- All new second generation mu-X available in South Africa
- Engineered for superior performance in harsh environments
- Introduction of Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS)
- Available in four model derivatives, with 3.0 Diesel Engine and 6-Speed Auto Transmission
The second-generation mu-X boasts bold new styling, a larger and quieter cabin, luxurious materials, and next generation driver assistance and safety features.
“The new mu-X is a massive step-up for Isuzu. It represents a shift in how customers will view vehicles in this segment in terms of ride quality, luxury, and technology. The new mu-X will not only attract more buyers in this segment but is likely to attract buyers from other segments as well,” says Craig Uren, Senior Vice President Isuzu Sales and Marketing.
Aimed at growing families who want a 7-seater that still fits their lifestyle needs, the new mu-X offers comfort and convenience features for up to seven adults with a cabin that is the largest in the segment. New safety and driver assistance features further make driving long distances a breeze.
The new mu-X is one of the safest vehicles on the road with a 5-star ANCAP rating. The safety rating is driven by Isuzu’s innovative safety systems such as the addition of a centre airbag between the driver and the front passenger, a world first for the segment. The mu-X also benefits from the use of high tensile steel in key parts of the body structure, making it stronger for better occupant protection and driving performance while being lighter than the outgoing model.
The mu-X will arrive South Africa with a new version of Isuzu’s formidable 3 litre engine matched to a fast shifting 6 speed automatic gearbox. Isuzu engineers have paid particular attention to the engine’s performance in three key areas, namely fuel consumption, power, and engine noise.
Bold New Look
The new mu-X debuts Isuzu’s new look for its passenger vehicles, an expression of the brand’s bold identity and pursuit of luxury and exclusivity. Viewed from the front, the mu-X communicates precision and solid build quality evidenced by the execution of new “World Crossflow” front grille and intricate detail of the arrow shaped Bi-LED headlamps.
The headlamps follow an arrow signature design motif with long sharp outlines which further add to the overall high-quality upmarket appearance.
The side profile of the mu-X is dominated by a signature line running from front to rear, linking the arrow motif headlamps with the rear light 3D winglets. This powerful character line emphasises the powerful, elegant lines of the body.
Body coloured door handles, and chrome window moulding complement the side character line. Exterior rear-view mirrors have power adjusting and folding with heated function on LSE and ONYX models.
Standard roof rails combine form and function, accentuating the profile of the body while providing a strong foundation for roof mounted accessories with a load capacity of 100kg. Wider, more aerodynamic side-steps allow for easier entry and exit.
The rear end combines an advanced look with an elegant yet solid stance. New tailgate badging harmonises with the new mu-X’s design language and presents a keen and elegant look.
The rear lights and indicators are combined in a winglet design with precise LED details which give a sense of depth when seen from behind.
The standard 20-inch wheels fitted to the top of the range ONYX model are based on an ice axe motif which emphasises a sense of dynamism.
LSE models are fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels based upon a jet engine’s turbine blades with nine spokes. The spokes are twisted to give a sense of the vehicle’s dynamic performance even when the vehicle is stationary.
Eight paint colours, including five new colours are available; Splash White, Dolomite White, ONYX Black, Mercury Silver, Obsidian Gray, Red Spinel, Santos Brown, and Sapphire blue.
Larger more refined cabin
Designed and engineered for long cross-country drives, the new Isuzu mu-X has an opulent and elegant cabin atmosphere with room for seven adults. The three-dimensional layout has a solid and elegant design with rich, fine, impressive materials. Gentle elegant lines are finished with layered soft touch materials, fine and impressive level of craftsmanship which is designed to appeal to all senses.
Layering of textures plus prominent stitching emphasises the thickness of materials. A visual and tactile sense of luxury is achieved by mixing multiple materials such as piano black surfaces, chrome highlights, aluminium, and soft leather.
Three layers of sound absorption material have been added to the front bulkhead and under the carpet.
The luxury atmosphere of the cabin is enhanced at night by the addition of ambient lighting in the door trim and a roof down light.
A new Multi Information Display (MID) provides detailed easy to use menus which control most of the vehicle’s systems. The speedometer and rev counter faces feature a three-dimensional design, while the circumference chrome ring has crystal-like scale divisions reminiscent of high-end watches.
A smaller, sporty leather wrapped steering wheel and the gear selector are shaped to fit comfortably in the driver’s hands. Chrome highlights on centre console controls and door function switches add a solid look and feel to the interior.
The inner door trim, door armrests and centre console arm rest are shaped to maximise occupant comfort with thick soft trim materials for added comfort. The centre console has large knew level soft-to-the touch pads for added comfort.
ONYX and LSE models have a new seat design with 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, including power lumber support adjustment in ONYX models. Top of the range models feature heated front seats and 4-way power adjustment for the passenger seat.
The new seats are wrapped in supple leather, cloth in the LS, and now have larger side bolsters for added comfort on twisty roads.
Redesigned seatback support disperses body pressure evenly to provide the occupant with a more comfortable fit. Seat cushion pads are constructed from AVEC (Anti Vibration Elastic Comfort Foam) allows the cushion pad to absorb vehicle more effectively compared to conventional cushion material. This will benefit passengers with increased comfort and reduced fatigue on long journeys.
Dual density seatback cushions have a soft centre section for increased comfort while firmer side sections provide lateral support for occupants to improve safety, comfort and reduced fatigue.
An improved driving position, increased range of seat height adjustment and a steering column with telescopic and tilt function makes finding a comfortable driving position easier for drivers of all sizes.
Access to the second and third row seats has been improved by moving the B-pillar forward by 25 mm allowing for a larger rear door opening. A precisely placed grab handle on the B-pillar is especially beneficial for shorter occupants. B-Pillar and rear door trim is shaped to allow more foot clearance. The seats in the last two rows are now wider and with more supportive side bolters.
The mu-X has best in class hip, shoulder, head, and legroom at a generous 915 mm for second row occupants. The second-row seats are 30 mm wider than the seats in the outgoing model.
Roomier third row seats recline by an additional 10 degrees. The mu-X boasts best in class leg, shoulder and headroom for all three rows. All 7 seating positions have seatbelt monitoring with a visual warning displayed in the driver’s instrument panel. ISOFIX points are available for up to three child seats depending on the model.
ONYX and LSE models have dual zone climate control with two separate HVAC units to provide individual temperature for each of the front seat occupants. Buttons for the aircon are designed and positioned for simplified use. All models have roof mounted aircon vents for second and third row occupants with separate fan speed control and air conditioning evaporator.
Interior noise levels have been reduced through door sealing structure improvement on the A-Pillar surrounding to improve wind noise. In addition, increased body stiffness and additional noise insulation have contributed to considerably lower cabin noise levels.
Next level Infotainment and convenience features
The new mu-X has a new infotainment system has 9 or 7-inch touch screen display units depending on the model. The system has intuitive screen functions along with steering wheel mounted controls for audio and telephone functions, including voice input. Onyx and LSE models have 8 speakers, while the LS has 6 speakers.
Apple CarPlay (wireless) and Android Auto are standard applications along with Bluetooth voice and audio streaming, Wi-Fi, integrated mobile handsfree and rear-view camera.
A plethora of power outlets are available to take care of the charging needs of passengers in all three rows. The mu-X has three USB ports, two accessory sockets, and a 12 V accessory power outlet in the rear cargo compartment, including a 220 V power outlet in the ONYX.
There’s no shortage of storage space in the spacious cabin. For the front passengers the vehicle has a split glove compartment with a utility box with easy to reach push buttons for opening positioned close to the driver’s side.
Additional space is provided in the centre armrest and door pockets which double as bottle holders. The vehicle has a total of 12 cup and bottle holders, including 4 cup holders and two bottle holders large enough for a 1.5 litre bottle for the front row passengers.
The mu-X offers best in class luggage space in all configurations with a total 3 568 litres of space available depending on the position of the seats. When all the seats are occupied, the mu-X has sizeable capacity of 311 litres which is shaped to accommodate a golf bag.
Access to the cargo area is made easier with a new powered tailgate for the ONYX and LSE models. The opening height of the tailgate can be set to the driver’s preferred height. In addition, the tailgate can be opened either by using the dash mounted button, a button on the key, or a button on the tailgate.
Dynamic on-road driving performance with superior off-road ability
Extensive use of high-tensile steel in main structural members such as the A and B pillars, roof side rails etc. has resulted in a lighter body with increased strength and durability. The result is a body which offers increased collision safety for occupants as well as pedestrians along with lower noise and vibration levels.
ONYX models are fitted with Electric Power Steering with speed sensing is lighter at low speed for ease of parking, and weightier for improved control at high speed. Turning radius is 5.7 m kerb to kerb. The use of electronic power steering improves fuel economy and lowers maintenance costs.
The front suspension has been redesigned with a high mounted upper control arm to minimise body roll when cornering by increasing the vehicle’s roll centre. Handling is further improved with the revision of the camber angle allowing more tyre grounding during cornering by minimising camber changes with suspension movement.
At the rear, the roll centre has been moved up closer to the vehicle’s centre of mass to reduce the vehicle’s roll angle. This minimises body roll and ensures driver confidence with stable, predictable vehicle behaviour when cornering.
The ONYX model has new 20-inch wheels with 265/50R20 tyres which give the vehicle a sportier look and stance. Side wall height ratio of 50% improves driving experience, while the new tyre has been developed to reduce noise and low-speed tyre squeal
The 18-inch alloy wheels fitted to the LSE model are paired with 265/60R18 tyres to give the all-new mu-X a larger tyre contact area for increased grip.
LS models are equipped with a combination 17-inch alloy wheels and 255/65R17 tyres, providing increased grip both on-road and off-road.
The dimensions and geometry of the mu-X make it a very capable off-roader. Ground clearance has been increased by 5 mm to 235 mm. Approach angle is 30 degrees, with a ramp angle of 24.0 degrees, and 26.0 degrees departure angle. Wading depth has increased to 800 mm.
All models are fitted with rear axle differential lock (Diff-Lock) for improved off-road performance.
The new 4x4 transfer case has a new actuator which delivers one of the quickest engagement times of 0.61 seconds compared to the 1.94 seconds of the previous model.
A new feature for the 4x4 models is the “Rough Terrain Mode” which can be engaged via a separate button on the centre console. Rough Terrain Mode increases effectiveness of the Traction Control System on loose surfaces with undulations where one or two wheels diagonally across from each other loose grip.
When this occurs the system limits torque applied to the spinning wheel by stronger application of the brakes on the spinning wheel, and more aggressive throttle control. This action limits wheel spin, even if the throttle is opened fully, thus controlling torque at the wheel, allowing the vehicle to proceed.
New 3.0L Diesel Engine
With over 23 million diesel engines produced globally since inception, Isuzu is renowned for making tough, reliable, and fuel-efficient diesel engines. At the time of introduction in South Africa the new mu-X will be offered with the Isuzu’s new three litre diesel engine. The engine boasts improved performance on and off-road as well as lower fuel economy and emissions.
Power has increased to 140 kW at 3,600 rpm, while torque is now 450 Nm between 1600 and 2600 rpm providing superior acceleration and off-road performance.
Fuel consumption is 7,6 litres per 100 km with driving range is increased further with the fitment of a larger 80 litre fuel tank, up from 65 litres.
Towing capacity is now 3 500 kg, up from 3 000 kg, making the mu-X the best towing vehicle in its class.
Key features of the new engine are reduced noise, lower fuel consumption and emissions.
To reduce engine noise engineers changed the idler gear to a double scissor type design. Isuzu engineers also added Oxide film heat insulation coating on piston crown to allow for a reduction in energy loss by maintaining piston temperature. The new pistons are coated in Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) for improved durability.
New fuel injector design and increased fuel injection pressure have resulted in significant improvement in fuel consumption and lower emissions. In addition, the fuel supply pump now uses 20% less engine power when operating.
A new electric controlled VGS (Variable Geometry System) turbo-charger allows for vastly improved turbo response while high efficiency compressor and turbine disc have improved turbo-charger performance further improving fuel economy.
Low friction bearings have improved turbo-charger efficiency with a 30% reduction in friction
To increase engine performance, the air intake has been repositioned from inside the right fender to the front of the vehicle ahead of the engine for better access to the low temperature air.
A Denso 120-amp high output alternator with intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) has increased fuel efficiency by reducing engine load. The high output alternator built to cope with mu-X demands and is designed to provide enough charge to power everything in the vehicle without excessive effort. This will be a great benefit for owners of off-road vehicles which are likely to be accessorised with extra lights and other equipment.
A new 6-speed automatic transmission now has improved gear selection lever feel, and steering wheel mounted shift paddles for the ONYX. Performance is improved with the Automatic transmission fluid being positioned next to the transmission. The ATF cooler is integrated with engine cooling system. ATF cooler not only cools ATF, but also warms ATF quickly on cold start. The fast warm up of ATF reduces friction and therefore improves fuel economy.
