Isuzu MU-X hoping for at least 12,000 sales this coming year.
When the current Isuzu MU-X arrived in Malaysia, there was little enthusiasm for it by segment buyers as the Toyota Fortuner remained a segment best seller with the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport in a close second place. Then came the Mazda CX-8 with its attractive pricing to take a healthy slice of the segment sales.
Meanwhile, when this Isuzu MU-X (pictured above) was launched in Australia some 6 years ago in 2015 (same time as Malaysia), the demand for it outstripped supply in the first few months and even sent its immediate rivals into new marketing strategies to keep their sales healthy. To date there are already more than 50,000 happy owners in Australia since its launch and Isuzu Australia has more than 200,000 happy customers for both this SUV and the D-Max pickup truck.
It is good to hear that Australia remains the largest export market for the Isuzu MU-X and there seem no stopping the sales surge as Australians love the looks and features of this new rugged off-road SUV.
Now comes a brand new 2021 Isuzu MU-X which shares the possible success of the best selling D-Max pickup truck. Yes, the all new 2021 D-Max is selling better than expected and prices have risen in recent months as shipping costs rise.
In Australia there are more segment rivals against the latest 2021 Isuzu MU-X like the latest Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (which has not arrived in Malaysia), the Ford Everest, of course the Toyota Fortuner, then there is the Chinese brands like LDV D90, Haval H9 and not forgetting the Korean made SsangYong Rexton.
According to the Australian Federal Chamber Of Automotive Industries (VFACTS) there were 1158 units of the Isuzu MU-X sold in August 2021, with Isuzu Australia confirming that 893 (77.1 percent) of those were examples of the all new second-generation model.
Australian sales of this all new MU-X in August 2021 was so good that it took a market share of 11.3 percent, pushing the once very popular Toyota Prado (2731 sales and a 26.7 percent share) into second place.
Like the D-MAX, the second-generation MU-X is powered by Isuzu’s upgraded 4JJ3-TCX 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel now producing 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque over 1600-2600rpm (up 10kW and 20Nm), matched with an improved Aisin AWE6B45 II 6-speed automatic transmission with beefier dual-range transfer case.
This new MU-X comes with larger ventilated brake discs measure 320mm (up 20mm) up front and 318mm (up 18mm) at the rear.
This MU-X is also quieter with better sound insulation while a new electric power steering reduces the turning circle by 200mm to 11.4m.
There is also a larger interior with class-leading cargo space of 311 litres behind the third row, 1119L behind the second row and 2138L behind the front seats, plus improved cabin materials, dual glove boxes, a total of 12 drink holders and roof-mounted air-conditioning vents for all three rows.
Please note that this 2021 MU-X will be arriving in Malaysia in a few months’ time.
