The front restyling of the MU-X has been significant. Image: Isuzu Thailand
Sparked by a single symbol last week, Isuzu chose to oppose a protracted campaign by launching the hugely advanced MU-X in Thailand.
This is the first mid-life update since its introduction 4 years ago. Modifications to the Isuzu rival for Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero and Mahindra Scorpio-N involve mechanical changes, but they come with a new off-road variant. . called RS.
READ ALSO: Subtly discontinued as Isuzu previews updated MU-X with more depth
Considered “the next high” by the Japanese brand, the external update selectively derives from the updated D-Max, but not entirely, as Isuzu has equipped it with a model-specific grille, exclusive headlights and a redesigned front bumper with new fog. Smooth bezels.
In addition to the relocation of the Isuzu badge from the top of the grille to the top of the bumper, under the hood line, the alloy wheels were redesigned with sizes ranging from 17 to 20 inches.
In addition, the rear lighting fixtures now have a look at the Audi RS7 Sportback and Q8 by combining the new groupsets with a full-length central LED light bar.
Exclusive to the RS, a moniker once used on the original Frontera and Trooper, is a grille studded with RS badge, black wheel arch cladding, mirror housings and window frames in gloss black, an optional black roof, RS badge vents and 20-inch screens. Diamond-cut alloy wheels with lime green accents around the hubcaps.
Inside, the redesign follows the D-Max model and a new seven-inch virtual tool cluster on all models, plus premium materials and a USB Type-A to USB Type-C port transfer.
As with the D-Max, the infotainment systems have also been revised to include a pair of physical dials, but the shortcut buttons to aspects are no longer replaced by tactile switches.
Now equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the screens are still seven or nine inches and for the first time they assign a 360-degree surround image, although only on the RS.
For the latter, the view of the hood and the same Rough Road configuration as in the D-Max V-Cross are also reserved.
RS-specific touches are enhanced through red graphics in the tool group, matte silver accents, red ambient light and black leather upholstery with front headrests with lime-coloured RS badge.
On the protection side, and depending on the equipment point that includes 4 degrees in Thailand, Isuzu has equipped the MU-X with Driver Attention Alert, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking.
Firstly, rumours that the new assisted 2. 2-litre mild hybrid turbodiesel engine has yet to materialise, a diversity of engines unchanged from the 1. 9-litre RZ4E-TC BluePower producing 110 kW/350 Nm, and the 3. 0-litre 4JJ3. -TCX. DDI which is 140kW/450Nm.
In any case, a six-speed automatic transmission is now the transmission option, as the six-speed manual transmission is reserved for base models.
In addition, only the RS can be presented with all-wheel drive, although only as an option, with rear-wheel drive throughout the range.
Priced from 1,184,000 baht (R593,586) for the 1. 9 Active to 1,759,000 baht (R881,857) for the four-wheel-drive RS (the other versions are Elegant and Ultimate), the MU-X’s colorway includes a new shade called Opaque Eiger Grey.
The paint color is Dolomite White Pearl, Iceberg Silver Mica, Bohemian Silver Mica, Bavarian Black Mica and Etna Red Mica.
At the moment, Isuzu South Africa has yet to confirm the MU-X facelift for the market, but if approval is granted, it is expected to arrive by the end of the year or early 2025.
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