2021 Isuzu mu-X SUV made a global debut in Thailand

KUALA LUMPUR: Isuzu mu-X is an extremely dependable family SUV and business workhorse available in the international market. Recently, the Japanese car marquee rolled out its second-generation version in Thailand that has been updated entirely with a fresh exterior as well as a whole new cabin.

Based largely on the D-Max pickup, the all-new 2021 mu-X is longer at 4,850 mm, wider at 1,870 mm, and taller at 1,875 mm. It now has a 2,855 mm wheelbase and offers 235 mm of ground clearance.

Talking about its style, the updated SUV’s design is a big departure from the predecessor’s understated looks. The Isuzu designers elevated the road presence of the vehicle with sculpted body panels underlined by muscular fender flares. 

There are new slimmer bi-LED projector headlamps with daytime running lamps that flank the sharp twin-slat grille. A pair of LED fog lamps also tucked in the bumper. The top-spec trim gets 20-inch alloys while the lesser variants roll on 18- and 17-inch wheels which complement silver side steps and roof rails on the sides. The rear end features a new boot lid design, sleek wraparound LED tail lamp, and bumper-integrated fog lamps. 

The mu-X’s cabin looks somewhat similar to the D-Max, however, the SUV gets some specific cues. For example, the four-wheel-drive mode selector has been relocated to the centre console, along with an electronic parking brake with auto brake hold. The overall theme is a dual-tone brown and black with the features like a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4.2-inch MID for the instrument panel, dual-zone climate control, push-button start/stop, remote engine start, and ambient lighting.

Under the hood, the new mu-X comes in two turbo diesel engine choices, including a 1.9-litre unit rated at 150 PS of maximum power and 350 Nm of peak torque and a 3.0-litre mill generating 190 PS and 450 Nm. The smaller one can opt with a 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox whereas the bigger engine can only be paired with a 6-speed AT and gets a 4WD option.

Safety equipment on board comprises six airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, terrain command control, and traction control. For advanced driver-assistance systems, the vehicle has a dual front camera, 3D imaging stereo camera with two radars, and eight sensors. All these together help in adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and autonomous emergency braking.

With a starting price of 1.109 million baht (RM 147,884), the 2021 Isuzu mu-X is set to go on sale on November 9 in Thailand before arriving in other markets.

Also read: 2021 Isuzu D-Max scores 5-star safety rating