Bucket Seat: ISUZU M-UX 3.0 Diesel

The Isuzu MU-X 3.0 is a tough, family-friendly SUV that’s built for both the school run and the great outdoors. With a bakkie-like base (it shares parts with the D-Max), it’s designed for people who need space, power, and reliability—whether you’re heading into town or tackling a gravel road in the Karoo.

DESIGN

From the outside, the MU-X looks bold and serious. It has that tough "bakkie DNA" but with smoother edges and modern touches. The LED headlights, big chrome grille, and raised stance give it presence on the road. Inside, it's not flashy like some European SUVs, but it’s clean and practical. You get soft-touch panels, leather seats on higher trims, and a smart layout. There’s space for seven, and the boot is decent even with the third row up. Fold those back seats flat, and it turns into a camping dream.

PERFORMANCE

Under the bonnet is Isuzu’s well-known 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine. It pushes out 140 kW and 450 Nm, which gives it enough muscle to carry a full load of passengers or tow a trailer or caravan. It’s not the fastest off the line, and you’ll hear the diesel growl, especially when you floor it—but it’s dependable, smooth enough, and made to last. The 6-speed automatic gearbox does the job well, although not as silky as some rivals. On the road, it cruises comfortably. On gravel or off-road, it shines even more—especially in the 4x4 versions. Add in the rear diff lock and hill-descent control, and it feels ready for any trip to the bush or towing a boat to the dam. Real fuel use: around 9–11L/100km, depending on how and where you drive. In short: Strong, capable engine. Built more for endurance than speed.

COMFORT

The MU-X is made for long trips. The suspension is tuned more for rough roads than pothole-free highways, so it can feel a bit firm—but nothing too harsh. It’s more comfortable than a bakkie, less floaty than some SUVs. Seats are supportive, and the driving position is high—giving you a good view. The second row is spacious, and the third row is okay for kids or short adults. Aircon vents are available in all three rows (a must in SA heat), and the Onyx and LSE models have things like electric seats, keyless entry, a big touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a powered tailgate. Only gripe: the infotainment system can be slow, and there's no physical volume knob. It’s minor, but noticeable.

VERDICT

The Isuzu MU-X 3.0 Diesel is not trying to be a flashy city SUV. Instead, it offers solid value, strong towing ability, great off-road skills, and reliable performance. It’s ideal for people who want a vehicle that can do it all—from fetching kids to escaping the city for a weekend away. If you’re comparing it with the likes of the Toyota Fortuner or Ford Everest, the MU-X is often more reliable, slightly cheaper to run, and has a reputation for lasting forever. It may not be as tech-loaded or silky smooth, but it nails the basics—and does so with confidence.

SPECIFICATION

Engine	3.0L Diesel
Gear Box	6-Speed Automatic
Torque	450Nm
Power	140kW
Fuel Economy	7.6L/100km
Price	R852,600

 

Bucket Seat: ISUZU D-MAX X-RIDER

ISUZU Motors South Africa is launching the all-new D-MAX X-RIDER – the latest iteration of the exciting X-RIDER series that has been exceptionally popular with South African customers since it debuted in 2016.

Based on the latest seventh-generation D-MAX range, which is produced at ISUZU’s Struandale plant in Gqeberha, the all-new X-RIDER once again embodies the stand-out character, bold design and distinctive features that have made this unique model revered amongst pickup, or bakkie, owners in South Africa.

The X-RIDER debuted in ISUZU’s D-MAX range as a limited-edition special-value model in 2016, and gained instant popularity. A year later, it was integrated into the standard line-up and has remained a top choice for bakkie enthusiasts wanting a capable vehicle that stands out from the crowd. The original X-RIDER was celebrated for its distinctive design elements and upscale features, and the all-new X-RIDER takes this legacy to new heights.

“The new D-MAX X-RIDER is all about image, style and capability, and is a great choice for discerning customers that want something special,” says Kevin Fouche, Department Executive: Product Planning and Programme Management at ISUZU Motors South Africa. “The X-RIDER will attract a lot of attention, but to offer value to our customer the new X-RIDER is based on the mid-range 1.9 Ddi LS models with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions in 4x2 form, and a 4x4 automatic for adventurous customers heading off the beaten track.”

