6 Things We Learned Driving the Isuzu M-UX 3,0TD LSE 4×4 AT

We were recently presented with an opportunity to drive the recently refreshed Isuzu M-UX 3,0 Ddi LSE 4×4 AT. This was our first encounter with the rugged family SUV and we walked away with mixed feelings. We share seven things we learned during our review period.

SUVs are all the rage in this day and age. Every OEM, shy of the real exotics, offers an SUV of sorts. SUVs used to represent a group of vehicles that venture far off the beaten track. Nowadays they are just high-riding versions of stationwagons. However, there are a few that offer the go-anywhere versatility that the segment represented. Among these are the Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, the ever-popular Toyota Fortuner and the subject of this review.

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Isuzu, as a brand, is a known quantity in the SA market. People are generally familiar with its hard-working and long-lasting bakkies. However, few know that the automaker offers a passenger car option in its line-up. The M-UX shares a base with its bakkie sibling. As a result it falls into the same sub-segment of rugged SUVs that offer proper off-road capability. We know that people have no idea of this passenger option as the constant question we had to answer: What is it? And when we used the Hilux/Fortuner analogy, people immediately worked it out, showing the relative familiarity of the M-UX when compared to the top-selling Toyota.
The M-UX, which has been in our market for some time, recently underwent a mid-life refresh. Changes include a slightly different grille, a new headlamp design, revised badge as well as new taillamps and 18-inch alloy wheel design. The changes will, in all likelihood, only be noticeable to current M-UX owners or if the pre- and post facelift versions are parked side-by-side. The product remains unchanged from a mechanical viewpoint, save for revised dampers.
A large part of the vehicle’s revision has taken place in the cabin. The ‘older’ version had come under some critique for its rather dated cabin. This revised version answers those questions with a new appearance and load more tech. LSE derivatives have a digital instrument cluster. The revised facia has a nine-inch infotainment screen with all the requisite connectivity, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In the LSE loan unit this full colour touchscreen also serves as a display for the standard panoramic/360-degree camera.
Thanks to its bakkie underpinnings the M-UX is quite roomy inside. Although, we have to admit, getting into the cabin isn’t particularly easy, especially if you aren’t tall or have iffy joints. There is space aplenty on the rear bench and even seating for two kids in a pair of stowaway seats. When folded neatly into the floor the two seats free up enough boot space for a family’s weekend luggage, and more.
The Isuzu M-UX 3,0 Ddi LSE 4×4 AT is powered by a 3,0-litre turbodiesel engine. Although larger in displacement than some of its rivals, it offers less power, especially when compared to the segment-leading Toyota Fortuner. The slightly noisy engine is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full suite of off-road mechanicals. This includes all-wheel drive, a rear differential lock and low-range transfer case. In addition there is a hill descent control system to deal with tricky downhills. We’ve no doubt that the M-UX will tackle the most arduous off-road course, more so than most other ‘SUVs’ on sale today.
The final thing we learned during our loan period, and while researching for this piece, is that car prices have skyrocketed. Unless you’ve been actively looking, most people have no clue just how expensive new cars are. This LSE 4×4 derivative is just shy of a million rand. At one time, that was the price of soemthing truly exotic. However, that is just what new cars cost these days. At this price point, it isn’t even among the more expensive options. However, Isuzu, as reliable and trust as it is in some quarters, tends to lose out to the likes of the Fortuner. In our eyes, it just does do enough to make it a viable alternative to the segment leaders.

Model: Isuzu M-UX 3,0TD LSE 4×4 AT
Price: R973 700
Engine: 3,0-litre inline-four turbodiesel
Transmission: six-speed, automatic AWD
Max power: 140 kW
Max torque: 450 N.m
0-100 km/h: n/a
Top speed: n/a
Fuel consumption: 7,6L/100 km (8,9 as reviewed)