The Isuzu D-Max midsize pickup is perhaps the brand’s best-known product around the world but its SUV variant, the MU-X, is much more exotic – or so to speak.
For its first generation (2013-present), it was sold in only a handful of countries, including Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, China, India and Paraguay. With the all-new D-Max launching last year, a second-generation MU-X is on the way and we can now show you what it will look like courtesy of patent images from Japan.
Retrieved from Japan Patent Office’s website by AutoWeek, the images point out that the new MU-X will differentiate itself further to the D-Max. It features a distinct face with slimmer headlights and a smaller grille than its pickup sibling. Some could say the front design reminds of a Mazda, which is interesting since the new BT-50 also uses the platform of the latest Isuzu D-Max.
See Also: This Crazy Isuzu D-Max Truck In Thailand Has FIVE Turbochargers
Out back, the horizontal taillights look sleeker, while the profile is more elegant and cohesive than on the previous-generation MU-X. The 2021 Isuzu MU-X is expected to retain its seven-seat interior layout, while the engine lineup should be shared with the new D-Max pickup.
Depending on the market, expect the rugged SUV to offer a base base 1.9-liter turbodiesel (RZ4E) delivering 150 PS (148 HP) at 3,500 rpm and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque at 1,800 – 2,600 rpm. The second choice could be the 3.0-liter turbodiesel (4JJ3) making 190 PS (187 HP) at 3,600 rpm and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque at 1,600 – 2,600 rpm.
You may recall that the current MU-X is a sister vehicle to the outgoing Chevrolet Trailblazer and Holden Colorado 7, renamed Holden Trailblazer as part of the 2017 facelift. For the next-generation, though, the MU-X is likely to remain the only SUV based on the D-Max platform as Mazda has ruled out launching a BT-50-based sports utility vehicle.
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