Isuzu India recently announced the company has suspended production at the Hindustan Motor plant in Thiruvallur in Chennai. The Japanese company will commence production of its vehicles from new plant in Sri City in Andhra Pradesh from April 2016.
Along with the announcement, Shankar Srinivas, senior general manager, communications at Isuzu, said: "Instead of MU-7, we will have an all new product on display (at Auto Expo 2016) this year alongside D-Max." Though he declined to comment on the vehicle, he said it is already on sale in international markets, reports ET Auto.
What we can assume from his words is the arrival of the MU-X full-size SUV that may replace the ageing MU-7. The MU-X is the only passenger vehicle Isuzu has apart from the MU-7. The MU-X and the new D-Max will be the main attraction at Isuzu India's stall at Auto Expo 2016.
The MU-X measures 4,825mm length, 1,860mm in width, 1,840mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,845mm. The side and rear-end of the MU-X have similarities with the Chevrolet Trailblazer. The India-spec model is expected with a 2.5-litre 4JK1-TC (HI) common-rail direct-injection engine that develops 136bhp of power and 320Nm of torque mated to five-speed manual or automatic transmission. The SUV, with the launch expected in the second half of 2016, will be available in 4x4 and 4x2 formats.
The D-Max is currently sold as a commercial vehicle in the country. Isuzu will launch the updated D-Max with a reworked face in both the single-cab or space-cab versions.
