New Isuzu MU-X 1.9TD Review - At R700,000, is this the SUV bargain of the year?

[@Rifumo]

Can you do a dedicated video on the difference between bakkie-based SUVs and unibody SUVs? I always hear reviewers talk about how the former is probably not what you want but then they give a brief explanation that I can barely wrap my head around. Would be great to have a detailed explanation on these chasis differences for those of us who don’t get it

[@brucelee1987]

I think a video like that would be very useful. If they don't end up making a video explaining this, here is a brief explanation. Basically a ladder frame chassis is where you have two longitudinal members on either side of the chassis and they are connected by latitudinal members. Basically how the chassis looks is like a ladder (hence ladder frame chassis). Here the engine, gearbox and all the bits and pieces are bolted to the ladder. After all the bits have been bolted to it, the body of the car is placed on top of it. It's very much like a horse carriage. This design is often used by bakkies and trucks because it's very strong and is good for off road driving. However, it's not best for refinement and comfort. A unibody chassis or monocoque chassis is basically when the body of the car is the chassis. So, with a ladder frame chassis, the ladder frame is the "skeleton" of the car and the ladder is what gives it strength. For a unibody car, the body of the car is the "skeleton". So this body itself incorporates all of the crumple zone and structural parts. This allows the car to be much lighter and more comfortable. Just not as strong as the ladder frame.

[@gersonbarros24]

​@brucelee1987 we can rate this as the best explanation 👌

[@SuperOle2011]

​@@brucelee1987 But thanks to modern tech (or whatever Isuzu specifically does right) ladder frames aren't that much more hard and uncomfortable on the road compared to unibodies.

[@MOSESTEBOHO]

I love Isuzu more than what can i say. 110 kw and 350 Nm build to last almost for ever in Isuzu

[@BiggyF16]

That is so de-tuned probably running on 60% capacity that’s why they last forever.

[@namechecksout6300]

R100,000.00 per seat! Great deal.

[@mxolisiinnocent1995]

😂😂😂🤣

[@Fancy_By_Nature]

Isuzu must do a bare minimum bottom of the range version, usb radio, manual wind up windows, vinyl seats vinyl carpets, black bumpers, steel rims with holes. Sell it for around R410k

[@mindfreeze0838]

I dont think if they did that, Isuzu is going to charge that little for that Suv.

[@thatokhende170]

I quite like this MUX🤔It's just a good honest SUV

[@mullertobie]

Always love watching your honest, vibrant positive reviews.

[@tanmupps5997]

Can you please do a big bakkie based suv shootout e.g mux vs fortuner vs everest vs terra etc that will be mwaaaaah

[@errolgradwellii9283]

Little disappointed that Ciro didn’t say the Isuzu doesn’t jiggle jiggle, it folds

[@Carscoza]

Hahaha he did in the Everest video

[@danielsteyn7464]

Great SUV, good price. Compared to the unibody vehicles you mentioned, Ciro, this Isuzu will probably outlast the time repayment period of 5 / 6 yrs, where I'm guessing that anyone who purchased one of the unibodies mentioned will probably have replaced it in that time, or moved on to another product. The only other body on chassis SUV that beats this Isuzu is the Mahindra Scorpio-N. It has all one would need, it's good offroad and a good deal. Great review as always, Ciro. Keep them coming.

[@mlandvodlamini2451]

Great video! Would like to see a comparison between the other bakkie based SUVs.

[@hennietanya3533]

R700 000.00 for a 1.9 TD seems to be crazy expensive.

[@randomwatcher2848]

Its an Isuzu 😢 never in my wildest dreams

[@schlix101]

Yup. It reminds me so much about Polos...

[@adelevisser8579]

Tiggo 7 cost the same

[@Rouxenator]

Another big plus with it not being a Ford-tuna is you are not a hijack target.

