A new entry-level version of the Isuzu MU-X has arrived in South Africa, set apart by its 1.9-litre turbodiesel heart. Here’s what the “value-oriented” newcomer will cost you…

In May 2023, the Isuzu MU-X range was handed a bit of a refresh in South Africa, with the Japanese brand also confirming a new “value-oriented” base model was in the pipeline. Now, that entry-level derivative has arrived in the form of the MU-X 1.9 LS 4×2.

As the name suggests, the newcomer – which is part of Isuzu Motors SA’s latest effort to take the fight to the recentlyrevised Toyota Fortunerrange and thefreshly expanded Ford Everestline-up – doesn’t employ the 140 kW/450 Nm 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine used by the 5 other derivatives in the range. Instead, the fresh base model is powered by the 1.9-litre, 4-cylinder oil-burning motor that we already know from the D-Max line-up (and the closely related Mazda BT-50, too).

This smaller-capacity unit generates 110 kW and 350 Nm, peak outputs that are delivered to the 7-seat adventure SUV’s rear axle via a 6-speed automatic transmission as standard. Fuel-consumption figures for the SA-spec version have yet to be released. From what we understand, there are no plans to offer the 1.9-litre variant in 4×4 guise.

The 1.9-litre engine is 30 kW and 100 Nm down on the larger 3.0-litre unit.

So, how much does the MU-X 1.9 LS 4×2 cost? Well, the newcomer is priced at R708000, which represents a R92000 saving over the MU-X 3.0 LS 4×2 (R800 000). Bear in mind, however, the range (like so many other line-ups in South Africa of late) was recently hit with a price hike, with the MU-X 3.0 LS 4×2 having been pegged at R784300 at launch just a couple of months ago.

The 1.9-litre derivative inherits the LS grade, which suggests it should ship standard with items such as 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, a 7.0-inch touchscreen system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), USB charging ports (fore and aft), cruise control, parking sensors (front and back) and a reversing camera. Safety kit will likely include electronic stability control (with traction control), ABS with EBD, hill-start assist, trailer sway control and 7 airbags.

We’ll update this story once more specification information becomes available…

How much does the Isuzu MU-X cost in South Africa?

Isuzu MU-X 1.9 LS 4×2 – R708 000

Isuzu MU-X 3.0 LS 4×2 – R800000

Isuzu MU-X 3.0 LSE 4×2 – R842800

Isuzu MU-X 3.0 LS 4×4 – R885000

Isuzu MU-X 3.0 LSE 4×4 – R927700

Isuzu MU-X 3.0 Onyx 4×4 – R960 600

The MU-X comes with a 5-year/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km), along with a 5-year/120 000 km warranty.

Buy a used Isuzu MU-Xon Cars.co.za!

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