Isuzu MU-X, Track Test

At a time when premium SUVs are easily breaching the Rs. 30-lakh barrier, Isuzu’s MU-X is here to save the day and offer a 3.0-litre diesel engine and an automatic gearbox at an ex-showroom price of Rs. 23 lakh. From this standpoint alone, the MU-X makes a lot of sense. Add to this the bullet proof reliability that comes with an Isuzu, and you would think that, despite the rugged appeal of the Ford Endeavour and Toyota Fortuner, the MU-X would have its own niche carved out for it. However, this in itself just isn’t enough for the Indian market anymore. The Isuzu’s plain looks and dated interiors mean that it doesn’t quite have the appeal of its popular rivals. And despite offering the same 7-seater practicality as the other two, its equipment list is limited.
Where the MU-X redeems itself though is in terms of ride comfort, as the SUV has a very pliant ride that makes long distance journeys very comfortable. And it’s something the segment-leading car (with a Toyota badge) could learn a thing or two from. Another area where the Isuzu shines is in terms of refinement, as the drivetrain is very smooth and seamless. That said, it isn’t tuned to be the most powerful 3.0-litre SUV out there – with just 175bhp and 380Nm. As a result, acceleration isn’t brisk and you’re better off using this as a cruise mobile rather than an outright bruiser – a fact that’s represented by its 1:22.7 lap time, which is the slowest (by a long way) time of this test.

The MU-X otherwise handles well for its weight and size. It’ll take wide sweeping bends with ease at triple digit speeds, and apart from some vagueness in the dead centre position the steering has a nice heft to it and makes the vehicle quite confident at higher speeds.

The Isuzu, then, is a good all-rounder. It’s a value-for-money proposition that does come with some compromises. Still, if it’s reliability and comfort that you’re after, you can’t go wrong with the MU-X.

Best of 2017 : << BACKNEXT>> : Datsun Redi-Go