Revised gear change calibration logic provides fast gear shifts and improved fuel economy. All models are now fitted with an electronic park brake with Auto brake hold, a first for Isuzu.
Class leading safety and Driver Assistance Features
Isuzu has paid attention to the safety of the mu-X’s occupants which has resulted in the vehicle receiving recognition from ANCAP when it scored a full five-star rating.
In a first for the segment, the new Isuzu mu-X is fitted with a far side centre airbag which is deployed from the left-hand side of the driver’s seat. The airbag is designed to prevent or reduce injuries caused by the driver and passenger smashing into each other during a collision or roll over. The ONYX boasts a total of eight airbags including a driver’s knee airbag located below the steering column. LSE and LS models have 7 airbags with a cut-off switch for the front passenger airbag.
An innovative “wet wiper” design delivers washer fluid precisely where needed without obscuring the driver’s vision when cleaning the windshield. The rain sensing wipers have a new aerofoil wiper blade design which prevents the wiper blade from floating at highway speeds, allowing for better performance.
All models have Auto on/off headlamps as well as follow me home Bi-LED lights and auto high beam in the ONYX.
Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS)
Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS) makes a debut in the technologically packed range topping ONYX model. IDAS is a suite of passive and active safety systems which continuously monitor driving conditions and act autonomously to avoid a crash or minimise accident damage.
IDAS functions through a windshield mounted stereo camera which monitors the road ahead of the vehicle and can detect and recognise vehicles, pedestrian, bicycles, obstacles, lane markings, illustrations, etc.
The stereo camera controls the following functions based on prevailing conditions:
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is activated to warn the driver if the vehicle unintentionally departs from its lane. The function operates at speeds between 60 km/h and 130 km/h.
Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) alerts and assists in steering to prevent unintended departure from the lane. When the system is active, the driver is alerted by a vibration of the steering wheel and a visible warning symbol on the MID.
Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK) alerts the driver and assists in steering to prevent a collision with a vehicle approaching from behind in the adjacent lane when it is determined that there is a possibility of a collision while the vehicle changes lanes, with or without the turn signal being in operation
Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS) assists in steering when driving with adaptive cruise control so that the vehicle can keep driving in the middle.
Attention Assist and Driver Monitoring system prevents fatigue induced crashes by alerting the driver when the vehicle starts to wander across the road.
Autonomous Emergency Braking uses the stereo camera to determine the distance and relative speed of an obstacle that may be collided with. If a collision is deemed to be imminent, an alarm is sounded and if the driver fails to respond timeously, full braking force will be applied automatically at speeds between 8 km/h and 160 km/h. The warning is cancelled when the driver depresses the brake pedal.
Turn Assist is designed to avoid a collision or reduce the severity of a crash by warning the driver and by activating the automatic brake (AEB) when it determines that a collision is imminent with an oncoming vehicle is imminent when turning right at an intersection.
Turn assist functions when the turn signal is activated at speeds between 5 km/h and 18 km/h with an oncoming vehicle moving at a speed of 40 km/h or more.
Pedal Misapplication Mitigation limits the engine output to delay acceleration when the system senses that the accelerator pedal has been depressed more than necessary due to pedal misapplication, with the stereo camera recognising an obstacle in front of the vehicle while the vehicle is stopped or driving slowly.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) uses the stereo camera to determine the distance to the vehicle in front, their relative speed, automatically accelerates, decelerates, or stops the vehicle to maintain a safe following distance and reduce the burden on the driver.
ACC allows the vehicle to follow a preceding vehicle at the speed and distance set by the driver and will accelerate or decelerate as required. The vehicle will come to a complete stop and resume following the vehicle ahead if the stop is less than 2 seconds without driver interference.
Model Line-up and pricing
| 3.0 Ddi mu-X 4x2 LS A/T | Price: R 693, 800.00 including VAT |
| 3.0 Ddi mu-X 4x4 LS A/T | Price: R771, 600.00 including VAT |
| 3.0 Ddi mu-X 4x2 LSE A/T | Price: R 763,300.00 including VAT |
| 3.0 Ddi mu-X 4x4 ONYX A/T | Price: R 860, 500.00 including VAT |
All models are covered by the Isuzu Complete Care package with class leading warranty of 5 years or 120 000 km.
The new mu-X will be available at Isuzu dealership nationwide from the first week of December 2021.
