In this 10-part series of the memorable road trip that was SUV Shootout 2024, we’ve already highlighted the six competitors and the route. From the third instalment, we started taking a closer look at how each of the former fared over the journey. We’ve covered the mild-hybrid Fortuner and XLT-spec Everest. Now it’s time to take a look at an old-time favourite, the Isuzu mu-X …
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With the first iteration having been introduced more than a decade ago (11 years, to be precise, with the initial model’s lifecycle spanning seven years), the mu-X namesake has been around for quite some time. The second generation — tested on SUV Shootout in flagship, Onyx level of specification — was launched in 2020, with the newer variant remaining true to the rugged reliability so synonymous with its maker’s products while gaining a healthy dose of contemporary convenience features, such as touchscreen infotainment and screen mirroring, among many more.
However, even with the latter, the mu-X has retained its old-school charm, with this derivative’s 3.0-litre oil-burner still eliciting that signature thrum as soon as pressing the engine start button. The mu-X felt familiar, which is by no means a bad thing.
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In addition, although the Onyx-spec model sits on a set of 20-inch alloy wheels, during the course of the road trip, whether driving on tarmac or off the beaten track, the drive was comfortable. The suspension arrangement fared well over pockmarked surfaces.
Another arrow in the mu-X’s quiver was its towing capability. CAR’s (Leisure Wheels’ sister publication) road-test editor noted that the Isuzu proved one of the best (of the six competitors) in the towing stakes. (For SUV Shootout we conducted towing tests with a 1.2-tonne luxury 4×4 trailer, which joined us on the trip).
FAST FACTS
- Price: R970 300
- Engine: 3.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbodiesel
- Transmission: 6-speed AT
- Power: 140 kW @ 3 600 r/min
- Torque: 450 N.m @ 1 600-2 600 r/min
- Fuel consumption: 7.6 L/100 km
- Service plan: five years/90 000 km
- Warranty: five years/120 000 km
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