Isuzu replaces MU-7 with MU-X SUV internationally

One of Isuzu's two products for the Indian car market, the MU-7 SUV has seen a generation change. The new SUV is called the MU-X and is based on the Chevrolet Trailblazer/Holden Colorado 7 SUV. The 2014 Isuzu MU-X SUV shares its revised body-on-ladder frame with the D-Max pick up truck range, along with the two turbo diesel engines. In terms of looks, the 2014 MU-X SUV is a big step up from the conservative design of the MU-7. Taking cues from the revised D-Max range of pick up trucks, the Isuzu MU-X features revised front and rear end styling. The SUV also gets revised interiors. 

The Isuzu MU-X SUV is powered by a 3 liter turbo diesel engine that outputs 177 Bhp of peak power and 380 Nm of peak torque. The engine is offered with two gearbox options: a 5 speed manual transmission and a 5 speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmission comes with hill ascent and hill descent control, and Adaptive Grade Logic, which holds 3rd gear for ascents and descents. The SUV is also available with a 2.5 liter turbo diesel engine that outputs 136 Bhp-320 Nm. On the inside, the MU-X gets a revised dashboard and a DVD player. The MU-X carries over its seating capacity of 7 people. 

The MU-X has gone on sale in Thailand and will go on sale in the Australian market by the end of this year. India, also a right hand drive market, is likely to get the MU-X sometime next year. The MU-X will replace the MU-7 in the Indian car market, like it has done internationally. CKD assembly of this SUV could lower the price of the MU-X in India. In India, the Isuzu MU-X will rival the likes of the Toyota Fortuner and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, two other SUVs that feature body-on-ladder construction and pick up truck origins. 

Isuzu has a tiny operation in India with three dealers selling the Isuzu D-Max pick up trucks and MU-7 SUVs in the Indian car market. Isuzu India has dealerships in Coimbatore, Chennai and Hyderabad. The Japanese utility vehicle maker, which currently services the Indian market through the completely built unit (CBU) and completely knocked down (CKD) assembly routes, is working on a greenfield manufacturing facility at Sri City, Andhra Pradesh, which will begin production in 2015. Until then Isuzu will use Hindustan Motors' Tiruvallur factory to CKD assemble the D-Max pick up range and the MU-X/MU-7 SUV.