Blazing a new trail with Isuzu mu-X

Blazing a new trail with Isuzu mu-X

Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSA) is re-entering the SUV market after a long absence (remember the Trooper and Frontier?). Dominic Rimmer, IMSA’s executive for technical services, says the launch of the mu-X is an important milestone for the company. “It expands our current product portfolio into the sport utility vehicle category, which is one of the fastest growing sectors in the automotive industry, both globally and in the domestic market. Building on Isuzu’s long-standing heritage, along with the proven reliability and trusted capabilities of the KB, the mu-X introduces an entirely new level of practicality, comfort and convenience that is ideally suited to the adventurous and lifestyleoriented nature of South African customers.” Although the mu-X is new in South Africa, it’s been sold in Thailand since 2013 and more recently in Australia and the Philippines. And it’s had a positive reception overseas.

What’s diferent? 

The diferences between the old Trailblazer and the new mu-X are quite extensive. The Chev’s standard lights have been replaced with LED daytime running lights and double LED projector lamps that automatically adjust higher or lower when you a hitch a caravan. The mu-X uses the same aluminium side steps and 18” alloy wheels but boasts new LED rear lights. From the side you’ll notice only minor changes because the bodywork hasn’t changed by much.

The mu-X retains the Trailblazer’s sixth and seventh seats that fold out of the loor. The rear passengers have their own controls for the air con so the kids can choose the climate at the back. In front, the centre console and dashboard are new. There’s a nice big 9” touch screen with satellite navigation, a radio, Bluetooth and a CD-MP3-DVD player. There’s also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for your smartphone with USB sockets in front and at the back where passengers can charge their electronic devices. Leather upholstery comes standard and the driver’s seat is electrically adjustable. The steering wheel – straight from the KB bakkie – is also covered in leather, with buttons for the sound system, your cellphone and the cruise control.

Safety First 

The mu-X is equipped with ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, downhill assist (only in low range) and hill start assist. Other safety systems include airbags for the driver and front passenger, curtain airbags that covers the length of the interior, and anti-intrusion bars in the doors and side panels that protect your passengers against impact from the side. A rear-view camera helps with parking while the immobiliser and alarm protect your luggage while you peruse the market stalls for curios.

And the drive? There are two models available: a 4x2 and 4x4. Both use the same 3 ℓ turbodiesel as the KB300 bakkie that produces 130 kw and 380 Nm. The power delivery is detuned, making the engine dependable rather than rowdy. We know it can deliver more torque because in Australia the same engine is tuned to deliver 430 Nm in the D-MAX (their version of our KB bakkie). The part-time four-wheel drive is switched on turning a knob next to the gear lever, but low range can only be activated if you’re standing still and you’re in Neutral. Unfortunately, there isn’t a rear dif lock like in the KB bakkie because the mu-X’s rear axle is manufactured in Thailand along with the rest of the vehicle. And no, there are no plans to manufacture the mu-X in South Africa, unless it can equal the Toyota Fortuner’s sales. The ride deinitely feels softer than the Chevrolet Trailblazer’s, but there is also slightly more body roll. Rimmer explains that the suspension is softer to provide a more comfortable ride than the old Trailblazer, but the ladder frame chassis has been enforced with wider cross members.

Conclusion 

We think the Trailblazer should have been an Isuzu right from the start, then it wouldn’t have fallen so far behind its competitors. It’s going to struggle to reach the Toyota Fortuner’s sales igures – especially in South Africa – but the mu-X’s price compares favourably and Toyota (Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4x4 6AT, R646 800) and Ford (Everest XLT 3.2 6AT 4WD, R654 900) will have to watch their wickets. It’s only the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.4 D4 MIVEC 4x4 A/T at R599 995 that ofers a more afordable package.

sources:

Go Drive and Camp, July 2018

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