Isuzu Motor India is reportedly planning to replace its MU-7 full-size SUV with the MU-X SUV. The MU-7 SUV, launched in India in 2012 when the company started its India operations, didn't find many takers as compared to its rivals. The company seems to have not given up and the MU-X is a more advanced SUV of the Japanese manufacturer.
The company has already imported a couple of units of the MU-X for homologation purposes and market launch of the new flagship SUV can be expected in April, reports Gaadiwaadi. In terms of design, the MU-X is far modern than the MU-7. The face of the SUV features a twin-slat grill in chrome in line with the recently launched D-Max V-Cross pick-up. The SUV gets projector headlamps. The grille and headlamp cluster form a V-shaped front facia to the MU-X. The side profile and rear profile, especially the wrap-around rear windshield, resemble the Chevrolet Trailblazer.
The MU-X SUV measures 4,825mm length, 1,860mm in width, 1,840mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,845mm. It will be powered by a 3.0-litre common rail direct-injection engine that develops 162bhp of power and 360Nm of torque mated to five-speed manual or automatic transmission. Isuzu may offer MU-X in both 4x4 and 4x2 formats.
The MU-X comes with 230mm ground clearance, spot on for off-roading adventures. The SUV also boast of automatic climate control, cruise control and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Safety side is taken care by electronic stability control, traction control system, emergency brake assist, hill start assist, reversing camera, rear park assist sensors and engine immobiliser.
The MU-X is expected to be locally assembled at new manufacturing facility at Sri City, Andra Pradesh. The SUV will be pitted against Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour and Chevrolet Trailblazer.
