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Isuzu has thrown the covers off its much-anticipated MU-X facelift in Thailand.
As predicted, the off-road SUV gets a major styling overhaul, with a new lattice-style grille, more refined panel work, and a more contemporary light-strip across the rear. In the Thai market, it also scores a high-end sporty RS variant with black highlight trims and unique wheel designs.
Just like the D-Max ute update which preceded it, the new MU-X also scores an overhauled 9.0-inch multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as dials for tuning and volume. There is also a new 7.0-inch semi-digital dash cluster to match the one in the D-Max.
Smaller upgrades include USB-C outlets and tweaked seat designs, with unique piped trim for the RS grade and a new brown interior colour choice (at least for the Thai market).
Mechanically, there are seemingly no changes for this facelift, with the MU-X continuing with the choice of its renowned 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine (140kW/450Nm), or the smaller and more emissions-compliant 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo option (110kW/350Nm) both of which can be had either in 4x2 or 4x4 layouts with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Isuzu Australia has been contacted for comment on the new MU-X, but if it follows the same lag time from the reveal of the facelifted D-Max in Thailand, expect an early 2025 local launch for this new version.
The Isuzu MU-X has had a solid year thus far in Australia up a massive 41.9 per cent having moved 8519 units to the end of May. The D-Max is also up this year, posting solid numbers for Isuzu, a brand which manages to maintain a top-10 position in Australia despite fielding only two rugged ladder-chassis models.
Isuzu’s position will be under threat in the next year, as the MU-X will face renewed competition from Toyota with its incoming new-generation Prado, Mitsubishi with a yet-to-be revealed next-gen Pajero Sport based (based on the new Triton) as well as a renewed push by GWM with its Tank sub-brand's range of affordable and hybrid off-roaders.
New brands are also looking for a slice of the ute and off-road SUV market, including BYD with its incoming Shark ute and Geely also hinting at a launch for its electric Radar (or Riddara) ute Down Under.
Isuzu will also have to deal with the fallout from Australia’s New Vehicle Emissions Standards which recently passed into law, and has revealed a fully electric version of the D-Max which it says will arrive in Australia imminently.
The electric D-Max will use two electric motors on each axle, producing total of 130kW/325Nm, boasting a 3500kg towing capacity and offering a claimed 300km driving range from a 66.9kWh battery pack.
In the interim, the brand is also looking to launch a hybrid D-Max, which combines the 1.9-litre four-cylinder diesel engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system as it looks to reduce its dependence on its famed 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine.
Stay tuned for more on Isuzu’s emissions reduction and new model plans toward the end of this year.
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