Isuzu MU (UE)

Isuzu MU/Isuzu Amigo/Vauxhall Frontera (UES73EW/UES25EW). 1998–2004 (prod. n/a). 3-door SUV. F/R, F/A, 2171 cm³ diesel (I4 OHC), 2198 cm³ (I4 DOHC), 3165, 3494 cm³ (V6 DOHC). Second generation of the Mysterious Utility, also made in the US as the Isuzu Amigo, still with pick-up truck origins and non-independent rear suspension. Improved equipment levels. New common-rail diesel, with better fuel economy. Mid-term changes in 2000 with mild facelift. Discontinued in Japan as sales declined in 2002, and produced in the US till 2004. Larger GDI V6 for US for its final year. Still not the safest SUV, and continued to suffer from poor refinement and cramped interior. Harsh interior materials. Capable off-road, as with previous MU, but buyers were demanding more comforts from their SUVs, and the MU was deleted.

Manufacturing locations: Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan; Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Luton, Bedfordshire, England

Marque: Isuzu | Model: Isuzu MU | Predecessor: Isuzu MU (UC) | Successors: Saturn Vue (2002–7), Opel Antara

q.v. Isuzu Wizard (UE)