Spied: All-new Isuzu MU-X SUV photos and pricing

Isuzu Philippines is setting its sights on a big chunk of the midsize SUV market with its upcoming MU-X. The Isuzu Alterra SUV is already coming up on its 10^th year in the market, and needs a successor badly. (To be fair, so is the Toyota Fortuner.) Now the time has come for the Alterra SUV to bow out, and its replacement, the strangely named MU-X to take its place. (MU-7 is the international nameplate of the Alterra.)

Developed together with the Chevrolet Trailblazer, the MU-X is virtually a twin of the familiar seven-seat Chevy. No longer does it look like a pickup with a bed cover. The MU-X of course shares the conservatively handsome lines of the Trailblazer, with headlamps and a grille similar to the new D-Max’s. There’s a generous helping of chrome all around. Isuzu reckons that the MU-X can take on the Everest, Trailblazer, and even the Toyota Prado.

Inside, it’s the Trailblazer template again, with an identical circular climate control cluster and dual glove boxes. The middle row splits 70/30, with fold and tumble feature for access to the third row or for more cargo, but it doesn’t slide forward. The third row seat splits 50/50 and folds forward for more cargo space. Seat material is cloth, with leather seats available.

The audio unit features USB and Bluetooth connectivity, and available GPS navigation. Available roof-mounted drop-down LCD monitor will entertain the second and third-row occupants.

The MU-X packs a 2.5-liter common-rail turbodiesel four-cylinder engine. With variable-geometry turbocharger, it’s good for 136ps and 320 Nm. ABS, EBD, and traction control are standard.

The MU-X is assembled in Thailand and will be displayed at the Philippine International Motor Show on September 18.

Provisional pricing for the Isuzu MU-X is:

4×2 MT P1,260,000

4×2 AT P1,358,000

4×4 AT P1,748,000