Off-road enthusiasts can look forward to a new Adventure SUV this year, as Isuzu is bringing the facelifted mu-X to South Africa.
The new mu-X made its international debut in June 2024 in Thailand, which is where the South African units are imported from.
However, the company did not confirm at the time that the updated models would be brought to South Africa.
TopAuto recently contacted Isuzu Motors South Africa to ask if the new mu-X had been approved for our market, to which the brand responded that the SUV will reach our roads this year.
“We can confirm mu-X will come this year, and we will share dates closer to the time,” said a company representative.
What’s in store
The mu-X is a body-on-frame SUV that uses the same architecture as the D-Max bakkie, making it a competitor to the likes of the Ranger-based Ford Everest, Hilux-based Toyota Fortuner, and Triton-based Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
The facelift has given the Isuzu a new front end, complete with a revised grille, a larger set of fog lamps, and slim LED headlights.
Similar attention has been given to the rear, as there is a new singular reverse light bar across the boot door in place of the previous, separated lamps.
The updated mu-X also features side steps, roof rails, and new alloy wheel designs that range from 17 to 20 inches in size.
The automaker has yet to confirm the official lineup, but it’s worth noting that the Thailand models have a new flagship derivative called the RS, which boasts a number of sporty-themed cosmetics such as a darkened honeycomb grille with chrome accents, a two-tone roof, flared wheel arches, unique 20-inch wheels, and gloss-black finishes on various components.
Shifting to the interior, you’ll find a new 7-inch digital driver display accompanied by two analogue dials, as well as an updated 9-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Other improvements include a switch from USB-A to USB-C ports, two-tone leather upholstery, and a new gearstick.
The RS units additionally feature red ambient lighting strips, and Sports seats with a lime green contrast stitch pattern.
Another important update concerns the driver assistance suite, which now includes a 360-degree camera with undercarriage view, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist, depending on the trim level.
Given that it is an update and not a new generation, the mu-X is hanging onto its current engine selection, comprising a 1.9-litre or 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel plant.
The 1.9-litre block produces 110kW and 350Nm while consuming 7.0l/100km, while the 3.0-litre generates a greater 140kW and 450Nm at an added fuel expense of 7.6l/100km.
The seven-seater SUV is sold in both rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) specifications, and every model is fitted with a six-speed automatic gearbox.
One important distinction to make is that the RWD models can only tow 2,100kg, while the 4WD can manage up to 3,500kg.
2025 Isuzu mu-X
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