Updated Isuzu MU-X hits R1 million mark

The Isuzu D-Max bakkie might be a local favourite, but its MU-X SUV sibling is miles behind segment heavyweights like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest. The Citizen's Jaco van der Merwe took the updated MU-X for a spin to find out if it is capable of gaining any ground on its rivals.

- Jaco van der Merwe

On average, the Toyota Fortuner holds around half of the SUV market share in South Africa, with the Ford Everest a distant but steady second. Third place is an almighty scrap between the Isuzu MU-X and Mahindra Scorpio-N, with the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport also in the mix.

But even during months when the MU-X does edge out the Scorpio-N, it doesn't come close to the kind of market share that the D-Max has established in the bakkie race, even in markets like Australia.

Isuzu is not under the illusion that the facelifted MU-X is going to perform miracles. But the Japanese manufacturer hopes it can at least build on the gradual single-digit percentage growth the SUV has achieved since the introduction of the second generation locally in 2021.

ADDED STYLE ENHANCEMENTS