Isuzu MU-X

The Isuzu MU X is an old SUV and its design belongs firmly in the last generation of ladder frame SUVs. By its very nature, it has huge road presence, no doubt, with its high bonnet, 18-inch alloy wheels, chunky tyres, 230mm ground clearance, and blacked out D pillar. Other interesting details are its sharp LED headlamps and DRLs, ‘fanged’ chrome grille and neatly executed contrast-colour black and silver elements. Compared to newer rivals, however, it looks a bit conservatively styled. 

It’s a big climb up into the cabin, aided by a step, and once you’re in place, you’re treated to a simple, functional and hard-wearing cabin that looks well put together, if dated in places. The leatherette seats appear flat but are well cushioned, and the second row tumbles forward for easy access to the third. Space is excellent in both, though boot volume is limited with the third row in place.

It uses a 1.9-litre, 4cyl turbo diesel engine that makes 163hp and 360Nm. These aren’t big numbers compared to rivals (or even the old BS4 MU X 3.0 diesel) and as such, the heavy SUV doesn’t like to be hurried or stretched out. It is a relaxed highway cruiser, and is smooth enough when driven slowly. It is noisy though. It comes only with a 5-speed automatic gearbox, but there’s the option of 4x2 or 4x4. It has a simple but tough approach to off-roading and will get you out of a tight spot. 

The Isuzu MU X with the 1.9 diesel is only available with a 5-speed automatic gearbox and is rated at 13kpl for the 4x2 version and 12.3kpl for the 4x4 version on the official cycle. However, these are lab tested figures and expect real world efficiency to be a bit lower. Its 55-litre fuel tank is not huge, and this could affect overall range. Given its size and weight, and its old-school gearbox, the Isuzu MU X can be inefficient if not driven carefully. However, its relaxed, low-stress running on the highway means it could potentially stretch a litre quite far on long journeys. 

The long-travel suspension is very soft, so if you're driving slowly and smoothly, it rides well. Up the pace slightly and it moves a lot; even small bumps register a crash and the steering jolts in your hands. Like most ladder-frame SUVs, this isn't one for corners, and it rolls a lot. The steering is heavy at low speeds, and though it gives confidence on the highway, it’s vague around the centre position. 

While once decent, the features list today pales in comparison to rivals. Highlights include 6 airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, a 9-inch touchscreen, a powered driver’s seat, single-zone auto climate control, leatherette upholstery, keyless entry and go, and engine stop start. However, there’s no Apple Carplay or Android Auto, no sunroof, no ventilated seats, no connected tech or ADAS, among many other missing modern features.

Priced at Rs 37.00-40.70 lakh for its 4x2 AT and 4x4 AT variants in two trim levels, it’s cheaper than rivals, but still not affordable. This stings more still considering it’s a last-generation car that was globally replaced in 2020 by an all-new model. And this shows in its basic exterior and interior and sparse features list. It has some appeal in its no-nonsense, tough nature, and it certainly will be quite exclusive, but even so, given buyer expectations, the Isuzu MU X is a hard sell.