A detailed review of the new Isuzu SUV for Russia

Review

The corporate identity chosen by Isuzu Motors for its SUVs is cute and somewhat aggressive, which could be seen from the pickup truck. The SUV received a similar front end design, although it has a different grille and different headlights.

An invariable attribute is the Isuzu inscription on the upper part of the grille, but the sidewalls of cars with smooth wheel arches are almost identical. Like the pickup truck, the passenger MU-X 2022 model year also features a high window sill line and a small area of ​​side glazing. The SUV also got two-tone 20-inch alloy wheels, which perfectly emphasize the solid 235-mm ground clearance.

Salon

The developers decided to borrow the interior from the pickup truck, refreshing it only with new decor. At the same time, finishing materials were chosen softer and of higher quality, thanks to which the interior immediately began to look more expensive. As before, three rows of seats are installed in the car, and the second-generation car has become a little more spacious. On the front panel – just like the D-Max – a central display framed by air ducts and numerous buttons, an analog instrument panel and a branded multi-steering wheel.

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Margin of safety

Probably, on the move, the SUV will differ from the passenger-and-freight model, also due to the redesigned rear suspension. How the MU-X rides, we will find out very soon – the first test is scheduled for mid-February. In the meantime, we can theoretically speculate about the capabilities of a frame all-terrain vehicle, based on published technical specifications. The portrait in broad strokes looks like this:

• curb weight – 2170-2265 kg;
• engine – 3 l, 4 cylinders, turbodiesel, model 4JJ3;
• return – 190 hp and 450 Nm (in the range from 1600 to 2600 rpm);
• gearbox – Aisin AWR6B45 II six-speed automatic (mechanics is also provided for the pickup);
• all-wheel drive – plug-in;
• transfer case – Isuzu T150 with a 2.482 reduction;
• average fuel consumption – 8.4 l / 100 km;
• maximum speed – 180 km / h;
• the volume of the fuel tank is 80 liters (by the way, a little more than the D-Max).

As you can see, the bet is made on time-tested conservative solutions. For example, an engine borrowed from a commercial line with a cast-iron cylinder block and a gear-chain drive of a gas distribution mechanism should have a solid margin of safety. A logical move – in Russia, endurance is revered. Well, for especially doubters, the MU-X introduced an extended warranty – five years or 120,000 kilometers. And this is with an interservice interval of as much as 20,000 km!

Forced locking of the rear cross-axle differential is included in the basic equipment, as well as an electromechanical parking brake. The swivel washer controls the switching of the all-wheel drive transmission modes. The front axle is allowed to cut in at speeds up to 100 km / h.

Patency also promises not to disappoint gourmet jeeperstvo. With a declared clearance of 235 mm under the rear axle gearbox, approach and exit angles of 29 and 27 degrees, a fording depth of up to 800 mm (and without a snorkel) and standard 18-inch Dunlop Grandtrek AT25 tires, the Isuzu SUV should not pass outside the asphalt even in stock performance. In addition in the footsteps of the D-Max pickup in partnership with the company Arctic Trucks They are also preparing an “evil” adventure version on 35-inch toothy wheels and with a bunch of legalized all-terrain gadgets. Estimated certification deadline is the third quarter of 2022.

In case one of the customers wants to decorate the SUV with stylish “slippers”, 20-inch wheels have also been certified for the Isuzu MU-X in Russia.

Second generation Isuzu MU-X

The Japanese automaker officially introduced the second-generation MU-X frame SUV at the end of October 2020, the premiere took place at the Royal Paragon Hall conference center in Bangkok (Thailand).

The car received two types of diesel engines: 1.9 and 3.0 liters, and in the latter, compared to the previous generation, the power increased from 177 to 190 horsepower.

For the Australian market, the model was launched on 07/30/2021, announced in LS-M, LS-U and LS-T trim levels, with a choice of rear or all-wheel drive for all equipment options.

Almost a month later, on September 22, the start of sales of the new MU-X took place in the Philippines, it is offered with four rear-wheel drive and one all-wheel drive modification.

Like previous versions of the MU-X, the 2022 model year car still uses the D-Max platform, but with a new, third-generation pickup truck.