[@chrisdooley1184]

Ahhh you put in chapters like I suggested! Thx mate. Much appreciated 😊

[@julianlord2697]

I have a 1.9 D Max and it was a bit sluggish until I put on a Bluespark box for the injection pressure and turbo pressure modification (took 5 minutes to fit). Power is up around 145kW and 450 Nm. It does not fly but it is a lot more tractable and not caught off guard any more. As I paid half price during COVD for a new truck, this has been an excellent value bakkie for 4 years and a bit more oomph has made it very enjoyable.

[@Carscoza]

This is great to hear. However, does it void the warranty?

[@charleschin2612]

I love the back seat cupholder a very good design all others should design their's like this as standard 👍👍

[@OurHope17]

Are you guy's able to get hold of the Peugeot Bakkie , I would really love a review of that

[@khayasodidi]

Thank You Ciro...I'm Driving 2022 3L, I'm Enyoying It, Especially On Open Roads. But How I So Wish The Engine Gets An Upgrade Of 150 kW & 500 Nm.

[@kalomboC]

Can't understand why Isuzu aren't offering the 1.9 Mu-X with the 4x4 drive train. Are they afraid the value proposition will be so good that customers will opt for it instead of their higher margin, higher trim options?

[@Under_Construction100]

That could be the case. And with the aftermarket mods like big size touch screens that a customer can always fit in order to replace the standard small screen we'd really go for the 4x4 1.9 litre.

[@kalomboC]

@@Under_Construction100 yeah, that 1.9L is so efficient, it makes a great commuter and long distance traveller. I honestly don't get the power deficiency complaints, most bakkies and SUV's were doing under a 100KW until recently. Besides they are not sports cars 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@BiggyF16]

I’m sure it will come later

[@Kurisani_Silinda]

I understand the purpose of this 1.9 engine on this suv😅. I live deep in the village with a lot of gravel roads and huge potholes where there's tar, There's no need for too much power driving on those roads. Basically this suv was made for us living in the villages 😊😊😊

[@lesediseemela9856]

Not my mind of bread but my dad would like it. The Fortuner isn't worth it anymore. I'm also from deep rural.

[@bhofelaafrikander]

where are you from. You sound to be describing my rural area.

[@Y_Hamilton]

This car is very beautiful 😍

[@BiggyF16]

I like the MUX think it’s a safer buy to offload later in the 2hand market.

[@michaelflinn7784]

Not a bad car at all. Or you can get a full spec Scorpio N and save R200 000. Or get the 4x4 and save R100 000.

[@kevinmkevisto7543]

Isuzu has a record of reliability built to last longer unlike the cherry

[@ganjabobby]

Haha! Our 2007 Isuzu KB300D that had to have 2 (TWO!) automatic gearbox changes proved to me there’s nothing like empirical experience. The rest is just marketing. Was fun being towed away just after the thing broke down completely at a toll gate.

[@BobMac-f1y]

​@ganjabobby Still better than any Chinese car

[@biggeststeppa1]

Looks handsome with that old CX-5 grille

[@yissibiiyte]

Unfortunately no matter how much better the competition is, people will only buy obscenely overpriced Fortuners.

[@GertJansenvanVuuren-f7d]

So I just lost my 2.4 Fortuner to the Pretoria Tsotsies, and I think this MuX will be a much better buy. It is not high on the Tsotsie shopping list, very good on gravel, and reliable. I am a bit worried about towing the camping trailer. It is rather heavy. Does anybody have experience towing with the 1.9 Isuzu?

[@sideact2044]

Another awesome review Ciro!

[@sandisongwenya4667]

I hear alot of people talking about the Chinese cars not lasting as long as the Isuzu. Yes, the improved Chinese cars haven't been around long enough to builld that rep but lets also be honest. Not alot of people are buying cars with the view of keeping them for longer than the finance contract or to beat the car up off road, most buyers are onto the next car after the 4/5/6 years of the contract. So I don't really get the "long term" chat about Chinese cars. That being said, I don't think the things that make this car better than the Chinese cars is enough to buy this over the Chinese cars. If you want a car you will use offroad alot then go for this but if you are the typical person who spends time in traffic, and mostly commuting then get the luxurious Chinese cars.

