India-bound Isuzu MU-X facelift showcased at Bangkok Motor Show

The facelifted prototype of Isuzu MU-X has made an appearance at the ongoing 2017 Bangkok Motor Show. This SUV went on sale in Thailand earlier this year and will also make its way to India, soon. In fact, there are rumours that Isuzu will launch the facelifted MU-X in India sometime in May.

The MU-X SUV was first introduced in 2013 and has been on sale in international markets of Australia, New Zealand, Laos, Indonesia and Philippines. The Japanese car-maker has given the SUV a mid-life update, and this new car will now debut in India. The upgraded car now includes reworked headlights along the large horizontal grille slat. The LED day-time running lights have been integrated alongside the projector units. The bumpers have been tweaked with a new roof-mounted spoiler and stylish 18-inch alloy wheels which give the car a modern appeal. The roof rails, wrap-around LED taillights and high ground clearance characterise the new MU-X. The overall design philosophy is very similar to that of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, which the MU-X is based upon.

On the inside, the seven seater gets a dual-tone dashboard with soft touch plastic and leather upholstery. A new eight-inch infotainment screen with the carmaker’s all new iConnect feature has also been added, which includes navigation and smartphone connectivity. The feature list including six speakers (plus two roof-mounted speakers), 14 cup holders, steering mounted controls, six-way seat adjustment, and climate control all come as standard.

Powering the MU-X is a 2.5-litre turbodiesel unit, which does its duty in the D-Max V-Cross, producing 136bhp of power and 320Nm of torque. Internationally, the MU-X is powered by a newly-developed 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine producing 150bhp and 350Nm and a 3.0-litre diesel motor with 177bhp and 380Nm. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic.

When launched in India, the MU-X will be manufactured at Isuzu’s facility in Andhra Pradesh, where the V-Max is currently produced. Isuzu’s upmarket offering will go up against the likes of Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner, Chevrolet Trailblazer and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. The MU-X will replace the MU7 in India and likely be priced similarly between Rs 20 – 25 lakh.