Isuzu Mu-X

While the simplicity of the mU-X’s exterior design might still have got some sort of elegance to it, the interior cabin has gradually begun to show its age. The overall layout now look severely dated especially when compared to its arch rivals like Ford Everest and Toyota Fortuner, which have got far more elusive and premium cabin layouts.

The steering wheel looks extremely dated with its T-themed layout, and so does the boring looking instrument console behind it. Even the backdrop of silver finish for the steering mounted audio and Bluetooth controls fail to lift up the appeal of the driver’s cockpit. The center console looks huge and wide, but neither the touch screen infotainment system packs in up to the mark modernity levels, nor does the round themed dials for the automatic climate control.

However, the silver surrounds for the center console try hard to liven up the otherwise too staid dashboard design. The Isuzu mU-X skips out on a number of modern-day features which are taken for granted, which further deter its appeal. The mU-X offers excellent levels of space for all the three rows, with the third row best suitable for midsize adults.

The Isuzu mU-X still comes with a traditional boxy design which a usual old-school Japanese SUV does get. It has got a certain intimidating vibe to it, which is surely going to catch the fancy of true-blue SUV lovers.

At the front, the Isuzu mU-X tries to last an impression on you with its massive chrome grille, which has got two big partitions of chrome stacked one over the other. The headlamps are big and angular and the presence of projector units in them as well as design of the daytime running LEDs certainly do make the front fascia look premium. The silver finished lower partition of the front bumper adds in some ruggedness to the front.

The side profile of the mU-X is what makes the SUV look giant, with a heightened stance coupled with large tires, flared wheel arches and large side windows – all of which are traditional SUV traits. However, in this day and age, the alloy wheels of the MU-X look severely dated and simple. The rear part of the Isuzu MU-X looks sober with a large rear windshield along with pullback tail lamps with LED inserts.

All in all, the overall design of the Isuzu MU-X might not look trendy, but it definitely has got sheer road presence owing to its dimensions.

Under this behemoth of the SUV lies the suspension combination of an independent double wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer at the front and 5-link suspension with coil springs and stabilizer at the rear. While the suspension has been tuned on a softer end, the boxy stance of the MU-X translates a considerable amount of body roll, resulting in bouncy ride quality.

Isuzu has decided to rely on the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, which used to power its predecessor as well as the D-Max V-Cross. However, to comply with modern emission norms, the engine has been tweaked a bit, which now produces a maximum power output of 136 PS and a peak torque output of 320 Nm. Mated to a no-nonsense 5-speed automatic gearbox, the engine has got both the power delivery options of front wheel drive as well as a four-wheel drive.

Just like the list of comfort and convenience features, even the list of safety features in the MU-X is not too long. Packing only the essentials, the MU-X comes with front, side and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control and reverse parking camera with sensors and guidelines.

With simplicity in abundance in every aspect, the Isuzu MU-X is only for those SUV purists who don’t want to mess around with too many gadgetries and electronics in and out but want to hustle around with the basics at right places.