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Isuzu MU-X all new 2021 model launched

Rob Fraser

Isuzu MU-X has arrived in Australia. The all new MU-X brings a number of improvements and increased towing capacity. In addition there are more safety features, improved infotainment connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay® and more power and torque. 

All-New Isuzu MU-X Range

Combining bold and dynamic design, with a comprehensive suite of standardised safety, driver-assist technologies and improved capabilities, including segment-topping 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity, the All-New Isuzu MU-X range has been unveiled by Isuzu UTE Australia (IUA).

Regardless of variant, each is equipped with new-levels of premium features and finishes to embody a comfortable and luxurious experience for up to seven occupants, with the latest on-board technology, including Android Auto™ and wireless Apple CarPlay®. Outside, ruggedness meets elegance, with hard lines and sweeping bodywork evoking a powerful yet sophisticated road presence.

Prioritising safety and convenience, Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS), combines active and passive safety with driver assistance technology. Headlining the comprehensive IDAS suite is eight-airbags—including a centre-airbag, Autonomous Emergency Braking with Turn Assist featuring pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Keep Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control, to name a few.

Available in 4×2 and 4×4 configuration, across three grades: LS-M, LS-U and LS-T, the All-New MU-X range is powered exclusively by Isuzu’s new 4JJ3-TCX, 3-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 140kW and 450Nm, all matched with an intuitive six-speed automatic transmission.

With towing and touring a fundamental requirement in Australia—with customer surveys detailing that half of all Isuzu owners tow with their vehicle—the new stronger body-on-frame chassis design and heavily-reengineered coil-sprung five-link independent rear suspension affords best-in-class braked towing capacity of 3.5-tonnes.

Isuzu UTE Australia’s Managing Director, Hiroyasu Sato said that the Australian market is key for Isuzu globally, and with the importance of Australian customer feedback comes an exclusive high-level of specification.

“Australia is a very competitive new-vehicle market and I’m proud to say that the Australian-spec All-New MU-X was designed with the feedback from Australian motorists. After all, Australia is the world’s largest market for the MU-X outside of Thailand, and with the significant importance of Aussie customers we’ve been able to specify our MU-X to better suit their exact and unique requirements,” he says.

“By focusing on this feedback, we’ve fine-tuned the Australian specification; refined the areas that traditional Large-SUV drivers need, introduced new features that motorists want and improved the overall formula to broaden the appeal and capability with all buyer-types, particularly amongst modern working families and travellers.”

“After all, not only did the first-generation MU-X prove exceptionally popular with families, it was a favourite with motorists travelling vast distances, often with something in tow. And, we’re confident that the improvements in design and engineering instilled in the second-generation MU-X will meet—and exceed—the expectations of Australian motorists.”

The first-generation MU-X has long been a favourite amongst Australian-families and travellers as a spacious, versatile and dependable multi-purpose seven-seat SUV. Derived from the award-winning Isuzu D-MAX ute, the MU-X has been the #1 selling ‘ute-based SUV’ for the past seven years. Traditionally favoured by customers seeking unparalleled value-for-money, dependability and capability in a large-SUV, the All-New Isuzu MU-X combined with its new-levels of refinement, capability and technology is set to amplify its adoration amongst a wider range of Australians.

Isuzu MU-X LS-M

The entry-level of the MU-X range, the LS-M is the ticket to adventure for savvy motorists and families who value a pragmatic and utilitarian interior with easy-to-clean trims and All-Terrain rubber—whilst still capable of towing up to the maximum of 3.5-tonnes braked. With the full-suite of Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS), this is the dual-purpose seven-seat SUV for work and play.

MU-X LS-M highlights (unique to the LS-M):

Isuzu MU-X LS-U

A traditional favourite with travellers, caravaners and families who sought increased levels of convenience and comfort, the MU-X LS-U represents value, pragmatism and comfort, packaged in an SUV that features new-levels of premium-appointments and inclusions previously unseen in a MU-X.

MU-X LS-U highlights (features in addition to the LS-M):

Isuzu MU-X LS-T

Ruggedly refined, the new-flagship MU-X LS-T headlines the range by combining a lavish piano black and quilted leather-accented interior with bold 20-inch alloys, all packaged up in Isuzu’s most comprehensive vehicle ever. With more technology fitted standard than any Isuzu vehicle before it, it doesn’t get more feature-packed than this.

MU-X LS-T highlights (features in addition to the LS-U and LS-M):

Towing and Touring 

With close to half of all MU-X owners choosing an Isuzu to tow their caravans, boats and trailers, it has never been more important to have the capability to tow up to 3.5-tonnes braked.

Debuting in Australia in late-2020, the third-generation D-MAX introduced a new ladder-frame chassis constructed extensively of high-tensile steel—affording the D-MAX increased strength, rigidity and load-carrying capacities. The All-New Isuzu MU-X shares the same proven chassis design, but employs a revised rear-subframe to accommodate the heavily-overhauled five-link rear coil-spring suspension—which affords the MU-X the ability of 3.5-tonne towing*.

