for a thorough evaluation in the near future.

Summary

Better in so many ways, the new MU-X is now a serious contender in the Adventure/Leisure SUV segment.

There’s no doubt about it, the new Isuzu MU-X is a vastly improved product compared to its honest, but nonetheless basic, predecessor. It’s likely that Isuzu will achieve bettersales success with this iteration of its Adventure/Leisure SUV,which will probably be helped by the local arrival of the highly-anticipated D-Max in April 2022.

Not only does the new MU-X look sharper and more purposeful in the metal, but its interior design and execution add up to a significant leap forward. It will not only please fans of the Isuzu brand, but perhaps entice buyers that are new to the market to take a closer look at the new MU-X.

On paper, the MU-X’s engine outputs fall short of what’s offered in the rivalling Fortuner and Everest, but, in our experience, the Isuzu’sride/handlingbalance is right up there with the best in the segment. What’s more,buyers will definitely not feel short-changed in terms of the MU-X’s on-road performance. That being said, the new MU-X’s towing performance has yet to be tested.

As far as pricing is concerned, the range-topping MU-X Onyx at R860 500 is pricier than the equivalent offerings such as the Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 4×4 VX (R837 100), Ford Everest 2.0Bi-Turbo 4WD Limited (R833 500), Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (R719 995) and Haval H9 (2.0T 4WD Luxury (R669 900), the latter of which looks like exceptional value in this company.

The MU-X’s sweet spot, however, appears to be the LS (from R693 800) and LSE (from R763 300) derivatives; they are more competitively priced against equivalent rivals, depending on whether you need 4×4 ability or not. We do, however, hope that Isuzu makes its IDAS driver assistance suite available on other MU-X derivatives in the future.

Isuzu offers a 5-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan for added peace of mind and we strongly suggest that you book a test drive at your nearest Isuzu dealer.

How much does the new Isuzu MU-X cost in South Africa?

Buy a used Isuzu MU-X on Cars.co.za