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- All-new 2021 Isuzu MU-X is based on the 2022 D-Max bakkie platform.
- Offers revised styling, heightened tech, and improved dynamics.
- Premium range-topping model can autobrake in emergency situations.
- For motoring news, go to Wheels24
Isuzu Motors launched its all-new MU-X in South Africa this week. The fully imported seven-seater vehicle is based on the forthcoming 2022 Isuzu D-Max bakkie that's currently being locally produced at the company's high-tech factory in the Eastern Cape. The new D-Max launches in South Africa in the second quarter of 2022.
The 2021 MU-X is charged with securing a healthier portion of the body-on-frame SUV market for Isuzu in South Africa by combining cutting edge looks with advanced safety technologies and supreme off-road capability. We sampled the mid-tier 4x2 LSE and the range-topping 4x4 Onyx variants at the media launch in George this week. The region's majestic mountain roads and its challenging selection of dirt trails through the Outeniqua mountains allowed us to put the new model through a proper test drive experience.
Brave and bold styling
Isuzu has undoubtedly elevated the styling and presence of the MU-X to a heightened rung on the desirability ladder compared to its boxy-looking predecessor. At the front of the new vehicle, its slim, serpent-like LED headlamps immediately draw you in. Then, around the side, a prominent horizontal styling blade connects the vehicle's front to the rear at the hips. At the back, gorgeous taillights finish off what is arguably the best-looking vehicle in the segment.
The LSE model we drove first came with 18-inch alloy wheels and all-terrain tyres. The Onyx model comes with 20-inch wheels and all-terrain tyres. Both vehicles looked smart and posh, without looking over-styled with extreme kinks and creases. Isuzu hasn't overdone it with the chrome; it has just the right amount that's easy to maintain and keep clean.
In terms of styling, we do not doubt that this vehicle will turn heads and get you noticed if you're looking for a car that commands attention. On the launch route, numerous motorists would hoot and give the thumbs up with a smile and nod of approval that they liked what they saw. Isuzu has made a brave and bold move here to make the MU-X look more attractive, and they've succeeded. You might see hints of other vehicles in this one's overall execution, but from any angle, we'd have to argue that this is a stunning vehicle to look at.
Would you consider the new Isuzu MU-X as a replacement model for your current SUV? Let us know in the comments, or please send us an email.
Rough and tough underneath
The new MU-X is based on the forthcoming D-Max bakkie. Its ladder frame has been beefed up thanks to strengthened steels and composites, and its suspension and drivetrain have been upgraded thanks to the use of new bushes for the suspension system, a thicker anti-roll bar and revised damping and rebound settings for the shocks.
Compared to the old MU-X, which we drove on day one of the launch event, the new model certainly rides more compliantly. There's still body roll, and you have to take it easy around the bends or the stability and traction control kicks in quite intensely, but from old to new, you can instantly feel that the new version is nicer to drive on the road.
When it comes to off-road capability, Isuzu ensured we could genuinely experience the capabilities of the car by plotting lovely routes through the Western Cape. We climbed numerous mountains, up steep ascents with sharp rocks and narrow turning points off the road. My co-driver and I were glad we were in the version with 18-inch wheels (even though it didn't have 4x4 mode). The thicker tyre profile on this model gave us more confidence to tackle the dirt roads, with less fear of the low-profile 20-inch being damaged by rocks.
In any event, we were following an Onyx 4x4 model in convoy, and it had no challenge traversing the terrain in front of us. We spoke to the driver of that car, and he said it was bumpy as heck (but if you want 20-inch wheels, this is something you must consider). Nevertheless, he felt confident while driving the car with 20-inch wheels and tyres. Once Isuzu adds this vehicle to its media fleet in 2022, we'll take an Onyx on a 4x4 trail and report on its capabilities.
Like a luxury car on the road
We managed to drive an Onyx 4x4 for a brief stint on a tarred section of the route and report that the vehicle is sublime as a cruiser. Our launch cars were brand new, and the suspension systems were still bedding in, so they rode with a hint of firmness to them, but we reckon after a few 1000 kilometres in the vehicle, the Onyx will ride nicely; in a sporty manner but without rattling your bones.
