Introduction

Isuzu Motors South Africa has confirmed that the facelifted Isuzu MU-X will be arriving in local markets this year. This follows its global debut in Thailand in June last year, marking a significant step forward for the popular SUV.

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Market Position

The MU-X holds the position of the fourth best-selling SUV in South Africa’s sub-R1-million bakkie-based SUV category. It trails behind the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, and Mahindra Scorpio-N. While it has shown steady progress, it recently lost its traditional third-place ranking to the Scorpio-N. In 2024, Isuzu sold 912 units of the MU-X, compared to 977 units of the Mahindra Scorpio-N, 3,109 Ford Everests, and 10,666 Toyota Fortuners.

Design and Exterior Enhancements

The updated MU-X will showcase Isuzu’s latest design language, featuring a redesigned front grille, headlights, bumper, and fog lamp bezels. At the rear, it introduces new light clusters complemented by a full-width LED light bar, bearing a resemblance to the Audi A7’s lighting arrangement. This places it above competitors like the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, which only managed 305 unit sales in the same period.

Interior Upgrades and Technology

Inside, the facelifted MU-X benefits from enhanced materials for a more premium feel. The SUV now features USB type-C ports instead of type-A, revised physical switchgear, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility across both the seven-inch and nine-inch infotainment screens.

Safety and convenience have also been improved with the addition of a 360-degree surround-view camera system with a transparent bonnet view. The driver assistance suite has been upgraded to include Traffic Jam Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Automatic Braking, Automatic Emergency Braking, Driver Attention Alert, Lane Keep Assist, and Lane Departure Warning.

Isuzu MU-X Key Features Overview

Feature	Details
Engine Options	1.9L Z4E-TC (110kW/350Nm), 3.0L 4JJ3-TCX DDI (140kW/450Nm)
Transmission	6-speed automatic, 4WD available on 3.0L model
Exterior Updates	Redesigned grille, headlights, bumper, fog lamp bezels, and full-width LED light bar
Interior Enhancements	Premium materials, USB type-C ports, updated switchgear
Infotainment System	7-inch & 9-inch displays with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Safety Features	360-degree camera, Traffic Jam Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert
Competitors	Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Mahindra Scorpio-N, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Price Range	R744,300 to R988,000

Under the hood, the MU-X is expected to retain its current turbodiesel engine options. These include the 1.9-litre Z4E-TC producing 110kW and 350Nm, and the 3.0-litre 4JJ3-TCX DDI delivering 140kW and 450Nm. Both engines will continue to be paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox, with four-wheel-drive available only on the 3.0-litre variant.

Despite Isuzu’s introduction of a new 2.2-litre MaxForce turbodiesel engine (120kW/400Nm) in other markets, it is unlikely to be offered in South Africa. Similarly, the newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission has not been confirmed for local models.

Awaiting Official Launch

Isuzu has yet to announce an official launch date for the facelifted MU-X in South Africa. However, the company has stated that a limited number of vehicles are currently undergoing testing in the country. These tests are being conducted under various conditions to ensure optimal performance, safety, and reliability for the diverse South African driving environment.

The MU-X will continue to be sourced from Thailand, like its competitors the Ford Everest and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, rather than being assembled locally at Isuzu’s Gqeberha plant, which produces the D-Max. The current MU-X lineup ranges from R744,300 for the two-wheel-drive 1.9 LS to R988,000 for the top-spec four-wheel-drive 3.0 Onyx. As the official launch approaches, Isuzu South Africa has promised to provide further updates on the highly anticipated facelifted MU-X.