2014 Isuzu MU-X | new car sales price

The Isuzu SUV looks like a decent thing against a sea of rather uninspiring competitors out of various Thai factories.

It's basically a D-Max with a wagon body and is roughly, Isuzu's version of the Holden Colorado7 but with Isuzu underpinings including a proper 3.0-litre 'truck' engine and much more attractive styling.

Three rows of seats accommodate seven passengers with a bit of luggage space down the back. Isuzu says it has a passenger car-like driving experience but we are sceptical given its specification. There's an obvious link style-wise with the D-Max especially around the frontal area with the rear end being something new.

And there's plenty of plastic around the body for protection and to get that 'tough' look so coveted by people who buy these things. When it comes to hauling, MU-X has a 3 tonne towing (braked) capacity available on both 4x2 and 4x4 variants.

ENGINE

Power comes from the familiar 3.0L four pot Isuzu diesel engine with 130kW/380Nm output. It runs a high-pressure common-rail fuel injection system and an intercooled VGT - variable geometry turbocharger. Isuzu says it designed this engine with fuel consumption and low emissions front of mind claiming 8.2-litres/100km.

The MU-Xs five-speed automatic (a cog too few) transmission has sequential sports mode. The auto also has hill descent and hill-ascent modes. With its D-Max heritage, the 4x4 version of MU-X would have impressive off road capabilities and selectable high and low range four wheel drive as well as two wheel drive. The 4x2 is rear wheel drive and shouldn't really go off road at all.

LADDER CHASSIS

The vehicle is on a robust ladder chassis and the 4x4 versions have a front steel plate skid/splash shield as well as steel plate guards to protect the sump and transfer case. Various electronics modulate the 4x4s drive system for optimum grip, with a "Terrain Command" dial select system available on the top model.

It has 230mm of ground clearance, and sensible design sees no low-slung components -- the front lower control arms don't hang too low, and the air intake is hidden within the front fender. In the engine bay, the ECU isn't exposed and the alternator sits up high. These features show that Isuzu has protected all the vulnerable parts and a bit of mud isn't going to cause trouble.

SUSPENSION

It rides on double wishbone front suspension with coil springs, gas shocks and stabiliser while down the back is a five-link suspension configuration also with coil springs, stabiliser bar and gas shocks.

PRICE AND FEATURES

It's offered in three variants in both 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains. Pricing starts at $40,500 rising to $53,500. Kit includes a premium audio system, Bluetooth phone, aircon', folding rear seat rows and a suite of safety kit. Nothing doing on fixed price servicing yet, Bluetooth audio streaming only on some models and 'expected' 5 star crash rating.