Japanese auto maker, Isuzu is planning to enter Indian car market was the news since July-2012 and now to confirm that we see the Isuzu MU-7 SUV (also known as the Alterra) being tested in Pune, India. Thanks to AutoCarIndia forum member named AMG1 for the firstever spy pictures of this test-car in India. The MU-7 SUV will directly compete with the likes of the Toyota Fortuner and the Ford Endeavour.
The MU-7 is a 7-seater SUV that is originally based on the D-Max truck chassis. Currently the SUV is powered by a 3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine producing 161bhp and 360Nm of torque. This engine comes with a 5 speed manual transmission as standard and a five speed automatic transmission as an option. We can expect both the 2WD and 4WD model to be launched in India.
On the inside, the interiors benefits from acres of real estate and the MU7 can easily accommodate 7 adults and their luggage. The MU-7 comes with a commanding road presence due to its generous proportions that makes it one big SUV in its class. Safety features on offer are – ABS, traction control, ESP and airbags.
Isuzu currently operates in India as partner in SML-Isuzu – joint venture with Swaraj-Mazda and also supplies engines to HM Ambassador. The company has plans of setting up a production unit in India with an investment of about Rs 1,000 crore. This facility is expected to have capacity of 1,00,000 to 1,20,000 units per annum and will also be used for vehicles like the D-Max pickup truck and a mini pickup truck in India.
However, Isuzu could first start operations through the CBU, from Thailand orelse assemble it at the Hindustan Motors plant in Chennai. According to some trusted source, the Isuzu MU-7 SUV is expected to be launched by mid-2013 with a price tag of Rs 20 lakh. We hope Isuzu makes an official announcement soon putting end to all the speculations.
Checkout more pictures below the jump.
Also see – Spied – Great Wall Haval H5 caught testing in India, yet again!
Source – AutoCarIndia
