As expected the new MU-X has dramatically modernised.

THE next-generation Isuzu MU-X four-wheel-drive has been unveiled. 

As with the existing model sold here, the new vehicle shares the majority of its underpinnings with the latest D-Max one-tonne utility, which is about to go on sale in New Zealand and also comes from Thailand, where the MU-X is to be built. 

How long before we see it here? If the same timeline that applied to the ute continues for the wagon, then it could be arriving this time next year, or even later. There’s been a 12-month delay between the D-Max’s unveiling in Thailand and arrival here.

Isuzu has released limited information about the new MU-X and the national distributor could not be reached for comment.

It would seem a safe bet that the vehicle will benefit from many of the key improvements applied to the D-Max.

Also, in being derived from the new ute, the wagon will also be just as new from the ground up: The D-Max body, chassis and drivetrain have all altered significantly.

In saying that, it’s apparent the styling is not only far more modern, with LED headlamps arriving, but also far more removed from the D-Max look.

Whereas the current MU-X and outgoing D-Max were very clearly related, the new wagon seems to deliver its own appearance.

There’s every chance that the new MU-X will sharpen up considerably on safety features through adopting everything that now loads in the D-Max.

The ute has a centre airbag between the front seats as well as advanced technology such as radar cruise control, twin-camera autonomous emergency braking, blind zone warning, rear cross-traffic alert, speed sign recognition, and more.

Infotainment is expected to include a large 9-inch screen with Apple Car Play, Android Auto and a digital speed display in the instrument cluster. Top end models will likely have dual zone air-conditioning and rear air vents.

Drivetrain commonality is ticked. So that means a 3.0-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder generating 140kW and 450Nm paired with a choice of a six-speed auto or six-speed manual, in 2WD or 4WD on certain models.

A rear differential lock is also expected to be available on the 2021 Isuzu MU-X, as per the new Isuzu D-Max.

Media information provided from Thailand suggests the vehicle will deliver a more fulsome comfort level and specification.

The specification of the vehicle here runs to cooled front seats, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a household power socket inside the cabin, extra USB charging ports front and rear, premium audio, an electric park brake, and an adjustable electric tailgate.  

Exterior design touches include 20-inch wheels and LED tail-lights. Automated parking tech – which works with front and rear sensors and the new electric power steering system – is also likely to be available.

 MU-X has been a quiet achiever in the market, with 208 registrations last year and 169 so far in 2020, but it potentially has greater potential now that the Holden Trailblazer -  which was a co-development of Isuzu’s current model but more richly-appointed, better engineered and more powerful - is out of the market.

This time of course, the D-Max and Mazda BT-50 are strongly co-related, but there has been no indication of interest from Hiroshima about created a robust seven seater MU-X offshoot.