Isuzu MU-X

Isuzu has been operating in India since 2012 and has slowly expanded its base in the country, state by state. The Japanese car maker has launched its flagship SUV, the MU-X in May 2017 and has replaced its current luxury SUV, the MU7. The MU-X is a rather plusher version of the MU7 and competes in the full-size SUV space in the country.

The front of the MU-X gets a horizontally-slatted two-piece grille with a large Isuzu badging. The headlights sits firmly on the edge of the bonnet giving it a muscular stance along with bumper mounted LED daytime running lamps. The SUV also has a darker shaded lower portion to give it the floating appearance. The side profile is typical SUV with three visible rows, a high roofline and sharply raked front windscreen and flared wheel arches. The roof rails and 18-inch alloy wheels are standard across all variants. The rear of the Isuzu gets typical SUV design with sharp wraparound tail lights. The overall design philosophy is very similar to that of the Chevrolet Trailblazer.

All variants of the MU-X sold internationally are equipped with leather seats and so is the Indian car. The SUV also comes with an optional premium audio system with 6 speakers plus 2 roof-mounted speakers and Bluetooth phone connectivity along with audio streaming. The MU-X comes with 14 cup holders, steering wheel with integrated audio control, six-way electric driver seat and climate control. The MU-X also comes with foldable second and third row seats increasing the ability to carry large amounts of luggage.

Sold in either a four-wheel-drive or two-wheel-drive combination, the MU-X comes mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox. The MU-X is powered by the 3.0-litre common rail direct injection intercooler mill that produces 174bhp of power at 3600rpm and 380Nm of torque from 1800rpm. It gets independent double wishbone suspension in the front and a penta-link setup in the back with shock absorbers.

The MU-X competes with the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Hyundai Santa Fe, Chevrolet Trailblazer, SsangYong Rexton, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and the Ford Endeavour in the Indian premium SUV space.