Eight years is a long time between drinks, but in Isuzu’s case, the time has been well spent, especially when it comes to the new evolution of the 2021 MU-X seven seat SUV. Since the commercial D-Max saw such a dramatic upgrade, it was a sure thing that the SUV would follow suit and it has, but the changes are considerably more different for an SUV than they are for a working utility vehicle.
Dramatically, the 2021 MU-X is larger in every respect than the outgoing model. It is 25mm longer overall with a 10mm increase in wheelbase, while being 10mm wider, a whopping 35mm taller and a fraction heavier to give a better ride and deliver the 3,500kg towing capacity.
Externally, the new MU-X enjoys new LED lights all round, a distinctive ‘cross flow’ grille a stronger profile thanks largely to the inclusion of 20-inch alloys and sidesteps, while the back end has been redesigned for the lights and fitment of a power liftgate.
The mechanical upgrades of the MU-X are the same as those in the D-Max. Under the bonnet is the 3-litre turbo diesel with its uprated power and torque levels and the six-speed Aisin transmission remains the same. In addition to the traction control system’s new ‘Rough Terrain’ mode, the MU-X gains the D-Max’ rear differential lock for proactive rather than reactive traction control, augmenting the SUV’s four-wheel-drive functionality.
In the cabin Isuzu’s design engineers have stepped up their game – delivering an extremely high level of sophistication, appointment and equipment levels with top end technology being the cherry on the cake.
The most significant development of the MU-X is the massive increase in safety equipment. The IDAS (Intelligent Driver Assistance System) adds 22 sophisticated safety features to the regular 10 regular items, such as traction control, trailer sway mitigations, hill descent and electronic stability control to mention but a few. These – plus the ladder frame chassis construction – all contribute to the recent five star ANCAP safety rating of the all-new Isuzu MU-X.
For more information go to https://www.isuzuutes.co.nz/mu-x/overview