The engine and transmission proved a treat, too, thanks to a decent spread of torque and enough power to overtake when needed. The six-speed transmission hunted a bit off the road, but on the road, it was fine.
The car quickly gets into a nice rhythm with the driver and the road, and it doesn't nosedive as much as the old car did when you apply the brakes. The entire time we drove the Onyx version of the MU-X, it felt like a luxury vehicle more than a ladder-frame vehicle on the road. Compared to its predecessor and some of its competitors, there's a lushness and sense of control of the car here that is tough to beat. The LSE 4x2 version was also great on the road, and it moved with even more of a luxury feel.
Range-topper comes packed with features
While all variants in the Isuzu MU-X range come decently equipped in terms of convenience, luxury and safety features, the Onyx is the star of the show thanks to its IDAS system and the addition of an eight airbag.
IDAS is an acronym for Isuzu's safety technologies that uses stereoscopic cameras to monitor the situation around the vehicle. While IDAS is active, the MU-X is constantly scanning the road ahead, and if it senses danger (such as when a car in front applies emergency braking), the Onyx can automatically brake for you.
IDAS also offers intelligent technologies such as limiting throttle sensitivity in slippery conditions in conjunction with the traction control systems or senses objects or people in front of the car. The Onyx that comes with IDAS also offers radar-guided cruise control, which proved easy to use via the vehicle's redesigned steering wheel.
We look forward to unpacking more around IDAS when we test the Onyx next year, but if you're looking for a vehicle that offers loads of gizmos to keep your family safe, then certainly ask your salesman for a thorough walkthrough of the IDAS system in the new MU-X.
The range-topper also comes with an eight airbag that deploys from the driver's seat to occupy the space between driver and front passenger in the event of a crash. They say this is to prevent the front seat occupants from bashing heads together during an impact.
One engine, but that's ok
The new MU-X range comes equipped with a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine that's good for 140kW and 450Nm of torque. The peak torque figure comes in from as low as 1600rpm, giving you excellent pulling power from low down in the rev range.
The six-speed auto gearbox quickly runs through the gears to get you into top gear and sipping as little as 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres (in the Onyx). Isuzu claims that the vehicle will consume as little as 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres, and this also seems achievable if you treat its accelerator pedal with respect. On-road and off-road, the engine proved meaty, and it didn't feel like it was revving too high like other models that offer 2.0-litre machines in this segment.
A 3.0-litre powerplant might not be for everyone in this world of downsizing, but it has this refined feel to it and will undoubtedly have more than enough oomph to transport up to seven adults without feeling strained safely.
Overall summary
There's so much more to unpack with the new MU-X, such as its excellent new interior, comfy seats, large boot, and generous interior space. It has a new audio system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and revised ergonomics to ensure more effortless operation of the driving modes and safety systems.
We'll be unpacking more of the new MU-X technologies and upgrades with each model we evaluate in the coming months, so be sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you don't miss these test drives.
Here's the range and pricing of the 2021 Isuzu MU-X in South Africa:
- LS 4x2 automatic – R693 800
- LS 4x4 automatic – R 771 600
- LSE 4x2 automatic – R763 300
- Onyx 4x4 automatic – R860 500
After a few days of experiencing the LSE 4x2 model and Onyx 4x4 range-topper, we have to say that the Onyx model is the one that will capture your heart, as it did ours. It's expensive, but it's capable, packed with features, and comes with a decent warranty and service plan. We enjoyed the MU-X on the open road and along the rough and rugged mountain passes.
We think it's a solid contender in the segment if you're considering a Fortuner, Everest, or a Pajero Sport. Isuzu can unbundle the service plan from the vehicle's pricing for you (as per industry guidelines). You can ask the dealership for exact pricing when you enquire or test drive one.
The 2021 Isuzu MU-X might be the ideal vehicle to consider if you're downsizing from a multi-million-rand luxury SUV because it offers the looks, it provides the tech, and most importantly, it moves with grace and confidence and feels robust and solidly engineered.
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