Isuzu MU-X’s BSVI version is essentially the same model that has been on sale since 2017 in India except for a new engine
Isuzu Motors India is one of the last manufacturers to upgrade its domestic lineup to meet BSVI compliance emission standards that came into effect on April 1, 2020. The Japanese manufacturer debuted the BSVI D-Max V-Cross pickup truck with the addition of the entry-level Hi-Lander variant but no major changes accompanied inside and out otherwise barring some new features.
The V-Cross lineup gets a 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine replacing the 2.5-litre unit and the MU-X also gained BSVI compliance as the 3.0-litre oil-burner made way for the 1.9-litre unit. The brand already retails the MU-X in a new generation avatar since late last year in Asian markets with a redesigned exterior and interior with added equipment.
However, India settles with the old model that has been in the business since its local debut in 2017. The pricing of the MU-X full-sized SUV, which competes against Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, MG Gloster and Mahindra Alturas G4 in the highly competitive segment, is quoted between Rs. 33.23 lakh for the 4×2 variant and it goes up to Rs. 35.19 lakh (ex-showroom) for the 4×4 top-spec model.
Considering that the Isuzu MU-X debuted in India with a starting price of Rs. 23.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the prices have grown exponentially in the space of the last four years by around 40 per cent. In recent years, we have seen car manufacturers hiking prices due to rising input costs and various economic reasons, but the MU-X you buy now is largely the same back in 2017.
Currently, the BSVI Isuzu MU-X’s 1.9-litre diesel engine produces 161 bhp maximum power and 360 Nm of peak torque, and is paired only with a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission transferring power to a 4×2 or a 4×4 system. With no updates, the exterior gets a thick chrome grille up front and bi-LED projector headlights with integrated DRLs.
It also features 18-inch alloy wheels, split tail lamps, roof rails, leather upholstery, one-touch split-folding function for the second- and third-row seats, automatic climate control, cruise control, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX mounts, six airbags, traction control, etc. For its price, it does not offer a sunroof or even Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.