Will share the platform and certain components with the D-Max pickup.
Isuzu Motor is expected to launch the Isuzu MU-X in India on 11 May. It replaces the dated Isuzu MU-7, and its production at Isuzu's new plant in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh will be highly localised in India, according to ET Auto.
The D-Max lineup in India is built at a localisation rate of 70 percent, and it shares the platform and most components with the MU-X, so we expect the SUV to have similar levels of local content. However, instead of the D-Max's 2.5L unit, the MU-X will pack the top-end 3.0L 4-cyl turbodiesel that produces 163 PS and 380 Nm of peak torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual. It will be available in both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations and lock horns with the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour.
A top-end variant of the MU-X was recently spied undisguised, featuring 17-inch alloy wheels, LED DRL strips beside the fog lamps, projector headlamps, bold dual slat chrome grille, chrome ORVM caps, roof rails, gloss grey bumper finish, sideboard and a rear spoiler.
However, the model spotted was the pre-facelift Isuzu MU-X, while the facelifted version is already on sale in Thailand where Isuzu manufactures the MU-X. One of the reasons could be that the initial stock of CKD kits imported from Thailand was based on the pre-facelift model. So, expect the facelifted MU-X to arrive later this year or in H1 2018.
Expect Isuzu to price the MU-X very competitively in India, given the high localisation. For reference, its sister model, the Chevrolet Trailblazer, was sold in India as a CBU from Thailand for INR 26.4 Lakhs (ex-showroom).
[Source: ET Auto]
