Isuzu mu-X 1.9 finally gets 4×4
Isuzu South Africa has finally done what buyers have been asking for. The 1.9-litre turbodiesel, an engine already well-regarded for its efficiency, was previously only available in 4×2 form, leaving anyone who wanted proper 4×4 capability with no choice but to step up to the 3.0-litre or to look elsewhere.
That gap has now been plugged, with the 1.9-litre 4×4 joining the local mu-X range. Mechanically, it’s largely the same car as the 4×2. The same 1.9-litre turbodiesel with 110kW and 350Nm, same 6-speed automatic transmission, just with a proper 4×4 system added underneath.
Isuzu has kept things simple with the mu-X LS 4×4, and that’s appreciated. The new variant retains the same 795kg payload, 750kg unbraked towing capacity, 30-degree approach and 26-degree departure angles as the rest of the range, ensuring that buyers don’t sacrifice anything off-road in exchange for the smaller engine. The only real trade-off is weight. The 4×4 adds 100kg over its 4×2 counterpart, which is worth keeping in mind given that efficiency is one of the 1.9-litre’s main selling points.
Inside, nothing has been stripped out to justify the price difference. It’s still the same 7-seater SUV with partial leather seat trim, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Front and rear USB ports are also carried over. The only new addition to the interior is a transfer case rotary dial for the 4×4 system.
On the safety front, the 1.9 LS 4×4 is equipped with a range of active and passive safety features such as ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, ESC, Traction Control, Hill Start Assist and a total of seven airbags.
At R752,400, R37,300 more than the 4×2, the mu-X 1.9TD LS 4×4 makes a compelling case for itself. That’s not a small ask, but in the context of what you’re getting, it’s a proper 4×4 system in a more efficient package. It’s also backed by a 5-year/120,000km warranty with roadside assistance, a 6-year/90,000km service plan and a 5-year unlimited kilometre anti-corrosion warranty.
