Isuzu launches premium
SUV
Isuzu Motors India Private Limited, the Japanese automobile maker and
global diesel engine expert, has launched its sports utility vehicle the Isuzu
MU-7. The company recently showcased it in Bangalore.
The first impression of the 7-seater Isuzu MU-7 is that it is massive, very masculine and with a length of 4955 mm it is perhaps the longest SUV in its category. Its sturdy body, heavy weight (kerb weight 1900 kg), wide tires (245/70R16), good ground clearance (210mm) and large wheelbase (3050mm) are expected to make the drive on Isuzu MU-7, fast, safe and comfortable on the highways. (More on driving experience after I do the test drive.) The company expects most buyers of Isuzu MU-7 to be driven by a driver and that is the reason why the second row seats have many comfort features: seats are wide, have good leg rooms, split AC with personal control and a small LED player. But with the power storehouse under the bonnet Isuzu MU-7 can become more exciting for the driving enthusiast if 4 wheel drive is added for comfortable off-roading.
The first impression of the 7-seater Isuzu MU-7 is that it is massive, very masculine and with a length of 4955 mm it is perhaps the longest SUV in its category. Its sturdy body, heavy weight (kerb weight 1900 kg), wide tires (245/70R16), good ground clearance (210mm) and large wheelbase (3050mm) are expected to make the drive on Isuzu MU-7, fast, safe and comfortable on the highways. (More on driving experience after I do the test drive.) The company expects most buyers of Isuzu MU-7 to be driven by a driver and that is the reason why the second row seats have many comfort features: seats are wide, have good leg rooms, split AC with personal control and a small LED player. But with the power storehouse under the bonnet Isuzu MU-7 can become more exciting for the driving enthusiast if 4 wheel drive is added for comfortable off-roading.
 |
Isuzu India Deputy Managing Director Shigeru Wakabayashi (left) and Managing Director Takashi Kikuchi at the recent launch of Isuzu MU-7 SUV in Bangalore |
The Isuzu MU-7 has a 3-litre (2999cc to be precise) power packed
diesel engine, which has four cylinders. The CRDi (common rail direct
injection) engine is also fitted with an intercooled VGS (variable geometry
system) turbocharger. The engine produces 163 PS of power @3600 rpm and has a maximum
torque output of 360Nm between 1800–2800 rpm. The powerful
engine should help in quick acceleration on the free roads and the wide torque
range should make the driving easy on city roads without too much of gear
shifting. Large size, heavy body and powerful engine will of course result in an
expected trade off between fuel efficiency (the company claims 12.01 kmpl
certified by ARAI under ideal conditions) and comfort.
On the exterior the Isuzu MU-7 has an aerodynamic body with a
macho and rugged look. The front looks attractive with contemporary design of
the grille and the headlamp consoles. The inside of the vehicle has many
luxurious features. The seats are very comfortable and have premium leather
upholstery, the front cabin has got a dual tone dashboard, and there are quite
a few storage spaces as well such as a large glove box. Keeping the safety of
the passengers in mind the company has added airbags for the driver and co-passenger
in the front. It also comes with ABS (anti-lock braking system and EBD
(electronic brakeforce distribution) – two important features to avoid skidding
and collision in case of panic braking.
Isuzu has started the local production of its models in India. The Isuzu MU-7 SUV and D-Max pickup will be assembled at the Hindustan Motors manufacturing plant in Thiruvallur, Chennai, while the CKD kits will be sourced from Thailand. The Isuzu MU-7 starts at Rs 22.7 lakh (ex-showroom) in Bangalore and at this price point its nearest competitor is Toyota’s SUV Fortuner. Isuzu's own manufacturing facility at SriCity, Chitoor, Andhra Pradesh, with a capacity to produce 60,000 vehicles, will be operational by 2015-16.
Isuzu has started the local production of its models in India. The Isuzu MU-7 SUV and D-Max pickup will be assembled at the Hindustan Motors manufacturing plant in Thiruvallur, Chennai, while the CKD kits will be sourced from Thailand. The Isuzu MU-7 starts at Rs 22.7 lakh (ex-showroom) in Bangalore and at this price point its nearest competitor is Toyota’s SUV Fortuner. Isuzu's own manufacturing facility at SriCity, Chitoor, Andhra Pradesh, with a capacity to produce 60,000 vehicles, will be operational by 2015-16.
The company claims Isuzu MU-7 also features a unique software ‘Isuzu Insight’, which
analyses drive parameters & provide insights of an individual’s driving
habits and style, thereby helping improve fuel efficiency and vehicle performance.
Major tech specs of
MU-7
Exterior (length,
breadth, height): mm
|
4955, 1800,1805
|
Wheelbase: mm
|
3050
|
Ground clearance:
mm
|
210
|
Kerb weight: kg
|
1900
|
Engine type
|
4 cylinder VGS,
CRDi diesel
|
Engine
displacement: cc
|
2999
|
Max Power: kw
(PS) @ rpm
|
120 (163) @ 3600
|
Max torque: Nm
@RPM
|
360 @ 1800-2800
|
Transmission
|
5-speed manual
|
Drive train
|
4X2, rear wheel
drive
|
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