Not only have Isuzu Engineers increased the All-New MU-X’s braked towing capacity to 3.5-tonnes, but they’ve increased the payload capacity, Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), Gross Combination Mass (GCM) and axle loads.

With increased towing capacity comes a welcomed increase in carrying capacities, with Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and Gross Combination Mass (GCM) now up to 2,800kg and 5,900kg respectively.

Front and rear axle loads have also increased by +100kg and +50kg respectively, allowing for more room for accessory and frontal protection fitment.

Total vehicle payload capacity has increased and varies across the range, with the MU-X LS-M able to carry up to 665kg, ideal for families that don’t pack light.

Isuzu Genuine Accessories

The Isuzu UTE Genuine Accessories catalogue has also expanded, with a selection of towing focused accessories engineered specifically for Isuzu vehicles.

Of course, there is a genuine tow bar kit, with either a 7-pin or 12-pin plug for additional auxiliaries.

Also available is a pair of ClearView extendable towing mirrors, with power-fold function and integrated Blind-Spot Monitoring alert lights and LED indicators.

For caravaners with big vans, a genuine Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH) is available for the MU-X for the first time, which effectively levels out the vehicle and caravan in tow, mitigating the dangers of trailer sway.

All models come equipped with Trailer Sway Control (TSC) which intervenes if trailer sway is detected, bringing the vehicle and trailer back under control. Just like the aforementioned WDH, a genuine Electronic Brake Controller can be optioned at any Isuzu UTE Dealer too, offering precise control over heavier trailers and caravans over 2000kg that legally require electric brakes.

With an extensive range of towing and frontal protection options, component protection and lighting options and dress-up accessories, the entire range has been tested and developed for local conditions, completely IDAS compatible and come backed by a comprehensive 3-year or 100,000km warranty.

Isuzu MU-X Engine and Drivetrain

Standard across the All-New MU-X range is the new 4JJ3-TCX 3-litre, common-rail, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel engine, first debuted in the new-generation D-MAX.

MU-X, power and torque outputs have been increased to 140kW at 3,600rpm and 450Nm at 1,600-2,600rpm—a 10kW and 20Nm improvement over the preceding engine respectively.

Testament to how torque-efficient the 4JJ3-TCX is, midrange torque has also been further improved, generating 400Nm from 1,400rpm through to 3,250rpm.

Impressively, 300Nm is produced from just 1,000rpm—just above idle—a benefit to four-wheel drivers who require low-down torque for crawling up hills in low-range.

The result is a linear delivery of torque across the entire rev-range and a welcomed improvement in both drivability and performance, particularly when towing or under load.

Power and torque is transferred to the wheels via a reengineered, smoother and more-refined 6-Speed Aisin AWE6B45 II automatic transmission and an improved Terrain Command 4WD system.

Isuzu Intelligent Driver Assistance System – IDAS

Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS) includes:

SERVICE PLUS 6-7-7

Testament to the confidence instilled within the very DNA of the All-New MU-X, all models are backed by IUA’s comprehensive ownership care package program, Service Plus 6-7-7; encompassing a 6 Year/150,000km Warranty, up to 7 Years Roadside Assistance when serviced through Isuzu UTE Dealers and 7 Years Capped Price Servicing (CPS).

Through improvements and efficiencies made within the powertrain, the cost of maintaining an All-New MU-X through CPS is around 12% less than the preceding model—with 7 years worth of CPS totalling only $3,373—making it among the most cost-effective large-SUVs to maintain.

Recommended Servicing Interval
15,000km / 12 months		 15K 30K 45K 60K 75K 90K 105K Total
Capped Price Servicing Cost $ 389 $ 409 $ 609 $ 509 $ 299 $ 749 $ 409 $ 3,373

PAINT COLOUR AVAILABILITY

In keeping with customer feedback, the All-New Isuzu MU-X range will be available in a tasteful selection of colours and finishes, including two new finishes to the MU-X, Basalt Black, Cobalt Blue, Mercury Silver and Jasper Brown.

  • Mineral White
  • Basalt Black mica (NEW)
  • Mercury Silver metallic (NEW)
  • Obsidian Grey mica
  • Magnetic Red mica
  • Cobalt Blue mica (NEW)
  • Jasper Brown mica (NEW) (LS-U & LS-T only)
  • Moonstone White pearl (NEW) (LS-U & LS-T only)

PRICING – RRP from 2nd August, 2021

For years, the Isuzu MU-X has remained one of the top-choices within the ‘SUV-Large <$70K’ segment and the top-choice in the ‘ute-based SUV’ sub-segment—earning its stripes as a dependable and versatile family-focused adventure SUV. Celebrating the launch of the All-New MU-X and for an initial introductory period from 2nd August, 2021, Isuzu UTE Australia will launch the flagship MU-X LS-T 4×4 with an introductory drive away price of $63,990.

Model Drivetrain Transmission RRP (before ORC)
LS-M 4×2 AT $47,900
LS-U AT $53,900
LS-T AT $59,900
LS-M 4×4 AT $53,900
LS-U AT $59,900
LS-T AT $65,900
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