Isuzu Motors India has launched the facelifted, seven-seater, premium MU-X SUV with refreshed design and plenty of safety equipment. Priced at Rs 26.26 lakh for the 4x2 variant and Rs 28.22 lakh for the 4x4 variant (ex-showroom Hyderabad), the MU-X now comes with sportier ‘Lava Black’ premium interior upholstery and leather seats. The MU-X gets third row seating and a fully folding second row seat with a one-touch fold-and-tumble feature with maximum ingress space.

The facelifted model, which had gone on sale in global markets in May 2017, comes more than a year after the MU-X was first launched in India.

The facelifted MU-X's butch-looking exterior retains the signature Isuzu grille design but now sports new Bi-LED Auto-levelling projector headlamps with contemporary integrated light-guide and stylish Daylight Running Lamps (DRLs).

The rear of the vehicle carries refreshed tail-lights with accentuated LED positon lights, 2-tone rear spoiler and shark-fin antenna with gun-metal finish. The new 18-inch multi-spoke twist design diamond-cut alloy wheels makes the SUV more sporty.

The drivetrain is powered by Isuzu's proven 3.0-litre 4JJ1 diesel engine which delivers  maximum power of 177hp and maximum torque of 390 Nm . Both 4x2 and 4x4 variants get a 5-speed sequential shift automatic transmission. The 4x4 variant sports a ‘shift-on-the-fly’ select dial for off-roading capability. The SUV now has higher ground clearance of 230mm and class-leading approach and departure angles.

Packed with safety equipment
The SUV is high on safety and is equipped with six airbags (front, side and curtain), four more than the two airbags on the previous model.  Staying true to Isuzu build quality, it gets a high-tensile steel body with tailor-welded blanks and crumple zones with anti-intrusion bars. The MU-X also gets advanced active safety systems like ESC (Electronic Stability Control), TCS (Traction Control System), HDC (Hill Descent Control) and ABS (Antilock Braking System) with EBA (Emergency Brake Assist) and EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) along with a host of passive safety systems that provide enhanced safety. 

Commenting on the new MU-X,  Naohiro Yamaguchi, managing director, Isuzu Motors India, said, “The Isuzu MU-X has been gathering a lot of momentum in the Indian SUV market and is gradually becoming a preferred choice for many Indian families, thanks to its sheer space and comfort it offers. Today with the all new MU-X, we have upped the ante in our offering to Indian SUV enthusiasts.”

The MU-X is built at Isuzu Motors India's state-of-the-art manufacturing plant at SriCity in Andhra Pradesh. The company's India sales network covers 38 locations at present. 

Since the MU-X was first launched in India in May 2017, the company has sold a total of 1,428 units till end-August 2018, with December 2017 sales of 230 units being the highest in a single month. With the new focus on safer cars, Isuzu will be hoping to accelerate MU-X sales with the new, high-on-safety MU-X.

Read more:  StopTheCrash campaign launched in India, pedestrian safety feature in cars kicks in from October, AEB and ESC by 2022

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