Isuzu Thailand adds new color, new wheels to 2023 mu-X

It's only been a year since Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) officially launched the all-new mu-X. But for other markets, particularly in Thailand where it made its global debut, they got a hold of the pickup passenger vehicle (PPV) as early as 2020. 

And since the all-new mu-X has turned two in the Land of Smiles, Isuzu decided to introduce some slight styling tweaks in the SUV to keep it fresh and enhance its appeal for the 2023 model year.

For starters, the Thai-spec 2023MY Isuzu mu-X is now available in the Glacier Blue Mica color, adding a splash of vibrance to the SUV's mostly neutral color palette offering.

In addition, the front grille is now finished in black chrome to complement the new 20-inch dynamic rotor blade alloy wheels, giving the SUV a sportier look.

Meanwhile, coffee lovers will be in for a treat once they step inside the refreshed mu-X, as Isuzu Thailand opted for a darker shade to the SUV's interior. Specifically, the manufacturer calls the upholstery color Macchiato Brown.

Apart from the new interior trim finish, the layout of the dashboard and the rest of the interior have been largely unchanged. However, there's a new Smart Tailgate, which utilizes a step sensor system to detect whenever the owner moves closer or away from the SUV.

Like the pre-refreshed model, the Thai-spec 2023MY mu-X is still being offered in either a 1.9-liter RZ4E engine with 150 PS and 350 Nm of torque or the bigger 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX that produces 190 PS and 450 Nm of torque. The RZ4E has a six-speed manual gearbox option, while the 4JJ3-TCX only comes with a six-speed auto.

Furthermore, the 2023 model also comes with Isuzu's Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS), which includes forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, pedal misapplication mitigation, adaptive cruise control with speed limiter, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beam function, reverse camera, rear park assist, and a multi-collision braking system.

In terms of product and marketing sense, we may have to wait until next year at the very least before we expect the PH-spec mu-X to be given a slight refresh. After all, the local mu-X is only a little over a year old in our market. But since the mu-X is sourced from Thailand, there's a good chance that we might see the refreshed mu-X in the next few batches arriving here.