Eye-catching exterior

The all-new D-MAX X-RIDER is a head-turner and will appeal to customers wanting something different from the norm. Its assertive character is clearly evident from the front with the sleek black gloss grille once again adorned with bold red ‘ISUZU’ lettering, which continues the distinctive theme that was started with the original X-RIDER model.

X-RIDER badges are featured on both front doors and the tailgate to reinforce its exclusive status, complemented by a black ISUZU tailgate decal. LED headlamps, LED fog lamps and LED taillamps enhance the upmarket appearance while ensuring optimal visibility, day or night.

Stylish black accents on the door handles, B-pillars, side-mirror covers, tailgate handle and curved sports bar behind the cab emphasize the X-RIDER’s dynamic aesthetics. In addition to enhancing the overall silhouette, the dark grey roof rails serve a practical purpose, accommodating roof racks if needed.

Sophisticated 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, featuring red ‘ISUZU’ lettering on black centre caps, provide a stylish yet grounding element to the rugged posture. A towbar is included as standard, with a 2.1-ton tow rating.

In keeping with its special status, the D-MAX X-RIDER is available in four striking colours, comprising Splash White, Mercury Silver (from April 2024), Red Spinel and Islay Gray.

The inner sanctum

Subtle red accents throughout the cabin emphasise the X-RIDER’s unique personality. The leather seats are given sporty flair with red contrast stitching and embroidered red ‘X’ logos on the headrests, the bold interior is finished off with PVC leather door trims with red stitching.

A striking red divider resplendent with the ‘X’ logo is positioned between the glove compartment and dashboard, further lifting the dynamic ambience, complemented by a leather-wrapped, red-stitched steering wheel featuring a red ISUZU badge.

Additional red accents, such as elements in the door materials, red stitching on gearshift boot and the park-brake sheath all contribute to a cohesive design that underscores the vehicle’s distinctiveness.

Setting it apart from other D-MAX models, the cabin features dark interior surfaces and a dark headliner, with unique X-RIDER floor mats completing the exclusive look.

The power within

Fuel efficiency is a hallmark of the D-MAX range, and particularly when it comes to ISUZU’s frugal 1.9-litre Ddi engine that’s a cornerstone of the seventh-generation model. This four-cylinder common-rail diesel engine received wide recognition earlier this year in ISUZU’s One Tank Challenge, achieving a remarkable fuel economy figure of 5.58 litres per 100 km over 1 452 km of varied terrain. The intercooled turbodiesel unit delivers a maximum 110 kW of power at 3 600 r/min and peak torque of 350 Nm from 1 800 to 2 600 r/min.

Power from the 1.9 Ddi engine is dispatched to the wheels through two transmission options: a six-speed manual, known for its precise and direct gear shifts, ensuring effortless gear selection; and a six-speed automatic, finely tuned for swift gear changes and enhanced fuel efficiency. Customers have the option of the manual or automatic transmissions on the 4x2 version, while the 4x4 model is equipped with the six-speed automatic as standard.

The X-RIDER’s performance is in sync with its rugged aesthetics. It maintains the same standards as the rest of the current D-MAX range, offering a maximum wading depth of 800 mm, improved underbody protection, enhanced aerodynamics for better airflow and cooling, and, on the 4x4 model, a quick-engaging shift-on-the-fly 4x4 drive system.

The X-RIDER incorporates an impressive set of standard safety features, including driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag.

Active safety features available to the driver include ABS brakes, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BAS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control, Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Trailer Sway Control.

Model line-up

The X-RIDER range consists of three models, all in LS trim grade and available only in double-cab configuration. The 1.9 Ddi D/Cab HR X-RIDER LS features a six-speed manual transmission, while the HR X-RIDER LS AT and 4x4 X-RIDER LS AT come equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission.

All come standard with cruise control, a seven-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a six-speaker audio system, Wi-Fi compatibility and a rear USB port. Additionally, rear park assist and a rear-view camera are included as standard features.

The new X-RIDER retains its focus on the same target audience as its predecessor: customers wanting a double cab with distinctive looks, heightened refinement, notable safety and comfort features, as well as unwavering performance and reliability. While style and image hold significance, accessibility is a top priority, and it’s here where the X-RIDER excels.

The development of the all-new D-MAX X-RIDER formed part of ISUZU’s substantial R1.2-billion investment in the company’s Struandale operations to produce the seventh-generation D-MAX range.

