Isuzu MU-X: First pics and details

We revealed news of Isuzu’s all-new MU-X in August before the first leaked details and a rendering emerged from Thailand in September and a mirky unofficial teaser video was released last week.

Now motoring.com.au can reveal the best indication yet of what Isuzu Ute Australia’s first direct rival for Toyota’s top-selling Prado will look like, along with key technical details, thanks to official Australian Design Rule certification documents lodged with the federal department of transport.

Pictured here in grainy but full-frame front and rear images for the first time, Isuzu’s all-new seven-seat SUV will be revealed in Thailand within three weeks, before it goes on sale in Australia in December – a month after its release in the Thai domestic market.

We reported previously that the MU-X will be available here in both 4x2 and 4x4 drive configurations, with global engine options including a 130kW/380Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel from the S-MAX ute upon which it’s based, as well as a newer twin-turbo 2.5-litre diesel offering about 119kW/400Nm.

According to new ADR documents, however, Australia’s MU-X will be available only with the larger, torquier 3.0-litre turbo-diesel, matched only with a five-speed automatic transmission in the 4x2 and alongside a five-speed manual in the 4x4.

Up to three 4x2 and three 4x4 derivatives will be offered, all fitted as standard with twin front, front-side and side curtain airbags, stability/traction control, anti-lock brakes, alloy wheels, power windows/mirrors, air-conditioning and remote central locking.

Upstream models will offer satellite-navigation, foglights and larger 17-inch alloys with 255/65 R17 tyres – up from 245/70 R16s on the base model.

All versions of the MU-X will come with a generous 3000kg braked towing capacity (750kg unbraked), and at least 220mm of ground clearance – increasing to 230mm for high-spec versions.

Expect the MU-X to be priced from under $50,000 when Australian sales commence in December – perhaps between the Colorado 7 (from $46,990) and Prado (from $55,990), both of which will be upgraded before the MU-X arrives.

Riding on a 2845mm wheelbase, the MU-X measures 4825mm long, 1860mm wide and between 1825 and 1860mm high depending on the variant, making it more than 100mm shorter, 25mm narrower and at least 30mm lower than the Prado, which has a 55mm longer wheelbase.

Other key competitors will include rugged ute-based off-road wagons like the Mitsubishi Challenger and Ford’s upcoming Everest.

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