Isuzu brings back MU-X Tour Mate

ISUZU Ute Australia (IUA) has brought back its tow-ready MU-X Tour Mate, adding popular optional extras to the high-spec LS-T trim for a reduced price, but at nearly $80K it’s up against stiff competition.

The trim package adds a satin black steel bull bar, tow bar kit, 12-pin wiring harness, electronic brake controller, weather shields and rubber floor mats to the high-grade LS-T model, with IUA claiming all are commonly selected optional extras.

IUA says the accessories are worth “almost $9000”, but the Tour Mate’s $79,990 drive-away price is only $1666 more than a standard LS-T ($78,324 drive-away) using the company’s quote generator for a Queensland-registered vehicle.

This equates to a saving of around $7334 on the included accessories, but that will vary between states and territories, which is good news for customers wanting a tour-ready rig.

The MU-X Tour Mate will rivals the likes of Ford’s mid-spec Everest Sport (priced from $75,000 driveaway) and Toyota’s LandCruiser Prado GXL (priced from $78,990 plus on-road costs) offering more power and technology for a comparative price.

Despite trailing the Ford Everest and Toyota LandCruiser Prado on the sales ladder this year, by a sizable margin, the MU-X is breaking many of its own sales records with 2033 units shifted in June and 1635 in July – both all-time records for the nameplate.

Powering the Tour Mate is Isuzu’s popular 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, producing 140kW/450Nm, backed by a six-speed automatic transmission, with the brand’s new 2.2-litre engine and eight-speed automatic not offered in this trim grade.

The Tour Mate does, however, receive IUA’s new idle stop-start system, which brings fuel use and CO2 emissions down as NVES tightens its grip on 4x4 ute and wagon manufacturers in Australia.

Interestingly, despite being put forward as an off-road model, the Tour Mate also rides on the same 20-inch alloy wheels as the LS-T, somewhat limiting off-road tyre choices.

“With the MU-X Tour Mate having been tremendously well received last year, we are delighted to be able to return to market with an updated version of our most capable touring and towing model yet,” said IUA managing director Junta Matsui.

“The MU-X Tour Mate represents exceptional value as a reliable, rugged, and refined vehicle for customers ready to experience the best of the Australian lifestyle, allowing them to go their own way the moment they leave the dealership.”

The Isuzu MU-X LS-T Tour Mate is available to order now, offered with a six-year/150,000km warranty, as well as five years of capped price servicing at $469 every year or 15,000km (whichever comes first).