Pricing will be released soon.

ISUZU Complete Care

ISUZU Complete Care comes standard with every new ISUZU D-MAX and embodies Isuzu’s unwavering commitment to aftersales service and customer satisfaction. All new ISUZU D-MAX models are sold as standard with a comprehensive five-year/120 000 km warranty and roadside assistance, as well as a five-year unlimited distance anti-corrosion warranty.

In addition, a five-year/90 000 km service plan is included in the purchase price, with service intervals scheduled every 15 000 km or annually, whichever comes first.

Through ISUZU Mobility, customers have the option of extending the standard service plan up to a maximum of six years or 200 000 km. Alternatively, the service plan can be upgraded to a full maintenance plan that covers the vehicle for planned and unplanned maintenance up to six years/200 000 km.

Bucket Seat: ISUZU mu-X 1.9

The ever popular SUV segment is booming in the country and whilst many are opting for the smaller fuel efficient models, the larger 7-seater models are still the ones that most have their eye on. But with the increase in fuel prices and high economy averages that come with these big engine SUV's, its not a very attractive segment, this is why Isuzu took the decision to launch their popular mu-X model with a new value orientated 1.9-litre engine and I got the chance to experience it at their local media drive in Durban yesterday. This expands the local model line-up to a total of six mu-X models, the largest range yet for the company. 

“Adding a new entry-level 1.9-litre model significantly broadens the appeal of the mu-X. It is perfect for customers who are drawn to the outstanding space, comfort and versatility provided by our popular SUV, but require greater affordability and lower running costs,” says Kevin Fouche, Department Executive: Product Planning and Programme Management at ISUZU Motors South Africa.

“This is the first time we’ve offered the mu-X with the proven 1.9-litre Ddi engine and at this price point. We believe the timing is perfect due to the continued growth of the SUV segment,” Fouche says. “The competitive pricing makes it an attractive proposition for family-oriented customers making the step up from a sedan, hatchback or bakkie, and we are confident that the proven 1.9-litre engine’s exceptional fuel economy will be a major drawcard too.”

Now I know what you must be thinking, a 1.9-liter engine propelling such a large SUV with 7-seats? Surely its not going to drive well, on the contrary my first impressions were rather surprised. Yes, its not going to win any 0-100km/h races but you have to look at the target market for this sort of car. I hate to use the term but soccer moms are top of the list. Spacious cabin, loads of space in the boot and just the right amount of tech that keeps the mu-X on par with most of the competitors in the segment. The 1.9-liter Ddi motor produces 110kW and 350Nm of torque, which is more that sufficient for the car. Yes with a full load it would tend to feel some strain but nothing out of the ordinary from your other smaller cars. The thing is, with the people who will be driving this model, they won't be in a rush to get that they will need maximum power and torque all the time and the roads would most likely be urban and not highway driving. That being said, on long distances, the mu-X 1.9 can give you well over a 1000km from a single tank, that is a return trip from Durban to Jhb!

Styling wise, Isuzu have done an amazing job, it is one of the most attractive looking SUV's on the market, nothing too brash but modern and stylish that is very easy on the eye. The new Bi-LED headlamps have a sleek finish which integrates well with the front end which has a very edgy molded grille and bumper. The fog lamps are fitting into isometric style housings on either side of the front bumper. It really gives the car a great modern look, the rest of the design is smooth with the back well rounded off with the rear lights being edgy and finished off in a smoked housing. The rims have a turbine blade like inspired design with the alloy colour being a light grey that picks up the profile of the car. 

The interior is extremely spacious, the 7-inch infotainment screen is easy to use and has built-in mobile apps with wireless connectivity. There is a USB B outlet in front with an aux outlet as well as power point,  the second row gets two USB B outlets so there's not fighting over who gets to charge their phones. The car comes with standard air-conditioning, no climate control but if it managed to quell the Durban humidity, I'm sure it will be fine anywhere else in the country. The seats are extremely comfortable and I'm told even the third row seating is comfy for adults, I'll have to check on that when I get it on test but on the road, little to none road noise, the ride quality was unfault-worthy and overall a very pleasant experience. 

Isuzu have something special on their hands with this one, and with a starting price of R708,000 I can see it doing quite well in the local market.