2021 Isuzu D-Max Pickup and mu-X SUV Made Official in India

The 2021 Isuzu D-Max pickup and the mu-X SUV, which were discontinued back in April 2020, have made an appearance with a refreshed look in India. Both the D-Max Hi-Lander pickup and the D-Max V-Cross, a more premium vehicle, feature a BS6 engine now. The mu-X SUV, which comes in two variants, has a BS6 engine fitted into both its variants too. The starting price for the D-Max pickup and the mu-X SUV are INR 16.98 lakhs and INR 32.23 lakhs (ex-showroom), respectively. The D-Max models have been released in four variants: D-Max Hi-Lander, D-Max V-Cross Z 2WD AT, D-Max V-Cross Z 4WD MT, and D-Max V-Cross Z Prestige 4WD AT.

2021 Isuzu D-Max Hi-Lander

The D-Max Hi-Lander makes for an affordable model for pickup enthusiasts. The company says the D-Max Hi-Lander is an ultra-capable pickup that knows its way around tough workdays and adventure-filled weekends too. Even though the Hi-Lander comes with a lower price tag, its features have not been compromised. 

Its safety features include dual airbags, Isofix anchorages, ABS, EBD, Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), a Brake Override System (BOS), and steel underbody protection, etc.

The pickup is also designed to tackle tough terrain, without sacrificing a comfortable ride experience. To enhance the driving experience and help drivers find the precise driving position, the pickup comes with a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat. Further enhancing the comfort factor are features such as the twin-cockpit ergonomic cabin design, front wrap-around bucket seat, an air-conditioning system (with pollen filter), and central locking and start with key, among others. Similarly, the 60:40 split rear seats are designed to enhance the comfort level for rear passengers.

The powertrain is the previously available 1.9-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, but the new version is BS6-compliant. The new engine, according to the company, produces 13hp and 10Nm more power and torque than the earlier BS4 version. The BS6 engine is good enough to generate 163hp of power and 360Nm of torque.

2021 Isuzu D-Max V-Cross

The much-anticipated 2021 Isuzu D-Max V-Cross pickup is a more premium version of its sibling, the Hi-Lander. The V-Cross is inspired by the ‘Cyborg – Orca’ and thus gets additional enhancements. The elements that stand out include the sturdy stance with premium styling elements such as LED projector headlamps, piano black interiors, integrated LED daytime running lights, fog lamps, and chrome-embellished grille.

The exterior features a stylish side step, diamond-cut alloy wheels, and a shark-fin antenna, among others. More premium features include slick upholstery, automatic climate control, cruise control, steering-mounted audio controls, and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment head unit that supports USB input, DVD, AUX, iPod, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rear-view camera as well. Safety is taken care of by up to six airbags, ABS with EBD, brake override system, traction control, electronic stability control, hill-descent assist, a rearview camera, and ISOFIX anchorages.

The D-Max V-Cross stands proudly on 18-inch alloy wheels and is powered by a BS6-compliant 1.9-litre, four-cylinder turbo diesel engine. The 2WD version of the pickup has an engine that comes mated to a six-speed manual transmission only. And a 4WD system, with the choice of an automatic gearbox, is also available.

2021 mu-X SUV

Besides the pickups, the Japanese automaker is also offering a BS6-compliant premium seven-seater mu-X SUV. The exterior of the SUV has a muscular stance, with an eagle-inspired design strategy. It comes with Bi-LED projector headlamps with LED DRL, shark-fin antenna, and diamond-cut alloy wheels, among others.

The interior features a sporty lava black getup, luxurious leather seats, and decent amount of storage.

The comfort and convenience particulars have been addressed with features such as the Passive Entry and Start Stop System for effortless entry, a six-way power-adjustable driver seat offering a relaxed driving position, powered split-folding second and third-row seats, a 3D instrument cluster with chrome rings, auto cruise, pentalink suspension, comfortable cabin for seven people, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, etc. For safety, the SUV comes with six airbags, ABS+EBD+EBA, ESC with TCS, HDC, and a high-tensile steel body.

Upgraded from the earlier 3.0-litre oil-burner engine, the mu-X SUV now comes with an improved 1.9-litre diesel one, which is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The model comes in two variants: a 4×2 and a 4×4, which are priced at INR 33.23 lakhs and INR 35.19 lakhs (ex-showroom), respectively. The Isuzu mu-X SUV will rival the likes of MG Gloster, Ford Endeavour, the Toyota Fortuner and Legender, and the Mahindra Alturas G4.

Specification for the mu-X

• Engine: 4 Cylinder, Common Rail, VGS Turbo Intercooled Diesel
• Displacement: 1898
• Max Power: 163 hp
• Max Torque: 360 Nm
• Front Suspension: Independent, Double wishbone, coil springs, gas shock absorbers, stabiliser bar
• Rear Suspension: Penta-link coil suspension, gas shock absorbers, stabiliser bar
• Front Brake: Front 300 mm dia ventilated front disc with twin-pot calipers
• Rear Brake: Rear 318 mm dia ventilated rear disc
• Fuel Tank: 55 Ltr
• Colour Options: Nautilus blue, Red Spinal Mica,Silky White Pearl,Silky White Pearl,Black Mica, and Silver Metallic