Isuzu MU-X facelift debuts in China with new interior

Jiangxi Isuzu Motors, a joint venture between Isuzu and Jiangling Motors, has launched the updated MU-X in China, priced between 178,800 yuan (RM111,421) and 268,800 yuan (RM167,476).

Visually, the SUV is nigh identical to what we get here and comes with a number of design revisions. These include new bumpers front and rear, 18-inch wheels, redesigned fog lamp enclosures (now with more chrome) as well as a new grille design.

Similarly, LED headlights are now present along with LED daytime running lights and LED light guides within a redesigned housing. The rear taillight clusters retain their shape, but they now come with new graphics and LED guides within them as well. A nice novelty are the ‘Isuzu’ projectors located under the front doors panels, which are also new items.

While it is familiar on the outside, it is a different story for the cabin. As revealed earlier, the Chinese-market MU-X boasts a completely new dashboard that features a tablet-like infotainment system prominently. The 8-inch touchscreen unit comes with support for Apple CarPlay and Baidu’s CarLife connectivity, plus a host of regular media functions.

Just below it is new switchgear for the climate control system, which does away with the circular look on our local-spec MU-X. Elsewhere, you’ll also note the redesigned gear selector, new control dial for the Terrain Command 4WD System, and a new steering wheel design. These elements, along with the faux wood dash trim, ambient lighting and Yamaha sound system, help provide the MU-X with a more premium-looking interior – one you won’t even find on the Thailand-spec MU-X.

Two turbodiesel engines are being offered with the MU-X, paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission and two- or four-wheel drive. The newcomer here is the 150 PS/340 Nm RZ4E-TC 1.9 litre Ddi Blue Power engine, which displaces the 4JK1-TCX 2.5 litre unit. The downsized mill is joined by the 4JJ1-TCX 3.0 litre powerplant, which makes 177 PS and 430 Nm of torque.