Although it’s been 5½ years that the Isuzu mu-X has been in Malaysia, the model has been around in other markets for 7 years. It’s long by today’s SUVs standards which are more allied with passenger car cycle times but not that long when considered in the context of pick-ups, which have generation cycles of up to 10 years.
The reason for the long cycle time for a full model change for the mu-X is because it has been linked to the D-MAX. The pick-up model had its full model change only a year ago, and Isuzu engineers were probably tied up on the program that they could only work on the new mu-X after completing the D-MAX.
The mu-X has been manufactured in Thailand where Isuzu has its production hub and will go on sale in that market from next month, followed by exports to other countries.
SUV Variant of D-MAX
As a variant of the D-MAX, the mu-X shares the same type of body-on-frame construction. While many of today’s SUVs have gone to a monocoque structure (like a passenger car’s), the body-on-frame construction is still preferred by those who will use it for more serious off-road activities. The construction method, which was used for most SUVs before, is more robust and durable, qualities which Isuzu vehicles are well known for.
While the construction tends to be heavy, the engineers have made efforts to keep the weight down. This has been achieved by installing a plastic tailgate (which can be powered), extensive use of high-tensile steel plates and a streamlined assembly structure.
By increasing the dynamic rigidity of the cab-mount fixing portions on the chassis frame, noise levels are reduced. Additionally, foamed material is installed inside the pillars in order to reduce entry of noise and to lower vibrations felt in the cabin.
Benefits from D-MAX advances
The new SUV benefits from the advances that were developed for the latest D-MAX. For example, the front suspension engineered in the D-MAX development provides better driving stability and riding comfort.
The level of roll rigidity has also significantly improved in the 5-link rear suspensions. This is due to the elevated roll centre achieved by relocating the lateral link. The stabilizer performance has also been enhanced by widening its effective width.
3-litre turbodiesel
For now, the new mu-X has only one powerplant shown in its specifications – the 3-litre 4JJ3 turbodiesel with an output of 190 ps/450 Nm. It will have a 6-speed automatic transmission. It is likely that Isuzu will also offer the 1.9-litre Blue Power turbodiesel which is available for the D-MAX.
Less conservative style
The exterior styling of the new mu-X is quite a change from its predecessor with a less conservative appearance. It comes with sharp-looking Bi-LED projector headlamps which flank the front grille that is detail-oriented with a formative design.
Being a variant of the D-MAX means that the cabin has also to be similar in some respects although the 4.85-metre long body can accommodate three rows of seats too. Fortunately, even pick-ups these days have a passenger car-like interior and for the new mu-X, there’s an upgrading of materials and overall quality. New features include an electric parking brake with better connectivity available.
Coming to Malaysia?
The mu-X, unlike the D-MAX which is assembled in Pahang, has been imported as a CBU model from Thailand. Its introduction in Malaysia was late but for the new model, perhaps the Malaysian version is already included in the export plan so we could see it by 2021. Recalling how the current model proved to be a good all-rounder, the new one should be even better as the new D-MAX is.
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