[@herbitate]

Totally agree with you

[@mindfreeze0838]

Well said, the lack of long term ownership is why Kia/Hyundai believe they can facelift their cars every year like iphones and people will still buy them, resale value be damned.

[@Nighywolf1199]

Thanks good video. The Chery warranty is not worth much as when my Tiggo7 gave issues with suspension after 20 000km they couldn’t fix it. The “NEW” nocking noise i was told is normal…

[@ganjabobby]

Report them to IDA or MioSA. Thanks for the feedback. Everyone, myself included, seems to be in love with Chery for the value for money and looks alone.

[@omolemontsimane2488]

Hello and Welcome I'm the first viewer 🎉🎉🎉😂😂❤

[@mosesmaseko1501]

First to watch and first to comment ❤❤

[@beesoutdoors8418]

Budget and R700000.00 in the same sentence with on the road fees it's R14500 pm

[@raymondmalan487]

Well Priced. Sturdy Vehicle. Liked the Gen 1 more. Isuzu Service Levels Questionable. German and Chinese Models for the Tarmac-Trotters ( they will just fall apart travelling Gravel Roads Regulary ). 2nd Choice to the Fortuner. Great Vid.

[@jeroenjansen2709]

The question is: is it better than the Mahindra Scorpio N?

[@lionelbrink]

I am test driving vehicles in the segment: 1. Toyota Fortuner - very harsh ride - worst of the lot, rather dated design (even with the "more powerful facelist") & the alarm/immobilisor is simply not up to our crime ridden country - yup, mine was stolen recently - hence the test drives 2. Mitsibusho Pajero Sport - has an "ok" ride, but 2.4 was underpowered compared to the rest, and the cabin felt cramped (front & rear), bit of a marmite appearance 3. Ford Everest - by far the nicest drive experience, but that price(!) for the best interior & electronic gadgets is not compelling, fuel consumption (aka real world) does not align with Ford's rather optimistic claim either 4. Isuzu MU-X - actually think its the best looking of the lot, drive experience also "ok", utilitarean interior, feels rugged & given that I also had a Trailblazer for almost 13 years without any issues, assume it is at least similarly reliable/backed by Isuzu

[@Under_Construction100]

Everest is a bit of in a league of its own - which leaves us with Mahindra, Pajero, M-UX & Fortuner. For me, Fortuner takes the win. Otherwise all three aren't particularly interesting cars like an Everest. Great review as usual, Ciro. Keep 'em coming.

[@optomanish]

Mahindra xuv700 AX7L Is best unibody suv

[@Under_Construction100]

@@optomanish how so?

[@wesselbotha3928]

Mux will save you on insurance

[@Under_Construction100]

@@wesselbotha3928 plus I guess it's less prone to hijackings as compared to the Fortuner

[@mandlamncube2234]

Didn`t the reports says that the NCAP rating on rating on a scorpion is the poorrest in safety

[@honestjoe632]

Isuzu has the reputation of being reliable but then again that also depends on the dealer network which in SA can be a bit of a hit and miss…

[@BiggyF16]

Curo have they left a diff-loc in?

[@godwillpulesnr9635]

I ask, where is Ciro?

[@MrMOKAUTU]

80km/h on the gravel ? And that doesn't look a gravel at all, so smooth. Come to Lesotho 🇱🇸 to test these things on real gravels 😅. Nice review 👌 anyway. I own Isuzu bakkie but I'm really eager to swap to toyota. Isuzu is expensive to maintain and it is not a brand that can be mastered by all mechanics 😢. It needs cool heads, which will mean more expenses.

[@mindfreeze0838]

For 700k they could have at least put in push button start. That blank on the dash next to the steering wheel is just a constant reminder that you cheap seats, that and faffing with you key to open the door when your hands are full of stuff which will happen because this is a family Suv.

[@crispinswainstonharrison9042]

Tyres look a bit low profile.

