2015 Isuzu MU-X Launched In Malaysia: Introductory Prices From RM152k

Isuzu Malaysia has finally introduced its 2015 Isuzu MU-X seven-seater SUV to the Malaysian market.

We’ve shown you about everything there is to know about the vehicle already, through a set of local spyshots and then the many roadshow previews, but here it is, at Isuzu’s grand launch event.

*Check out our 2015 Isuzu MU-X Info Hub for everything you need to know about it

Little has changed from all that we’ve last shown you, and the 2015 Isuzu MU-X’s introductory price is still available for the two variants – don’t forget that these are only introductory prices that last until July 2015, where we imagine they will go up:

• MU-X 2.5L 4x2 (AT): RM151,944 (OTR with insurance and GST)
• MU-X 2.5L 4x4 (AT): RM164,969 (OTR with insurance and GST)

Buyer’s Guide:

The Isuzu MU-X is a large SUV which is based on the architecture of the Isuzu D-Max – the sole passenger-friendly vehicle sold here by Isuzu prior to the MU-X’s arrival. In the past, the MU-X was limited for sale in selected countries only, such as Australia, Thailand and the Philippines.

Also, while the D-Max is a locally-assembled at the DRB-Hicom facility in Pekan, Pahang, the MU-X here is fully imported from Thailand.

With a go-anywhere platform underneath, the MU-X’s body features quite a few design similarities to what you’d see on its D-Max sibling, but offers a cabin fit for seven passengers in full. The philosophy applied to the MU-X is similar to what you’d find Toyota has done with its Fortuner SUV and Hilux pick-up, likewise Ford with its Everest and Ranger.

But does the MU-X have what it takes to go head-to-head with the Everest and the Fortuner? Here’s a detailed look at the new Isuzu SUV.

Key Specs:

• Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder  VGS turbo-diesel (4JK1-TCX)
• Transmission: Five-speed torque converter automatic with sequential shift mode
• Power: 136hp @ 3,400rpm
• Torque: 320Nm @ 1,800 to 2,800rpm

Performance:

If you, like us, have a thing for the D-Max’s 3.0-litre turbo-diesel, Isuzu Malaysia is sorry to disappoint you because no such power unit is present for neither of the MU-X variants. What you get instead is the brand’s tried and tested 2.5-litre VGS Turbo Intercooler Diesel DOHC workhorse, which still delivers a healthy 320Nm of torque from 1,800rpm.

Exterior Styling:

The front-end styling of the MU-X largely resembles what you’ve seen on the D-Max, dominated by a chrome grille in the centre with ISUZU lettering in the middle, designed to flow seamlessly into the vehicle’s front headlamps. Speaking of which, both variants of the MU-X will get a projector type headlamps with Isuzu’s ellipsoid front lighting system. The front bumper is also a two-tone arrangement, unlike the

The only way of telling the top-spec variant from the base variant at the front is by identifying the LED daytime running lights that are positioned just beside the foglamps – the 4x4 variant has them, the 4x2 doesn’t.

Around the rear, the only apparently difference between the 4x2 and 4x4 variants is that the top-spec 4x4 has an additional muffler cutter and a rear spoiler.

Elsewhere, both variants of the MU-X are nearly identical, and is heavily equipped with chrome. You’ll find the shiny embellishments on the engine hood garnish, door handles, and electric-folding wing mirrors, which feature integrated LED turn signals.

The only other difference is that the 4x2 rides on 16-inch alloy wheels, while the 4x4 gets 17-inch alloys.

Interior Styling:

The cabin of the MU-X is to no surprise as familiar as D-Max’s cabin: three-spoke steering wheel with audio control buttons, touchscreen display on the dash just above the rotary air-conditioning control dial, and a humble gear lever and shift gate.

The seats and various trims are leather-wrapped, while drivers benefit from a six-way power-adjustable seat. Do note that only the top-spec 4x4 version gets a rotary Terrain Command dial on the centre console that lets you shift between 2WD and 4WD operations on the fly.

The middle row (2^nd row) is a 60:40 split-folding type with a centre armrest and cupholder stowed within, while the last row (3^rd) is a 50:50 split type that folds flat into the floor when the additional two seats aren’t required, or cargo space is preferred.

Features & Equipment:

For your convenience, the 2015 Isuzu MU-X offers a host of standard equipment, but as you’d expect, a lot of them are reserved for the 4x4 version. Here’s what you get as standard kit on the base 4x2 first:

• Projector Ellipsoid System headlamps (halogen)
• Electric-folding wing mirrors with LED integrated turn signals
• Chrome door handles
• Roof rails
• Side steps
• High-mounted rear LED stop lamps
• 16-inch alloy wheels
• ISUZU Premium Audio System with six-speakers and MP3, Bluetooth, USB connectivity
• Leather seats and trims
• Three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with Audio & Hands Free control buttons
• 2nd & 3rd row air-conditioning vents with fan speed control
• Bucket support seats with six-way electric driver’s seat

And then for a RM13k premium, the 4x4 version adds:

• LED Daytime Running Lights
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with Audio & Hands Free + Cruise control buttons
• Terrain Command 4WD system
• Automatic climate control
• ISUZU Infotainment Audio Aystem (Blaupunkt)
• Multimedia DVD Player with Mirror Link, WiFi, USB, Bluetooth connectivity
• Roof-mounted rear DVD monitor
• GPS Navigation & Reverse Camera
• Cargo organizer box
• Tonneau Cover
• Cruise Control switches on the steering wheel

Safety Features:

Nearly identical safety features have been laid out by Isuzu Malaysia for its MU-X SUV variants, apart from a small difference to its reverse parking sensor count: you get two on the 4x2, and four on the 4x4.

The rest of the items on the list include dual front SRS airbags, ABS + EBD + BA braking systems, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control and ISOFIX child-seat anchors with top tethers for the second row seats.

Other information:

As with the Isuzu D-Max, Isuzu Malaysia is including its three-year or 100,000km (whichever comes first) warranty into its MU-X’s prices, together with Isuzu’s Doctor Mobile 24-hour roadside assistance service.

Check out Carlist.my’s comprehensive listings of the all-new MU-X, or visit our all-new New Car Showroom for further details of the 2015 MU-X.