Isuzu’s projects have been sold around the world under lots of different names and brands, some of them even outside of GM. Rodeo’s second phase, for example, was also named Frontera for Holden, Opel and Vauxhall and Passport for Honda. Trooper, in turn, arrived at these other showrooms as Jackaroo, Monterey and Horizon, not to mention Bighorn also for Isuzu, Korando for SsangYong and SLX for Acura. But even with so many variations and appearing at so many markets, it’s very surprising to see that these cars were essentially the same one. Their badge-engineering differences were restricted to logotype changes and minor style elements.
Having such background in mind is what turns this automaker’s new mid-size line somewhat surprising. Instead of being the creator, Isuzu now receives a project which debuted in Thailand and started to reach other markets. D-Max’s new generation became the same car that Australia names Holden Colorado and Brazil Chevrolet S10, and this could only lead to expect its SUV sibling would be derived from the most recent Chevrolet Trailblazer. And this is exactly how Isuzu wants fight at this category, which features very successful models like Mitsubishi Pajero, Ford Everest and Toyota Fortuner in Oceania and southeast Asia.
MU-X’s external exclusivities were restricted to front and rear. Chevrolet’s smooth shapes were dropped for a more aggressive set, whose strong cuts and creases are very typical of Japanese cars. Isuzu’s effort into making it different came to adopt new head and tail lights, which usually goes against badge-engineering’s money-saver rules. However, it’s hard to conclude that it was money well spent: the new car looks different, indeed, and even attempts to invest on a new design identity. But comparing it with the original SUV makes MU-X look “clumsy”, not so elegant as a car of this category should be. It’s too easy to notice that this is only an adaptation.
This must be why Isuzu didn’t even try to change the cabin, on the other hand. Trailblazer’s elements appear here with the Japanese company’s badges and different light colors, besides the right-hand-drive dashboard. Besides, this seven-seater SUV attracts by interesting equipment lists, which can include multimedia sound system and an exclusive entertainment system for the rear occupants: Sky sound offers DVD player and two 10” LCD screens. Opening the hood, in turn, will reveal Isuzu’s turbocharged 3.0L diesel engine. It produces 174 hp and only uses five-speed transmissions, whether manual or automatic. Right-wheel-drive is standard, but it can be upgraded to AWD with the Terrain Command mode-selecting system.