Regulars here would be aware that Isuzu silently opened a dealership in Hyderabad to test-launch the MU7 SUV and D-Max pick up in Indian car market. The first batch of vehicles was brought to us thru CBU route as Indian assembly of these vehicles haven’t yet started.
Now, Isuzu has stated that the MU-7 SUV and the D-Max pickup truck will be contract-manufactured by Hindustan Motors at its Thiruvallur facility in Chennai.
Hindustan Motors used to assemble the Mitsubishi vehicles for Indian market. However, the recent move by Mitsubishi to discontinue selling the Lancer, Cedia, Pajero and Outlander in India has left a large part of the facility unutilized. The only Mitsubishi vehicles that are now assembled here are the Pajero Sport and the Montero.
Talking about Isuzu’s offerings in Indian car market, the MU7 is also sold as the Alterra in some countries and has been positioned against the the likes of Toyota Fortuner, Ssangyong Rexton and Ford Endeavour.
Powering this big SUV is a 3 Liter-inline 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine that pumps out a max power of 161 Bhp and peak torque of 360 Nm. The transmission options that the MU7 offers are a 5 speed manual and a five speed auto.
On the inside, the interiors benefits from acres of real estate and the MU7 can easily accommodate 7 adults and their luggage. Safety features on offer are- ABS, traction control, ESP and airbags.
The Isuzu MU-7 goes on sale for a price of INR 23.75 lakhs.
The Isuzu D-Max pick up truck will battle it out against the Tata Xenon and comes loaded with basic creature comforts like an air con and power steering. Powering the D-Max is a 2.5 litre turbocharged oil burner that pumps out around 115 horses.
It may be noted that Chevrolet and Isuzu have co-developed a few products and the D-Max is essentially a re-badged Chevrolet Colorado. This pick up should become the second such vehicle to come to India, the first being the Chevrolet Tavera aka Isuzu Panther.
The single cab and double cab versions of the D-Max will go on sale for a price of INR 6.87 lakh 8.09 lakh respectively.
(all prices are ex-showroom Hyderabad)