Isuzu MU-X 1.9-litre announced, priced

ISUZU Ute Australia has announced pricing and details for its incoming 1.9-litre turbo-diesel MU-X range this week, the seven-seat SUV range on sale from next month (April) priced from $47,400 plus on-road costs.

The Japanese importer says the introduction of the model offers Isuzu buyers more choice and more range, with the MY24 MU-X line-up now encompassing nine variants and two engine offerings, the new 1.9-litre joining the carryover 3.0-litre turbo-diesel in the range.

Both four-cylinder units are paired exclusively to an Aisin-sourced six-speed automatic transmission. Two- and four-wheel drive configurations are available with Combined cycle fuel consumption listed from as low as 7.4-litres per 100km.

For the incoming MY24 MU-X range, Isuzu will continue to provide a strong accompaniment of standard equipment, noting only “minor price increases” of between $500 and $2000 depending on variant – the first such increase in over two years.

“Value for money has always been at the core of our vehicles, and our team has worked hard behind the scenes to continue to offer that—regardless of the pressures from increased production and transportation costs that society has endured recently,” said Isuzu Ute Australia managing director Junta Matsui.

“Increasing the price of the MY24 MU-X range was a decision not taken lightly, with all options deeply considered.

“We’re confident that value for money has been maintained across the MY24 MU-X range and the addition of the 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine gives customers a more affordable option; not just at the showroom, but down the track, as it is up to 10 per cent more fuel-efficient than our 3.0-litre engine.”

With 100kW of power at 3600rpm and 350Nm of torque from 1800-2600rpm, the RZE-TC series engine offers what Isuzu Ute says is a wide and linear delivery of torque and strong mid-range response which aids in both driveability and performance.

The model range offers a braked towing capacity of 3000kg and a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) Of 5500kg. Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is drivetrain dependant, with 4x2 and 4x4 models coming in at 2700kg and 2800kg respectively. Payload is listed at 735kg.

Across the grade walk we find the MY24 Isuzu MU-X range to be well equipped. The entry grade LS-M offers an abundant array of Intelligent Driver Assist System technologies including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go functionality, AEB with Turn Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Forward Collision Warning, Emergency Lane Keeping, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition, Trailer Sway Control and eight airbags.

A reversing camera and rear parking sensors are included, as is ISOFIX compatible anchor points on outer two seats of the second row, with three top tether points

The grade further offers a locking rear differential and Rough Terrain Mode (4x4 models), an automatic electric park brake with auto hold function, 800mm water wading depth, 230mm ground clearance, 28.8-degree approach, 22.6-degree break over, and 27.6-degree departure angles, and cargo capacity ranging from 311- to 1119- to 2138 litres depending on seating configuration.

Equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels shod with 255/65-series Dunlop AT25 All-Terrain tyres, black mirrors and door handles, a black and gunmetal grey grille, black sidesteps and window framing, polyurethane steering wheel and gearshift selector, carpeted flooring, cloth upholstery, dual vanity mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, automatic bi-LED headlights with auto-levelling and high beam, LED daytime running lights, LED tail-lights, rain-sensing wipers, manual air-conditioning, and a 7.0-inch infotainment array with DAB+ digital radio reception, smartphone mirroring, voice recognition, four-speaker sound, and Android Auto (wired) and Apple CarPlay (wireless) connectivity.

Paint selection extends to Basalt Black, Cobalt Blue, Magnetic Red, Mercury Silver, Mineral White, and Obsidian Grey.

Stepping up to the MU-X LS-U grade (from $55,900 plus on-road costs) and we find improved ground clearance of 235mm accompanying greater off-road geometry of 29.2 degrees approach, 23.1 degrees break over, and 26.9 degrees departure.

The LS-U grade further benefits from 18-inch alloy wheels shod with Bridgestone 684II Highway Terrain tyres, tyre pressure monitoring, powered and heated body-coloured wing mirrors, a Magnetite and chrome finished grille, Magnetite coloured side steps, roof rails, and lower rear bumper trim, rear privacy glass, chrome window framing, a leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shift selector, six-way adjustable driver’s seat with electric lumbar support, Magnetite, piano-black and chrome finished interior décor, walk-away door locking, native satellite navigation, and a larger 9.0-inch infotainment screen with eight-speaker sound.

Other standard features for the MU-X LS-U include dual-zone climate control, LED fog lights with Magnetite bezels, front parking sensors, a powered tailgate with remote and handsfree operation, and optional Moonstone White and Galaxy Blue paint hues.

Finally, and for the range-topping MU-X LS-T grade, we find 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels with 265/50-series Bridgestone 684II Highway Terrain tyres, leather-accented upholstery with stitched leatherette trimming on the door cards and centre console, variably heated front seats, eight-way electric adjustable driver’s seat with electric lumbar support and four-way electric front seat passenger adjustment, LED ambient cabin lighting, and remote engine start.

As advised separately, all MY24 Isuzu MU-X models are now backed by IUA’s newly improved Service Plus customer care program encompassing a five-year Flat Price Servicing program, a six-year/150,000km warranty, and up to seven years’ roadside assistance.

Isuzu Ute Australia says the first examples of its MY24 MU-X range will arrive in dealerships nationally from the end of March with the official on sale date being April 2.

2024 Isuzu MU-X pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.