[@kmuinde]

this 1.9 engine i haven't seen it in Australia but its in some mazda BT50

[@crispinswainstonharrison9042]

Same car.

[@MrDeepakvasudev]

Rear AC vents, sliding reclining middle row would have made it a better 7 seat SUV

[@al3x-76sjsjsjsjsjs]

I want this in Italy

[@Dogmandziddy]

When I say 'trail ' You say "blazer" "Trail" ! "Blazer" This car is an upgrade of a trailblazer I have a 2013 model (trailblazer) and they are technically identical even the engine cover

[@ganjabobby]

Hate to admit it, but the trailblazer does drive well and has everything you’d need. Not a vehicle I expected to like.

[@Rifumo]

All SUVs are cars but not all cars are SUVs. You can definitely call the MUX a car

[@yani0728]

Is 100K per seat considered a bargain?

[@rekleif]

Wonder when this will come to India and if the price will match this.

[@benbarnard8280]

Nice looking vehicle, much better looking than the Fortuner that looks old and dated inside and outside, with dated tech

[@CobusDerrenberg]

Really like this brand....& the MUX.... 🧐...🤔... BUT this car is SPECTACULARLY EXPENSIVE for what you actually get HOLY MOLY 😝😵😰 It make my eyes water... There is SO MUCH BETTER VALUE all round elsewhere FOR FREAKEN SURE 😉😁👍👌✨ Great work ✨✨✨

[@yissibiiyte]

Not compared to the competition it's not. It's actually quite cheap for it's class

[@Libra67jtc]

If you buying a suv are you really worried about fuel consumption????

[@jodybotha]

Surely a proper comparison against the Mahindra ScorpioN is missing 😁❓

[@eugenevandermerwe3386]

Totally agree

[@Ash-so6qn]

At that price point, is this even an Isuzu anymore? Mahindra has been in SA since forever. I think it's going to crush it's competition.

[@funniestvideos2894]

I would get a kia sorento SX

[@eDENTECHNOCYBERHUB]

YOUR BIGGEST KENYAN FAN, SUBSCRIBER, LIKER, COMMENTER RIGHT HERE, AS USUAL, 01/11/2023

[@Carscoza]

Howzit! Hope to meet you one day :)

[@tanmupps5997]

Hie please can you do a bakkie based suv shoot-out e.g mux vs fortuner vs everest vs pajero vs Scopio vs terra

[@eDENTECHNOCYBERHUB]

@@Carscoza Awesome content. I hope so too

[@sirainsworth2360]

In what world is 700k budget

[@Kavi4GP]

Stage 1 will sort out the power issue.

[@kevinnev]

I think Mahindra will do for me. It's a very good deal.

[@wrathofgod3433]

Chinese(Chery/Haval) much better value for money ...this will probably last much longer

[@yissibiiyte]

Haval have proven to be exceptionally reliable, on par with, if not even better than, Toyota or Isuzu.

[@pingwing505]

@@yissibiiyte doubt that very much. I've driven a new Haval Jolion twee weeks ago and the road noise was shockingly load and it was on the N7. Test drive a Toyota/Isuzu vs Haval after one year on gravel roads and the difference in quality would be day & night on the Haval. They just aren't build to take a bit of punishment.

[@yissibiiyte]

@@pingwing505 what exactly does road noise have to do with reliability? The Haval will outlast the Toyota without anything breaking, provided you don't go off-road in the H6 which it isn't supposed to do. If you do want to do serious off-roading then the GWM P-series has already proven itself to be sturdier than a Hilux by people who have had both for years.

