Japanese automaker Isuzu had suspended the production of its BS4 vehicles, including the mu-X and D-Cross V-Cross pickup trucks, by the end of December 2019. The brand was supposed to launch the BS6 offerings in the year 2020. But late in the day, Isuzu is finally ready to take off its BS6 range. Recently, a testing mule of the mu-X has been spotted in Bangalore, and it is likely to be the BS6 version of the SUV.
BS6 Isuzu mu-X – What do the spy shots reveal?
The car seen testing was the same model which was on sale in our country before the BS6 emission norms came into effect. However, the brand has already launched the next-generation model in Thailand last year. So, it is not clear whether we will get the new-gen model or will have to satisfy with the previous-gen model. However, we cannot deny the fact that the brand may be using the older model just to test the updated engine.
Next-Gen Isuzu mu-X
Talking about the new-gen Isuzu mu-X, it gets the complete design makeover as well as mechanical upgrades. The notable design elements of the upgraded SUX includes a new twin-slat chrome-finished grille, redesigned bi-LED projector headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lamps and a redesigned sporty bumper that also houses new LED fog lamps. It also gets a more prominent upper shoulder line, three options of different sizes of alloy wheels, a refreshed rear section with a split LED taillamps setup and redesigned bumper that also accommodates rear fog lamps & reflectors.
The interior of the Isuzu mu-X feels much more dated with redesigned dashboard layout and plenty of new comfort & convenience features such as 9-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, power-adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, push-button start/stop, electric parking brake, powered tailgate, 6-airbags, etc.
Interestingly, it also features level-1 ADAS technology (Advanced Driver Assistant System) similar to the MG Gloster, which includes active safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, and parallel park assist.
In Thailand, the mu-X is offered with two engine options: 1.9-litre turbocharged petrol (150PS/350Nm) and 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel (190PS/450Nm) unit. Transmission duties are taken care of by the 6-speed automatic gearbox for the diesel variants, conveying the power to all four wheels. The petrol engine, on the other hand, comes with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Expected Price & Launch Date
Prices of the BS6 Isuzu mu-X could start from around Rs 27 lakh (ex-showroom). It is expected to launch later this year. Once launched, it will continue to take on the likes of Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, Mahindra Alturas G4, and the MG Gloster.