Isuzu MU-7 to be replaced with new MU-X in May

The Isuzu MU-7 SUV will be replaced by the new MU-X and will be launched in India in May, 2017.

Isuzu Motors will replace the MU-7 SUV which is currently on sale in the Indian market with the new Isuzu MU-X next month. The MU-X is based on the same underpinnings which are shared with the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross pick-up truck and the Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV.

The MU-X is a more modern and updated version of the MU-7 and features brand new exterior and interior styling. The overall boxy and edgy styling of the MU-7 has been completely done away with on the new car. The front facia is identifiable with that of the current V-Cross, however it is designed to look more premium and upmarket while being distinct from its pick-up truck sibling. Compared to the V-Cross, the grille at the front is similar but the Isuzu badge is placed above the two slats. The head lamps are new too and get LED DRL inserts, the front bumper is slightly different and has a two-tone finish with new fog lamp assembly. The side profile is identical to the Trailblazer's and the rear also is shaped similarly. However, the MU-X has an all new rear bumper and tail gate with slightly re-profiled tail lamps and rear fog lamps placed in the rear bumper.

The interior has also been updated and the dashboard has also been replaced. The steering is the same three spoke one which was introduced on the MU-7 with the automatic version in 2015, but gets more steering mounted controls on both sides. The centre console and air vents are lifted from the Trailblazer and the automatic gear lever. However, it does not get the piano black finish as the Chevrolet. The infotainment system and the fit and finish of the dash will be similar to the V-Cross.

Isuzu is reported to be launching the MU-X in many variants unlike the previous car. The MU-7 was only offered with a 3.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine which developed 161bhp. The MU-X is offered globally with three engine options, which include the 3.0-lite powertrain, the 2.5-litre from the V-Cross and a 1.9-litre engine which produces 148bhp. It still remains to be seen which of these engine will end up under the bonnet of the Indian model, however among the three, the 2.5-litre engine is most likely to be offered with a 5-speed manual and an 5-speed automatic gearbox. The MU-X will also get a 4x4 variant with 2-high, 4-high and 4-low functionality with the gearbox as well.

Currently, Isuzu assembles the D-Max pick-up trucks for commercial use, and the D-Max V-Cross at their Sri-City plant in Andra Pradesh. Which is why, it is possible that Isuzu will assemble the MU-X in India as well, which could keep the pricing low. The Isuzu MU-X is expected to be launched around Rs. 22-28 lakh ex-showroom in India. This will allow it to compete against the better equipped Ford Endeavour and the highly popular Toyota Fortuner both of which come with highly capable engines, manual and automatic gearboxes and 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains.