Isuzu Ute launches MU-X Onyx Edition from $56,990 d/a

ISUZU Ute Australia (IUA) has launched what it describes as “the boldest MU-X to date” in the form of the MU-X Onyx Edition, a limited-run flagship variant brandishing a heap of unique styling cues and boasting all the toys usually found in the top-spec LS-T.

Priced from $56,990 driveaway – IUA has not released a RRP figure – the Onyx Edition is based on the top-tier LS-T with just 420 units available “initially” nationwide.

Adorning a series of darkened exterior trim features and available in just two body colours, the Onyx Edition will be hard to miss thanks to its shadow chrome grille and tailgate inserts as well as its unique front splitter, body-coloured mirrors and darkened side steps.

Inside the cabin, the interior has been kitted out with quilted-leather accented trim while infotainment duties are taken care of by the familiar 6.8-inch system featuring DAB+ digital radio, sat-nav, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.

Other standard features include six-way electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, passive entry and start system, 10-inch DVD screen, eight-speaker sound system, three 12-volt outlets and three 5-volt USB ports; two fast-charging 2.1Amp and one 1.0Amp.

Under the bonnet resides the same venerable 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine as the rest of the MU-X range, still producing 130kW of power and 430Nm of torque, all of which is sent to the road via a six-speed automatic transmission and part-time all-wheel-drive system.

According to IUA managing director Hiroyasu Sato, the visual enhancements of the Onyx Edition combined with the standard equipment of the LS-T make it the most desirable MU-X to date.

“This is our first ever special edition MU-X, and the MU-X Onyx Edition is our boldest and most connected SUV to date,” he said.

“Since its debut back in December 2013, the Isuzu MU-X has found favour with Australian families, tourers and adventure seekers, continuously evolving with updates to its performance, comfort and off-road ability, which has cemented its place atop of the sales charts as the ‘best-selling ute-based SUV’ for the last six years.”

With the launch of the all-new D-Max pick-up truck now well and truly over, it should only be a matter of time before the new-generation MU-X breaks cover with a 2021 reveal likely.

Based on the new D-Max, the next MU-X will score all of the same mechanical, platform, styling and connectivity upgrades as the pick-up, including a power bump from its current 130kW/430Nm to a more class-competitive 140kW/450Nm.

IUA has sold 5020 examples of the current-gen MU-X so far this year ending September, accounting for an even 8.0 per cent of the sub-$70,000 large SUV segment.

In terms of ute-based rivals, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is its nearest contender, occupying 7.0 per cent of the same segment (4398).

2020 Isuzu Ute MU-X pricing

*Excludes on-road costs

ˆDriveaway