Isuzu Mzansi has given their mu-X SUV a short in the arm with the update of their drivetrains and an addition of value packed models to the range.
The design changes see the front get a new front bumper design with the radiator grille getting a sharper design finished in Magnetite and chrome. There are new fog lamp bezel in Magnetite. There is new bumper cladding as well in Magnetite.
On the side the ONYX spec gets new design 20-inch alloys whilst the LS and LSE get 18 inch wheels in different designs (LS previously had 17-inch). Side steps aid entry and exit with side mirrors getting side indicators. Privacy glass now comes standard on all models i.e. LS, LSE and Onyx. There are new roof rails finished in Magnetite.
The rear changes come with new rear combination lights with added black colour on extensions and a new design lower part of the bumper. The LSE and Onyx now comes standard with hands-free tailgate with step sensor making it easy to open the boot when carrying stuff. There is a new metallic colour, Norwegian blue which brings the chrome and design accents to the fore. The entry spec LS also comes with front and rear park sensors aiding parking in tight spots.
The interior sees the mu-X get a new colour instrument panel garnish in dark magnetite with the door garnish also getting a new magnetite colour finish. The infotainment touchscreen now has better connection for Android Auto and wireless connection for Apple CarPlay.
There is an auto dimming rear view mirror on the LSE whilst the LSE and Onyx get remote start for those cold mornings where you want to get to the car already warmed up. LSE models now get steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. All models come with electric leather seats whilst the LSE and Onyx get more adjustment for the driver.
Rear seats (3rd row) fold to the floor for added practicality whilst there are up to 8 airbags for extra safety. There is a stereo camera that aids emergency braking. On the Onyx, the Lane keep assist can now be activated or deactivated by a single button on the multi function steering wheel. An electronic parking brake is now standard on all models. Key to safety is the addition of a deactivation switch on the key fob which ensures no one can code the airwaves when leaving the car. There is also the auto lock when you walk away from the vehicle.
On the engine front the 140 kW/450 Nm 3.0 litre Turbodiesel 4-cylinder engine is retained. This is paired to an 6 speed auto transmission with all wheel drive models getting an electronically controlled part-time four-wheel drive system allows easy switching between two-wheel drive (2H), 4x4 high range (4H) and 4x4 low range (4L) using a rotary dial on the centre console. The 4x4 arrangement is now available on the LSE model whilst there are still 4x2 models on the LSE and LS spec. There is a new addition to the engine range in the form of the 110kW/350 Nm 1.9-litre Ddi turbodiesel engine initially available in Mzansi in the D-Max. This engine majors on fuel efficiency with a similar engined D-Max fleet completing the Jozi to Cape Town trip on one tank. This engine is also linked to the 6 speed auto driving the rear wheels.
The LSE and Onyx models step up the game even further with standard a tyre pressure monitoring system, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert and rear radar. Convenient keyless operation utilizes the Passive Entry Start System (PESS) with walk-away automatic door locking, and the two exciting new features added for the 2023 model year: remote start, and hands-free powered tailgate with step sensor.
The infotainment system is upgraded to a larger nine-inch touchscreen on the LSE, complemented by a total of eight speakers compared to the six on the LS model. Leather trim is also used on the gear knob trim, with the 3.0 LSE now also fitted with paddle shifters for the six-speed automatic gearbox, as featured on the range-topping 3.0 Onyx.
Model Range
- 3.0 LS 4x2 AT R784 300
- 3.0 LS 4x4 AT R867 600
- 3.0 LSE 4x2 AT R826 200
- 3.0 LSE 4x4 AT (new) R909 500
- 3.0 Onyx 4x4 AT R928 100
1.9 LS coming later in 2023
The ISUZU mu-X is sold with a five-year/90 000 km service plan, 5 year/120 000 km warranty and roadside assistance, and 5 year/unlimited distance anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are every 15 000 km or 12 months.