The Mazda BT-50 pickup (body index TF) was also built on this base, first presented in June 2020 in Australia.

The Isuzu MU-X is produced in Samut Prakan Province, Thailand, and is available in a 7-seat, three-row, right-hand drive version for the Australian and Thai markets.

You don’t have to drive to understand

And yes, technically Mu-X is the same D-Max, only with a spring rear suspension instead of springs. The transmission with a rigidly connected front axle, a lowering row and a rear differential lock is exactly the same, right down to the gear ratios. The engine has not changed either: it is a three-liter (but four-cylinder!) diesel 4JJ3, which is also installed on commercial vehicles. Having 190 horsepower and 450 Nm of traction, it loses to the Toyota 2.8 engine – there are 200 horsepower and 500 Nm. And in reality, the difference is about the same as on paper: Isuzu pulls with dignity, but still not as confident as Fortuner.

Complete set

What additional equipment the MU-X SUV for Russia will be equipped with will become clear closer to the start of sales, but for now we can judge the optional equipment according to the configurations of other regions.

For Australia

Isuzu MU-X for Australia (with a high probability such configurations will also be in Russia) is represented by options that are more interesting in terms of richness of equipment.

And although there are only 3 configurations (LS-M, LS-T and LS-U) exclusively with a three-liter diesel engine, each of them has a choice between 4×2 and 4×4.

The starting price here starts from 47.9 thousand dollars (2.53 million rubles), the set of basic equipment includes:

• complex of ADAS driver assistants with electronic systems: ESC, EBD, ABS, TCS, HSA, HDC, ROM, AEB, PCB, FCW, TSR, LDW, LDP, LKA, ELK, BSM, RCTA;
• rear view camera with dynamic markings and rear parking sensors;
• 8 airbags;
• alarm with immobilizer;
• adaptive high beam;
• LED taillights and running lights;
• Bi-LED headlights with auto leveling function;
• electric mirrors;
• 2-zone climate control;
• power windows with anti-pinch and one-click up/down;
• Central lock with remote control;
• push-button start of the internal combustion engine;
• multimedia with 7-inch display, four speakers, Apple Carplay/Android Auto.

The richer version of LS-U adds:

• Smart Keyless access;
• roof rails;
• electric tailgate;
• leather steering wheel;
• front parking sensors;
• electrically adjustable lumbar support in the driver’s seat.

A 9-inch multimedia screen with eight speakers is installed, there are LED fog lights.

The top-end LS-T equipment with a price of $63,990 (4.64 million Russian rubles) plus all the options offers:

• electrically adjustable front seats;
• remote engine start;
• background illumination of doors;
• tire pressure monitoring system;
• interior mirror with auto dimming.

All all-wheel drive vehicles, regardless of the configuration, are endowed with a rear differential lock, a selector for selecting driving modes for off-road Terrain Command.

For Thailand

For example, in Thailand, the car is available in the Active base (1.9 6AT 4 × 2), richer versions are front-wheel drive Luxury (1.9 6AT and 1.9 6MT), Elegance (1.9 6AT), Ultimate (1.9 6AT and 3.0 6AT), and the only all-wheel drive option is Ultimate (3.0 6AT).

By default, the base Thai Active model gets 17-inch alloy wheels, projector lensed headlights with LED DRLs, and Winglet Signature taillights.

The next most charged version of the Luxury is equipped with 18-inch wheels, a 7-inch multimedia screen and a 4.3-inch TFT instrument cluster display, cruise control, an electric driver’s seat (8 directions).

Next comes Elegance, where it adds:

• Smart Keyless Entry with push-button engine start;
• electric tailgate;
• blind spot monitoring;
• rear cross traffic alert system.

The multimedia system here is equipped with a 9-inch screen and eight speakers; six airbags are declared as standard.

Top SUV Ultimate comes with:

• 20-inch alloy wheels;
• IR Cut all-round camera;
• adaptive headlights;
• remote start of the internal combustion engine;
• ADAS driver assistance system.

The cost of a car in this region starts from 1,109,000 baht (about 2.4 million rubles), the maximum price of the “Ultimate” without special stages is 1,579,000 baht (3.4 million rubles).

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