Isuzu MU-X SUV revealed ahead of Tokyo motor show

Just ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show later this month, Isuzu has shared more details on its upcoming MU-X SUV which was revealed in Bangkok days ago. Based on Isuzu D-Max pickup, the Isuzu was actually developed alongside the Australian-market Holden Colorado 7, sold elsewhere as the Chevrolet TrailBlazer. The seven-seat MU-X was designed in Thailand along with its Holden sibling, and its development route mirrored that of the first SUVs that started coming to the market in the mid-1980s -- taking a compact truck and adding a couple of doors and a hatch for the back.

The MU-X will use the Isuzu D-Max pickup's 3.0-liter turbo diesel engine when it reaches dealerships in Australia and Southeast Asia, with the diesel powerplant generating 174 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The Isuzu MU-X will be offered in 4x2 and 4x4 forms, and will offer a choice of five-speed manual and automatic gearboxes. The MU-X will actually be available in seven trim variants compared to the Holden Colorado's two, if 4x2 versions are taken into account.

Isuzu
The seven-seat MU-X was developed in Thailand based on the Isuzu D-Max pickup.

The MU-X will be sold alongside the Holden Colorado 7 in Australia, though the Isuzu is expected to undercut the Holden's retail price. Isuzu is also expected to launch a "Mining Edition" MU-X targeted at users in the mining industry later in 2013. Isuzu will exhibit at least seven trucks at the Tokyo Motor Show, with the MU-X being the sole non-commercial truck.

About the Tokyo Motor Show

Japan is once again among the leaders of the global auto industry, and the Tokyo Motor Show promises to showcase the best of what that country has to offer. From green cars to super cars, technology to design, 2013 promises to be a banner year for the Tokyo Motor show. Autoweek will be on the show floor, bringing you the latest Tokyo reviews, news, photo galleries, and videos right here.

By Jay Ramey