India-spec MU-X spotted ahead its launch

Isuzu’s first premium SUV in India, the MU-X, will be unveiled on May 11, 2017. This new SUV will be pit against Toyota’s Fortuner and Ford’s Endeavour.

The SUV shares its styling with the D-Max V-Cross pick-up - its front fascia is near-identical, but the cab is now extended to cover the pick-up’s flat bed and even has a third row of seats. The rear looks quite unique, with its split horizontal tail-lamps and new bumper. The car’s cabin is identical to that of the V-Cross and the Chevrolet Trailblazer, which are built on the same platform.

While initial reports claimed that Isuzu was readying only one variant of the car, but now recent reports state that there’s not one, but multiple variants of the MU-X for the Indian market. These include a 4x4 MT and AT initially with the 4x2 models joining later. The car will most likely feature a 3.0-litre engine under the hood. The carmaker could bring in the cheaper 150hp 1.9-litre engine as well at a later stage.

While the Chevy Trailblazer is sold as a full import, the MU-X will be locally assembled at the company’s plant in Andhra Pradesh. This facility currently manufactures the D-Max and the V-Cross lifestyle pick-up truck.

And although Isuzu recently unveiled a facelifted version of the MU-X internationally, India will get the pre-facelifted car first, with the facelifted version to come here next year.

The MU-X will face competition from the Ford Endeavour, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and the new Toyota Fortuner. A few dealers have already begun accepting bookings for the MU-X, with deliveries promised a few days after the car’s official launch.