2015 Isuzu MU-X Previewed At Alamanda Putrajaya, Launching In June

Isuzu Malaysia looks set to introduce the 2015 Isuzu MU-X in June with the vehicle currently being previewed at Alamanda, Putrajaya.

Just days ago, we showed you spyshots of the upcoming 2015 Isuzu MU-X in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), and now, it looks like the car is finally ready for a public appearance.

As a refresher, the Isuzu MU-X you see here is largely a D-Max with a body of a full-on SUV: all its body-on-frame architecture, styling cues and more are identical - much alike the Toyota Hilux and the Toyota Fortuner SUV. In essence, you get the ruggedness of a pick-up but with the convenience of a large, seven-seater SUV.

Speaking to sales advisors on location, we were able to uncover that two variants of the coming SUV are being planned for a debut by Isuzu Malaysia: a 4x2 and a MU-X 4x4. Both vehicles will be powered by a 2.5-litre VGS turbo-diesel engine mated to a five-speed torque converter automatic with sequential shift. And due to its drive configuration, it's only the higher-spec 4x4 that will comes with Isuzu’s Terrain Command all-wheel drive system.

The vehicle on display here is the top-of-the-line Isuzu MU-X 4x4.

From the front, strong elements of the D-Max can be seen with a chrome front grille, foglamps integrated into the bumper with LED daytime-running lights, projector headlamps, chromed wing mirrors and doors handles. Beyond that point however, a full SUV cabin replaces what used to be the cargo bed of a D-Max.

The wheels you see here are 17-inch six-spoke alloys wrapped in Bridgestone 255/65 series tyres, while the lower-spec MU-X 4x2 makes do with 16-inch alloys. At the rear, a chromed exhaust tip can been and along the underbody is where you’ll find the spare wheel.

The cabin of the MU-X shares a lot in common with the D-Max. The images you see here are all we could manage at the time, with on-site SAs preventing us from going into the cabin.

From what we can see standing from the outside, leather seats can be found on this 4x4 variant, along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel that features audio control buttons on both sides of the wheel and a far more generous use of chrome trim - on-wheel controls for the multimedia system and cruise control can be seen as well.

The touchscreen display and air-conditioning controls beneath look identical to what's available on the many D-Max variants. Looks like we can expect the same Blaupunkt head unit - not that we're complaining. The Blaupankt multimedia entertainment system with DVD playback navigation, and reverse camera display as well. The 4x2 gets a normal audio system only. For the rear passengers, a top-mounted display screen is fitted as well, between top-mounted air-conditioning vents.

Safety Equipment:

Electronic traction control comes as standard including several airbags (two up front as far as we can see) and anti-lock brakes for the four disc brakes fitted on the MU-X.

Availability:

As mentioned, the 2015 Isuzu MU-X will be launched in Malaysia come June this year, going off the provided leaflet’s request to “block your calendar this June”. With two variants to be offered, all that remains to be disclosed is the MU-X's prices, which sadly, wasn’t disclosed at the point of writing.

Isuzu Malaysia is currently accepting bookings while test drives will be made available beginning early May.

Stay tuned as we bring further updates about the new Isuzu MU-X.

2015 Isuzu MU-X Preview Leaflet (click to view larger):