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Lifestyle Writer

Autoworld Zimbabwe, exclusive distributor of Isuzu vehicles in Zimbabwe, has launched the latest-generation Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) in the country, the Isuzu mu-X.

It was a glamorous event that left many awestruck and rekindled the glory days where the nation celebrated the advent of some of the world’s biggest car brands onto Zim soil at the same time as the rest of the world.

Autoworld business development manager Piet de Klerk said the vehicle had arrived in Zimbabwe against a backdrop of international acclaim, including major accolades from safety and design agencies in the exacting Australian market.

The vehicle — its model name means Multi-Purpose Utility Crossover — is a seven-seat SUV designed to provide users with a superior experience in everyday use, such as school runs and driving to work, through to off-road adventure driving.

It features 6-speed transmission and a 3-litre turbo diesel engine with 130 kW of power and 380 Nm of torque, with both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel- drive capability.

“Isuzu is the world’s largest producer of commercial diesel engines and this new SUV results from the company’s 102-year history and its particular wealth of experience in creating diesel engines for international use,” said Mr de Klerk.

And it certainly is a mean machine. In the words of an attendee, if a nuclear holocaust were to visit this precious palace there would be only two things that would survive; cockroaches and the Isuzu mu-X!

A feature of the model is a 5-link rear suspension system that allows the driver to alter one parameter in the suspension at time, resulting in greater control.

It also features Terrain Command through a four-wheel-drive select dial, also allowing for greater driver control of off-road performance.

Other features include considerable storage capacity, high levels of comfort, reverse view camera and an eight-speaker audio system with stream facility and iPod and Bluetooth connectivity. It offers a wide range of screen-based information and entertainment options.

“A large measure of safety consideration has been given to the design of the Isuzu mu-X, which has a high-impact-absorption  bonnet, steel  guards for sump and transmission case and a four-channel, four-sensor anti-skid system, all designed to offer high levels of safety to driver and passengers,” said Mr de Klerk.

The Isuzu mu-X is now available in the local market in a range of seven colours, including white, black, brown, silver and grey.

Certainly sexy has been brought back to the car industry.