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. 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.
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 at 3,500 rpm
and 350 Nm of torque at 1,800 – 2,600 rpm. The second choice could
be the 3.0-liter turbodiesel (4JJ3) making 190 PS at 3,600 rpm and 450
Nm of torque at 1,600 – 2,600 rpm.
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.
