New Isuzu mu-X upgrade and facelift for 2020 - What's different?
The Isuzu mu-X recently enjoyed a subtle facelift and is looking mighty fine. Apart from its exterior changes, the mu-X also benefits from a more sophisticated interior ambience, and safety systems have also been enhanced to include a brake override system. Let's take a closer look at the results of the mu-X's plastic surgery.
1. A bolder new face and matching rear-end
The mu-X's enhanced double-bar grille is complemented by a restyled front bumper with a black finish at the bottom, while the new set of fog lamp bezels sans chrome garnish enhance the blacked-out look. The LED daytime running lamps keep their striking light signature, while bi-projector headlights (also LED) have auto-levelling functionality, as before. Take a look at the differences between the white 2018 model and the new red mu-X below it.
Related: Read our mu-X review from 2018 here: Mister Practicality
At the back, the Isuzu designers adopted a similar approach with glossy black elements at the bottom and colour coding for the upper section of the rear bumper. The new taillight clusters also incorporate a combination of chrome and gloss black for a more upmarket appearance.
Brand new 18-inch gloss black diamond cut alloys and shiny black side steps underline the latest mu-X's urban appeal. At the top, two-tone silver and black roof rails allow a stylish solution for transporting sports equipment such as surfboards.
2. A smarter-looking interior
Isuzu also applied a touch of rejuvenation to the mu-X's interior by adding piano black finishes on the door switch bezels and trim panels, gear shift surround, and the centre stack for the large infotainment system's screen and climate control switchgear. The satellite buttons on the leather-covered steering wheel are endowed with a whisper of silver garnish, and some ambient lighting makes its way into the door trims. As before, a full leather interior is included in the asking price.
The 8-inch colour touchscreen, a standard feature, still includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. (A 9-inch screen is optionally available.)
An added safety feature
The mu-X is safer than ever thanks to the new Brake Override System which has been derived from its bakkie brother, the Isuzu D-MAX. Linked to the ABS braking system, it will restrict accelerator input and will reduce stopping distance if an emergency situation arises. Other safety features include Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC).
Passive safety equipment consists of six airbags which are linked to front seat pre-tensioner seat belts, plus a high-tensile steel passenger safety cell to keep occupants out of harm's way.
Related: We compare the mu-X's safety features with those of its opponents, here.
The mu-X is still powered by the same 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine with 130kW and 380Nm which is mated to a six-speed auto gearbox. Towing capacity is rated at 3 tonnes.
Pricing is as follows:
|
Model |
Price |
|
Isuzu mu-X 3.0 4X2 6AT |
R 630,400.00 |
|
Isuzu mu-X 3.0 4x4 6AT |
R 698,200.00 |
Every Isuzu mu-X is sold with a 5-year/120 000 km warranty with roadside assistance, a 5-year/unlimited km anti-corrosion warranty and 5-year/90 000 km service plan.
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