Mercedes X-Class, Isuzu mu-X
Mercedes-Benz X-Class
The Mercedes-Benz X-Class launched to the market last week, has established a new vehicle segment as the first bakkie from a premium manufacturer.
Nadia Trimmel, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans Southern Africa: “We are opening this segment to a new customer group who want a robust bakkie with refined sophistication and unparalleled driving comfort.”
The X-Class Progressive is aimed at consumers who are seeking a rugged bakkie with extra styling and comfort functions, while also being a comfortable yet prestigious vehicle for private or dual use.
The X-Class Power is the high-end line. It is aimed at customers for whom styling, performance, and comfort are paramount. As a lifestyle vehicle beyond the mainstream, it is suitable for urban environments as well as for sports and leisure activities off the beaten track.
Performance
The bakkie offers two powerful four-cylinder engines. The high-torque common-rail diesel drive system with a displacement of 2.3 litres is available with a choice of two power outputs. In the X220d, the engine generates 120kW and in the X250d no less than 140kW.
The twin-turbo engine comes with one high pressure and one low-pressure turbocharger set in series to ensure immediate response times, unmatched pulling power and strong acceleration.
Transmission
The X 220 d is available in rear-wheel drive, while the X 250 d is offered in rear-wheel drive or with engageable all-wheel drive, with low-range. Power is transferred via a six-speed manual transmission. Its special feature is the wide transmission spacing, with a short first gear for maximum torque and a long sixth gear to keep rev speeds down. A seven-speed automatic transmission is available for the 140kW, X 250 d and X 250 d 4MATIC models.
Dynamic, comfortable driving enjoyment
Coil springs are used both at the front and rear. The front wheels are guided by double triangle wishbones. At the back, a rear multi-link solid axle with good articulation capability is well-suited to transporting heavy loads.
A robust ladder-type frame with closed longitudinal profiles and cross-members provides the basis for transporting heavy loads and handling tough off-road terrain. Disc brakes all-round as standard for short braking distances
Infotainment
A fast hard-disk navigation with high-quality 3D-view map display takes into account live traffic information (traffic information in real-time) to enable dynamic route guidance, with the aid of which traffic jams can be avoided and travel times can be reduced.
An engaging media display, an internet browser, an integral 80GB hard disk and a DVD player are also included in the host of equipment. The multimedia system can also be operated using voice control via Linguatronic.
PremiumDrive
The Mercedes-Benz X-Class comes standard with the manufacturer’s PremiumDrive. It ensures superior cover for 100,000 km/six years, whichever occurs first.
The Mercedes-Benz X-Class is now available to be ordered in South Africa, for delivery from mid-May 2018, subject to stock availability.
Pricing
The lineup will start at R642,103. At launch, the flagship model will be the X250d 4×4 Power, which comes in at R791,315 in manual and R818,105 in auto.
Isuzu mu-X
The mu-X, Isuzu's seven-seater SUV, is the first vehicle to be launched under the newly established Isuzu Motors South Africa.
The mu-X is powered by Isuzu's 3.0-litre four-cylinder intercooled turbodiesel diesel engine that produces 130kW of power and 380Nm of torque. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission which has a sequential sport mode. It also boasts a three-tonne towing capacity.
Two models are available with the choice of 4x2 or 4x4 derivatives. The four-wheel drive version relies on Isuzu's Terrain Command 4x4 system with electronically selected two and four-wheel drive high-range modes, or 4x4 low-range for more challenging off-road driving.
Ride comfort
The mu-X is equipped with a fully independent suspension all round, encompassing a five-link setup at the rear, that delivers the best balance of ride comfort, handling and off-road capability.
LED daytime running lights and Bi-LED projector headlamps with auto-levelling functionality is standard on both models. Leather trim is standard for the seats.
Aluminium side-steps, 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass and LED rear combination lamps further enhance the mu-X's dynamic appeal.
Infotainment
A multi-function infotainment unit has a nine-inch colour touchscreen display that provides access to the embedded satellite navigation, audio and communication systems that includes a DVD and MP3-compatible CD player, Bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Front and rear USB slots are provided, in conjunction with an auxiliary iPod input and HDMI port.
Active safety features include ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA). This is complemented by Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC) which can be engaged in low-range 4x4 mode.
Isuzu Complete Care
The mu-X comes standard with Isuzu Complete Care, comprising a five-year/120,000km bumper-to-bumper warranty and Isuzu Roadside Assistance, a five-year/unlimited km anti-corrosion warranty and a five-year/90,000km service plan. Service intervals are every 15,000km/12 months.
Pricing
- Isuzu mu-X 3.0 4X2 AT6: R568,000
- Isuzu mu-X 3.0 4x4 AT6: R629,100