There has been a top-and-tail for the Isuzu mu-X 7-seater SUV with the addition of an entry-level variant as well as a new four-wheel drive option.

“The ISUZU mu-X is renowned for its sleek and modern styling, exceptional comfort, superb performance, advanced technologies and impressive safety. This makes it a fantastic family-oriented vehicle ideally suited to those with active lifestyles,” says Kevin Fouche, Department Executive: Product Planning and Programme Management at ISUZU Motors South Africa.

“We are delighted to be expanding the mu-X range with a four-wheel drive version of the 3.0 LSE to give our customers an even greater choice. We previously offered only the LS and range-topping 3.0 Onyx with a 4x4 drivetrain, so the new 3.0 LSE 4x4 will appeal to more customers wishing to head off-road and explore more remote destinations.”

A total of five 3,0-litre mu-X models are now available, comprising the 3.0 LS and 3.0 LSE which can be specified in 4x2 and 4x4 versions, as well as the 3.0 Onyx 4x4 – all of which use Isuzu’s six-speed automatic transmission.

“Along with the broader line-up, we have given the mu-X an even more sophisticated and dynamic appearance on the outside, and introduced several new interior features that add a further touch of class and practicality,” Fouche adds. “We are also launching a stunning new colour to the range called Norwegian Blue, and making privacy glass standard across the entire range to further reinforce the premium look and feel of the mu-X.”

On the outside, the mu-X now sports dark Magnetite finishes for the radiator grille, front and rear bumpers, front fog lamp bezels, roof rails and side steps, replacing the  Tungsten silver and chrome that defined the previous model. The rear combination lamps have also been given a refresh that continues the theme.

Also new to the LS models is the fitment of 18-inch alloy wheels that are shared with the LSE, replacing the 17-inch versions used previously. A matching full-size 18-inch alloy spare wheel is now provided on the LS and LSE in place of steel rims. The Onyx gains even more curb appeal thanks to new 20-inch machined alloy wheels.

On the LSE and Onyx models, there is now a power tailgate with a step sensor integrated into the rear bumper for hands-free access to the rear luggage compartment. The power tailgate is linked to the Passive Entry Start System (PESS), and can also be operated via a button on the key fob.

The interior has also been tweaked and door and instrument panel garnishes echo the dark Magnetite accents featured on the exterior, leather seats are now standard across the range and incorporate eight-way power adjustment and manual lumber support for the driver, along with four-way power adjustment for the front passenger.

LS models gain front and rear parking sensors. On the LSE, an auto-dimming rearview mirror is now standard, along with paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel.

The new four-wheel drive LSE model shares Isuzu’s 3,0-litre turbo-diesel engine with the rest of the range, which develops 140 kW at 3 600 r/min, along with 450 Nm of torque from 1 600 r/min to 2 600 r/min.

An electronically controlled part-time four-wheel drive system allows easy switching between two-wheel drive (2H), 4x4 high range (4H) and 4x4 low range (4L) using a rotary dial on the centre console.

Standard driver aids across the Isuzu mu-X range, including the LS models, comprise Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control, anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist System (BAS), Brake Override Accelerator (BOA), Hill Start Assist (HAS), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Trailer Sway Control, Cruise Control, as well as front and rear parking sensors with a rearview camera.

Passive safety features include driver and front passenger crash bags, front seat side bags, curtain bags and driver knee bag.

The mu-X LS is equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen system with integrated Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Wi-Fi, plus front and rear USB charging ports.

The LSE and Onyx models gain a tyre pressure monitoring system, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert and rear radar.

The infotainment system is upgraded to a larger 9-inch touchscreen on the LSE, complemented by a total of eight speakers compared to the six on the LS model. range-topping 3.0 Onyx.

The mu-X is sold with a 5-year/90 000 km service plan, 5-year/120 000 km warranty and roadside assistance, and 5-year/unlimited distance anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are every 15 000 km or 12 months.