Facelifted Isuzu MU-X revealed in flagship RS form
The facelifted Isuzu MU-X has been revealed overseas, with the refreshed version of the 7-seater adventure SUV even gaining a new RS flagship derivative…
Say hello to the facelifted Isuzu MU-X, which debuts as an updated alternative to the likes of the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest. The Japanese firm says it has “significantly upgraded” its 7-seater adventure SUV in response to “market demand”, while also unveiling a bold new RS flagship derivative.
Though the refreshed MU-X is already on sale in Thailand (where SA-spec MU-X models are produced), it’s not yet clear when Isuzu Motors South Africa plans to launch the updated SUV in the local market. As an aside, the revised D-Max bakkie – on which the MU-X is based – was unwrapped overseas in October 2023, but the Struandale facility in the Eastern Cape is still building the pre-facelift version for Mzansi.
But back to updated MU-X. Exterior styling changes are led by an aggressive new front-end design, complete with revised headlamps, a sporty front bumper and an updated grille. The taillamps, meanwhile, gain a new lighting signature and are now connected by a full-width trim piece, while fresh alloy-wheel designs have been rolled out, too.
What about the top-spec RS grade, which thus far appears exclusive to Thailand? Well, the flagship derivative gains a model-specific grille design as well as black finishes for items such as the wheel-arch extensions, side-mirror caps, roof and 20-inch alloys. Of course, there’s also the requisite smattering of “RS” badges (on the grille, front fenders and tailgate).
Inside, standard versions of the facelifted MU-X feature fresh designs for the instrument panel, seats and door trim, while the RS variant adds ambient lighting, extra trim elements and contrast stitching. In Thailand, new features include a “next-generation stereo camera” (opening the door to various safety features), along with a 360-degree camera system and a 7-inch TFT LCD instrument panel display.
From what we can tell, no changes have been made to the MU-X powertrain line-up, which again comprises a 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine (110 kW/350 Nm) and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel motor (140 kW/450 Nm). Both units are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission as standard. As a reminder, the current MU-X portfolio in South Africa comprises 6 derivatives (both 4×2 and 4×4 variants), priced from R722 200 to R970 300.
Related content
Isuzu MU-X Onyx (2024): a 1200 km road trip