ISUZU hopes to reclaim some of the heritage laid by the Trooper, and both the quirky VehiCROSS and MU, with the 2015 MU-X, now available from local dealers of the brand Vehicles & Supplies Limited (VSL).

“It’s been created to go head-to-head with the likes of the Toyota Fortuner,” Sade Hird, sales executive VSL, told Auto.

The mid-sized Sport Utility Vehicles build on Isuzu’s tough off-road reputation and add the modern convenience touches for the discerning buyer starting with the ability to seat seven.

For those with a plan to take the path less travelled the MU-X offers a chassis with high levels of strength and rigidity, and Isuzu’s simple-to-use switchable full-time four-wheel-drive system. It’s integrated with a host of electronics to ensure sure-footedness over a wide variety of terrain.

Standard underbody protection, and approach and departure angles designed for offroad use, means the MU-X isn’t a pretender to the 4WD throne.

On-road, the 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine mixes power and fuel economy, while anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control and traction control make sure the MU-X is just as sure-footed on regular pavement.

This all gives peace of mind allowing driver and passengers to relax with features like a premium six-speaker audio system controlled from the steering wheel, 14 cup holders, and climate control.

— Rory Daley