Diesel do nicely

A welcome visual refresh meets proven mechanicals in the latest iteration of Isuzu's tough SUV

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When it came to updating its MU-X, Isuzu was not about to tear up the playbook and go off on a tangent, so it's reassuring to see the marque has stuck to its guns with the latest iteration, introducing some appealing aesthetic touches that are sure to garner this tough but subtle SUV the attention it deserves. We climbed in behind the wheel of the new range-topping Onyx XL-spec model to see if this combination of proven mechanicals and new touches remains a recipe for success.

Price: R1 026 800 0–100 km/h: 10.55 seconds Top speed: 180 km/h Power: 140 kW Torque: 450 N.m CAR fuel index: 10.92 L/100 km CO2: 200 g/km

In terms of the visual updates, the most prominent change to the MU-X takes place up front, where the nose has been completely reworked to incorporate a far larger grille that does away with the previous car’s headlamp-cradling trim surround, new headlamps with revised DLR signatures and new foglamp housings in a redesigned bumper. Given that the pre-facelifted model looked somewhat demure compared to its rivals, we have to say the MU-X's new face lends it some welcome kerb presence.

In addition to revisions to the tailgate, which now incorporates a mid-level rear spoiler and bumpers, the rear now features a trim garnish that works with the new, more horizontally drawn taillamps to lend the car greater visual width.