The fuel-sipping achievement of the Isuzu 1,9-litre bakkie making it all the way from Johannesburg to Cape Town on a single tank of fuel has been well documented and it is now the turn of the family-size mu-X to opt in with an automatic version.
Besides the engine option the newcomer – swelling the range to six derivatives with another newcomer in the form of the 4x4 3.0 LSE – is a budget beater and Kevin Fouche, Department Executive: Product Planning and Programme Management at Isuzu Motors South Africa, says: “Adding a new entry-level 1,9-litre model significantly broadens the appeal of the mu-X. It is perfect for customers who are drawn to the outstanding space, comfort and versatility provided by our popular SUV, but require greater affordability and lower running costs.
Perfect Timing
“This is the first time we’ve offered the mu-X with the 1,9-litre Ddi engine and at this price point. We believe the timing is perfect due to the continued growth of the SUV segment.
“The competitive pricing makes it an attractive proposition for family-oriented customers making the step up from a sedan, hatchback or bakkie, and we are confident the exceptional fuel economy will be a major drawcard.”
The 1.9 Ddi engine delivers a power output of 110 kW at 3 600 r/min matched to a torque figure of 350 Nm available from 1 800 r/min to 2 600 r/min, driving through a six-speed automatic transmission, with a rear differential lock fitted as standard.
Styling mirrors the upgrades made to the rest of range earlier this year and the specification list is both long and extensive, including privacy glass for the rear windows and dark Magnetite finishes for the radiator grille, front and rear bumpers, front fog lamp bezels, roof rails and side steps.
LED lighting is standard as are Bi-LED headlamps, fog lamps and combination tail lights.
Classy Interior
The cabin has dark Magnetite accents to go with the leather trim and the driver’s seat has eight-way power adjustment, and four-way adjustment for the front passenger seat.
Standard safety features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control, anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist System (BAS), Brake Override Accelerator (BOA), Hill Start Assist (HAS), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Trailer Sway Control, Cruise Control.
Passengers are protected by driver and front passenger crash bags, front seat side bags, curtain bags and a driver’s knee bag.
Techies will be happy with the 7-inch touchscreen system with integrated Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi, and front and rear USB charging ports.
The Isuzu mu-X is sold with a 5-year/90 000 km service plan, 5-year/120 000 km warranty and roadside assistance, and 5-year/unlimited distance anti-corrosion warranty.
Colin Windell - proudly CHANGECARS
