The LS-U is the middle child in the MU-X family, sitting between the entry-level LS-M and the top-spec LS-T. It’s also, for the every first time, available with the option of a smaller and more efficient 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine, joining the carryover 3.0-litre turbo-diesel option.
The LS-U can be had with a 3.0-litre engine and 2WD for $55,400, before on-road costs, or $61,400 for 4WD. The 1.9-litre option is 4WD-only, and is yours for $59,900.
The smaller engine option delivers 110kW and 350Nm, which don’t sound like massive numbers, but Isuzu makes the point that the maximum torque band is wide, with peak grunt available from 1800rpm to 2600rpm, and 300Nm available from 1550rpm to 3700rpm, meaning there’s power there when you need it.
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The 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine produces 140kW and 450Nm, both paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and delivering power to two or all four wheels.
Another perk of the smaller engine is a smaller fuel bill, with the 1.9-litre turbo-diesel promising to drink 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle - almost a litre less than the 3.0-litre 4x4 model, which is more like 8.3L/100km.
Emissions drop, too, with the smaller engine rated at 196g/km of C02 combined, compared with 220g/km on for the 3.0-litre 4x4 model.
Regardless of engine, the LS-U arrives with 18-inch alloys, roof rails, a leather steering wheel, a bigger 9.0-inch central screen, dual-zone climate control and a powered tailgate.