[@pingwing505]

@@yissibiiyte better quality product means less road noise. A new car shouldn't have that amount of road noise. Jeez, a Haval outlasting a Toyota? I'm not even a Toyota fan, but I've never heard of a Haval after 5 years of minimal gravel road outlasting any car brand outside of Chinese brands. The P-Series also got bad reviews regarding build quality, road noise and hard suspension ie ride comfort. If that is on tar road, imagine that on gravel road. A year of gravel road and that thing would sound like a tractor. The reason the Chinese cars are cheaper is because of build quality/cheaper materials used. The only other bakkie brand I've seen in a radius of 300km of towns that has keep up with Toyota, Isuzu, etc (outside the normal big 5 bakkies, which isn't Chinese) is the Mahindra (Indian). It doesn't feel and sound the same after a few years, but it doesn't really break as a work horse bakkie and it is cheaper than Toyota.

[@yissibiiyte]

@@pingwing505 have you ever heard of a Haval breaking down? Some very surface-level research from ownership experience will tell you that their products are extremely well-built and durable after many years. Even Ciro says he's never received an issue from GWM/Haval owners. As for the P-series, what bad reviews are you talking about? I've heard nothing but high praise from reviews and owners alike. For example in the Caribbean there was a certain fleet manager who only worked with Hiluxes, until trying out a P-series which ended up outlasting the Hiluxes over many years of extremely grueling work. And the reason the Chinese cars are so "cheap" is because the established brands know they can get away with charging a fortune and people will eat them up. I bet the production cost difference between a P-series and Hilux isn't anywhere near as great as the price difference would suggest

[@khuboniayanda7828]

Not you passing summer greens 😅

[@PorraBUhrZA]

Just get a ecu remapped runs like a jet

[@hennietanya3533]

This vehicle would need to compete against the Mahindra Scorpio N - My money would be on the Mahindra . . .

[@keloduma]

Get this slap a Boostech tune and you're up to 150kW and 480Nm

[@tloumashamaite9847]

Bro u could make a good lecturer

[@tsv8664]

I 💕 Isuzu ever since driving an old DMax bakkie. But, I think Japanese and European manufacturers and their local marketers have colluded to ripoff the SA car buying public. 110kW and 350Nm for this size of car used on trips from coast to Highveld etc is just rubbish! Why I see more and more Indian and Chinese vehicles on the road. Saffers are voting with their wallets! Stop insulting us with your overpriced, underpowered and underspecced models Toyota, Isuzu, VW, etc. You should be putting the strongest engines for SA conditions, not this 1.9TD nonsense!

[@geoffreydrew4810]

Which one of these adventure SUVs are stolen the most??? We know the answer?

[@schlix101]

700k... for something that resembles a 1.9 Polo! Ridicules!!! To my mind vehicles in this class are way over-priced!!! But, I suppose since this "Bakkie-SUV"-class is such a popular vehicle class, manufacturers can "abuse" this market segment! - You know, in the past 10 years, vehicle prices, especially in this segment have doubled in price, yet my salary has NOT nearly doubled. In fact, I feel like we are just getting poorer and poorer while life is just getting more and more expensive! And now with the Everest going for over 1 mil... This segment can kiss my ^.. goodbye... - The way car prices are going i'll be a student again, soon...

[@feniayanda4756]

It’s pretty but very loud 😭

[@Stevo299]

In 5 years time this thing will be worth half the 700k. Buy a 2nd hand fortuner and you will laugh all the way to bank.

[@mindfreeze0838]

More like cry when you have to hitch a ride the insurance company to make a claim after they steal it. After a few weeks or months waiting for the claim to be settled, then you can go to the bank with the pittance the insurance company gave you to put towards a new vehicle(maybe another Furtuner👍).

[@Stevo299]

@@mindfreeze0838 might be like that up in Joburg but here in the western cape car theft is not so bad, especially in the coastal towns.

[@neilarmitage6632]

Ridiculously expensive

[@LouisePrior-i2x]

It's an SUV not a car Ciro!!!!! 😅🤣(joke)

[@BubblesTheCat1]

Fortuner for peace of mind.

[@marklopez7799]

It's a SUV Ciro, stop saying car 😂

[@KalahariJack]

Don’t cry little girl

[@marklopez7799]

@@KalahariJack It's a joke chill..I just repeated what he said in the video.

[@KalahariJack]

@@marklopez7799 there you go crying again