All you need to know about Isuzu mu-X Luxe

The Isuzu mu-X has the reputation of being one of the better diesel SUVs in the country. The Isuzu workhorse was updated with a new Euro 4 compliant turbodiesel engine called Blue Power not that long ago last year. Isuzu, however, realizes that to stay relevant among the growing competition, they need to keep their lineup fresh.

Thanks to this strategy we are now being treated to something a bit more aspirational than any Isuzu workhorse has the right to be. Enter the Luxe variant of the mu-X. As the name suggests, it is the luxury version of the mid-size SUV from the Japanese car maker. A surprising move for a car maker with a reputation for making tough and rugged vehicles.

So what does the mu-X Luxe gets on top of the existing model top justify the Luxe tag. Actually, there are quite a few luxury upscale features here. Starting from the outside, that glossy paint is called Red Spinel and is exclusive for this variant. The flared fenders are now adorned with grey accent pieces. Together, they do lend the SUV a dignified look while making it stand apart from the crowd.

The interior is also beautified with scuff plates that are illuminated with a soft blue lighting. There is leather nearly everywhere you can see. The existing 10” monitor on the roof is now complemented by a 3D surround sound system that ensures that everyone in this seven-seater can enjoy the in-car entertainment. But the most important and probably the most welcome feature of all has to be the power liftgate. The addition of this features means that riders can now open the rear door with the push of a button. This not only opens the door but also closes it on its own. This should be especially handy when you approach it with both your hands full of stuff. And who wants to pull that heavy door down after being exhausted from all the shopping. This door is also intelligent enough to not close when there is something blocking the way. These features then, not only complement the practical nature of the mu-X but also lend it a much-needed air of sophistication.

While certainly adding to the premium feel of the SUV, we cannot forget that the standard mu-X is not an ordinary SUV. The Luxe itself is an upgrade of the LS-A 4X2, an SUV that was declared the best Midsize 4X2 SUV of the year 2017 by the Car Awards group. The current version is powered by a 3L diesel engine with Blue Power diesel technology. The turbodiesel engine produces 177 PS and 380 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels and uses a six-speed automatic transmission. The late 2017 upgrade also made it a whole lot more handsome with a better interior and exterior features. It gets a redesigned front grille, bi-LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and a new more aggressive body kit. The interior wasn’t forgotten either. The multimedia infotainment system comes with an 8” touchscreen and smartphone mirroring, which is a huge improvement on its previous iteration. Safety was also greatly improved with the inclusion of hill start assist and descent control.

With such practicality, good looks, improved equipment levels and capable performance on offer, it is no wonder that the Isuzu mu-X had a waiting period of three months after only two months of being launched. Now the Luxe variant adds a touch of exclusivity to the mix. Isuzu is only making the car in limited numbers. That means that time is already running out if you want to own one of these.

Isuzu is not a marque that people would associate with the words luxury and exclusivity. The words practical and rugged come to mind instead. But Isuzu has in the recent years tried to make their pickups and pickup based SUVs more comfortable and refined. With the current trend of pickup trucks and SUVs turning into lifestyle vehicles, this move does make a lot of sense for the company. So, if you want one of the more exclusive and luxurious Isuzus around on offer, you know what to do.