Isuzu MU-X undercuts rivals

Isuzu Ute Australia has released pricing and images of the ute-based, seven-seat MU-X which will go on sale in Australia in December.

Priced from $40,500, the new, large, Thai-built wagon will undercut by thousands of dollars rugged, off-road rivals including the top-selling Toyota Prado, Mitsubishi Challenger and Holden Colorado 7, with which it shares a ladder frame chassis and other parts.

However, the sharp entry price -- $2000 less than the 4WD-only Challenger and $15,000 less than the cheapest Prado, both of which offer just five seats -- is for the base 4x2 auto MU-X. Four-wheel drive variants start from $45,600 with the mid-spec LS-U auto ($49,300) $2310 more than the similarly equipped Colorado 7 LT. 

Unlike its Colorado 7 cousin, which is available in just two, auto-only 4x4 variants, the MU-X will be available in seven, including 4x2 or 4x4 configurations and three grades: LS-M, LS-U and LS-T.

Pricing starts at $40,500 for the auto-only 4x2 models with the range topping out at $53,500 for the top-spec 4x4 LS-T auto. 

Like the ute-based Colorado 7, the MU-X boasts three tonne braked towing capacity and has a coil-sprung rear-end.

While proportionally similar to the Colorado 7 (they share the same 2845mm wheelbase), the Isuzu wagon has substantially different sheet metal, with only front doors and bonnet in common with the Holden. Externally, it's also differentiated by the D-MAX ute-style front end, bolder wheel arches and unique tail lights.

Cosmetic differences appear less obvious inside, with the three-row cabin layout and trim appearing almost identical to the Colorado 7’s.

Standard kit in the entry-level LS-M includes a six speaker stereo with iPod and Bluetooth phone connectivity, air-conditioning, power windows/mirrors, stability/traction control, anti-lock brakes, six airbags, rear parking sensors, projector headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels with 245/70 R16 tyres and remote central locking.

The mid-spec LS-U also gets fog lights, aluminium side steps, a full-size spare wheel and bigger 17-inch alloy wheels with 255/65 R17 rubber.

As the range-topping variant, the 4x4 LS-T adds leather trim, climate control, touchscreen display with satnav/reversing camera and roof-mounted DVD entertainment system. 

The MU-X will be powered by the same 3.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine in the D-MAX ute, matched to either five-speed manual or five-speed auto transmission.  

The Euro 4 engine produces a relatively tame 130kW at 3600rpm and 380Nm at 1800-2800rpm but promises class-leading fuel economy with official figures ranging from 8.2L/100km (4x2) to 8.4L/100km (4x4).

As well as underbody protection, snorkeled diff breathers and the optional Terrain Command 4WD system with low-range gearing from the D-MAX, auto-equipped variants come with hill ascent and descent control. Six exterior colours and four interior seat trims are available.

Up-spec 4x4 LS-U and LS-T variants also offer 230mm ground clearance, along with 30 degree approach and 25.1 departure angles.

At the launch of the Isuzu MU-X in Thailand this week, Isuzu Ute Australia said it was confident of selling around 3000 of the medium-sized wagons in Australia in 2014, surpassing both Challenger and Colorado 7, which combined have sold less than 2500 units this year (until end of September).

Toyota Prado remains Australia's best-selling medium SUV with 11,359 sales so far this year.

To help drive sales Isuzu Ute Australia will be offering "aggressive" driveaway pricing, to be announced shortly, as well as a five year/130,000km warranty and five year roadside assist for the MU-X.

Isuzu MU-X pricing:

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