ISUZU‘s 7-seater SUV adds exclusivity to the range with cutting edge design, premium luxury and off-road capabilities that ISUZU drivers have come to expect. The MU-X appeals to drivers by maintaining its core value proposition and adding an extra degree of luxury, style and safety. ISUZU offers a compelling option for buyers of 7-seater’s that are both luxurious and rugged.
The drive
The ISUZU MU-X Onyx is powered by a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel producing 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque. This is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission which responded promptly and smoothly.
Ride and handling is comfortable but be cautious of slight body roll with too much speed and steering inputs. Ultimately, the ONYX conquers varying road surfaces remarkably well. At cruising speeds, it also prioritises comfort and confidence. When overtaking the MU-X responds adequately but a bit more power would not be missed.
I always find it difficult to imagine taking such a luxurious vehicle off-roading, but the MU-X ONYX is fully equipped for this functionality. Additionally, it also places all the functions and controls in the centre console making it easy to use and reach when focused on overlanding.
The fuel consumption was 9.6l/100km compared to the claimed fuel consumption of 7.6 L/100 km. For an SUV of this size, this is commendable. Many of the smaller SUVs flooding the market now seldom get less than 10l/100km. This consumption is also only having used only a quarter of a tank in mixed driving conditions from local stop-start driving to highway trips.
The design
Upgrades to the exterior of the ONYX include a Light Magnetite bumper, gloss black grille finish, redesigned ISUZU badge, unique XT badging, gloss black roof rails, and ONYX black side mirrors, gloss black door mouldings, and a rear liftgate garnish.
The latest MU-X has sharper, more aggressive headlamp cluster. These LED headlamps have bi-beam technology, LED daytime running lights and the fog lamps are repositioned to enhance visibility.
There is a revised bumper at the rear. New design elements are seen in the tailgate, mid-level spoiler, and badging. The ONYX XT has a new wheel design featuring 20-inch wheels.
The interior is revised to offer drivers greater sophistication and comfort. The ONYX creates a sporty feel through red ambient lighting on the dashboard and doors, complemented by white footwell and overhead console illumination.
It makes use of both leather on the seats, steering wheel, and door panels and not as good quality materials on the dash. It is not quite a hard plastic, but it is not the same quality as the leather in other parts of the SUV.
New interior colours are added to the doors, armrests and on the reworked leather seat patterns. The ONYX is accented with red stitching, and the steering wheel features a piano black finish with a metallic lower centre ornament. The seats are not quite as ergonomic as one would like, however.
Something worth mentioning is that the armrest in the centre of the second row of seats can be used as both an armrest and drinks holder. Often fold out armrest can be used as one or the other. In the case of the MU-X, there is a pop out drinks holder on the front of the armrest so that you can make use of both functions simultaneously.
The rear has a good amount of leg room for passengers, however, unlike many other seven-seaters the second row cannot be moved forward. While the seat can be folded up against the front seat to allow passengers to enter the third row, it does not allow the second row to give these passengers more space. You can, however, recline this row.
The boot, with the third row of seats down, is more than decently sized for day-to-day errands or even longer trips with luggage. There are also side cubbies that prove useful to stop smaller items from rolling around while driving. Additionally, the boot has a cover to protect it from damage which is a simple but very effective addition.
Stepping inside
The new line of ISUZU’s are leaps and bounds ahead of the previous gens. This applies to the MU-X ONYX as well. Even with this advancement the interior, it still retains the practicality that ISUZU drivers have come to expect from the brand. Intuitive and not unnecessarily complicated.
One feature that I quite liked was that on the roof of the SUV is aircon vents for not only the second row but also the third row. This is not frequently seen in seven-seaters which often treat the third row as ‘third’ class with a drink holder at most for passenger comfort.
Something quite interesting is that the fob needs to be quite close to the front of the vehicle for it to start. I had the fob in the open side of the driver’s door, but the MU-X would not start until I brought it closer. Sometimes I forget the fob in my laptop bag in the boot and in almost every instance the vehicle still starts.
I imagine this is part of a safety approach in terms of anti-theft because even the keyless entry and exit works much sooner than the tech in many other vehicles. There is also the option to unlock and lock using the button on the door.
Other features included in the MU-X ONYX include a hands-free power tailgate, two USB ports in the rear and a power point, electronically adjustable seats, buttons for AC control, start button, seat heating, 9-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital 360-degree surround view monitor, redesigned seven-inch multi-information display within the driver’s instrument cluster, ISOFIX car seat anchors and a wireless charger as well as a USB-and-aux ports in the front
Good to know
The specs
Engine: 3-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 7.6L/100km (claimed)
Fuel consumption: 9.6L/100km (achieved)
Power: 140 kW
Torque: 450 Nm
Price: starting from R752 300
Warranty and service plan: five-year/90 000 km service plan, five-year/120 000 km warranty and roadside assistance, and five-year/unlimited distance anti-corrosion warranty.
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