Durban has been abuzz with the recent "Durban July" event, which has generated a lot of excitement throughout the entire city. We were equally thrilled with the timely arrival of our test unit, the Isuzu MU-X 3.0 LSE 4x4 SUV, just in time for the bustling weekend. And let me tell you, it certainly lived up to the hype.
Our test unit arrived in a striking new metallic color called Norwegian Blue, which I must say, gave it a unique and eye-catching allure. The combination of this color with the chrome and design accents really made the mu-X stand out in a crowd. But, there's more to its appearance than just the paint.
Starting with the front end, the mu-X boasts a bold and captivating design. The front bumper features a radiator grille that grabs attention with its sharp lines and elegant finish in gloss black and chrome. This design element not only adds to the overall aesthetics but also ensures a commanding presence on the road. Shifting our focus to the wheels, the mu-x features 18-inch wheels with a sleek charcoal grey finish. These wheels not only enhance the vehicle's appearance but also bring an air of elegance. The charcoal grey color perfectly matches the mu-X's overall aesthetic and contributes to its luxurious and well-proportioned look.
Many admired the attractive rear end of the mu-X, describing it as appealing and captivating, an impression we also shared.
The interior offers a variety of impressive benefits that enhance the overall user experience. One of the remarkable aspects is the high-quality finishes throughout the cabin. These finishes are carefully selected to provide a luxurious and upscale atmosphere. A notable striate of the LSE is the generous use of leather finishes. Leather is utilized in various areas of the cabin, such as the seats, dashboard, door panels, and steering wheel. The premium feel and aesthetic appeal of the leather contribute to creating a sophisticated ambience inside the car.
Moreover, the LSE provides spaciousness that outshines even some luxury vehicles in the premium segment. The ample interior space allows passengers to stretch out and find their preferred seating positions easily, offering a comfortable ride for everyone. Whether it's a short commute or a long road trip, the roominess of the LSE ensures that occupants have sufficient space to relax and enjoy the journey.
One drawback that we observed with the interior is the low quality of the large infotainment screen. From an aesthetic and practical standpoint, the screen did not appear visually appealing or welcoming. Additionally, we found that the reversing camera's display on the screen had a rather low resolution, making it difficult to see clearly when maneuvering the vehicle in reverse. Furthermore, another issue we encountered was with the Bluetooth connectivity in the system. It proved to be a bit cumbersome and inconvenient when re-connecting after switching the car off. Instead of seamlessly reconnecting, it sometimes required multiple attempts or manual intervention to establish a stable Bluetooth connection.
The 140kW/450nm 3.0-liter turbo diesel powertrain offered by MU-X is a highly capable and efficient option for all-wheel driving. It provides smooth power delivery at higher speeds, ensuring a quiet and enjoyable highway experience. Additionally, its commendable fuel economy adds to its appeal. However, it may require more effort to accelerate in low-speed situations, leading to increased cabin noise. Despite this drawback, the overall package remains competitive, especially when considering its impressive range compared to its rivals.
That being said, the ride quality is somewhat bumpy, particularly when navigating bends at low speeds. Furthermore, the steering feels stiff during low-speed maneuvers, which can be odd and uncomfortable.
Regardless of the noted drawbacks, the Isuzu MU-X LSE emerges as a well-rounded choice for those who value a combination of practicality, comfort, style, and safety. Its appeal to vibrant, and outgoing individuals is apparent with its versatile nature and ability to cater to varying needs. If you are in the market for a 7-seater SUV, the Isuzu MU-X LSE is definitely worth exploring further.
Price:
Isuzu mu-X 3.0 LSE 4X4: R927, 700.00