The latest launch in our market has been the mu-X from Isuzu after completion to a BS6 compliant powertrain. The mu-X is a premium SUV offering from Isuzu along with the V-Cross pickup truck which was launch last week. Being present in the premium SUV segment, the direct competition comes from the French carmaker, Citroen with its premium SUV offering in the shape of C5 Aircross. It might be a 5-seater SUV, but the price range is similar to that of the mu-X. That is exactly the reason we have decided to compare these two capable SUVs in this article. If you want to check out how the mu-X performed against some of the traditional rivals like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour, you can see those comparisons here. Without wasting any more time, let us get into this comparison to help you choose the product which will meet your requirements better.
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Isuzu mu-X vs Citroen C5 Aircross- Exteriors and Dimensions
Being the latest addition to this family, the Isuzu mu-X is supposed to be the one with the latest design elements. The Isuzu mu-X, being the latest launch in the country, comes with an imposing design and exteriors. The front of the SUV is dominated by a ton of chrome in the form of the chunky front radiator grille, Bi-LED projector headlamps with auto-levelling, Sharp & sleek headlamp & taillamp design, Recessed front fog lamps with chrome garnish, LED DRLs & light guide integrated into headlamps, Two-tone metallic grey-body coloured front bumper and much more. The sides are accentuated by Multi-spoke Diamond Cut 18-inch alloy wheels, Chrome Door Handles, Aluminium Side Steps, Wrap-around rear glass – quarter glass & rear windshield and Roof Rials. The rear features LED Taillamps, Dual-tone rear spoiler, Dual-tone metallic grey rear bumpers, Shark Fin Antenna and a chunky Chrome Bar on the boot lid. The overall appearance is very modern and aggressive.
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The exteriors of the C5 Aircross are distinctive, to say the least. Although there are plenty of SUVs around in our market, you can never mistake the C5 Aircross for anything else. The typical square theme all across the body gives it a very sporty look. The sleek parallel chrome lines on the front grille, along with the LED DRLs on the bonnet do look modern. The LED headlamp unit just below the DRLs and squared-off air dams on the front bumper sure lets you know that it is a typical Citroen. The sides and the rear reflect the same square design theme with side skirtings and LED tail lamp design having some sort of squares in them. The long-wheelbase will make sure that the space on the interior cabin including the rear legroom will be plenty.
Being a premium SUV, this will ensure a comfortable and luxurious cabin space. Also, 230 mm ground clearance will help with any plans for an off-roading getaway trip. To make sure that you can take a ton of luggage, there is a generous 580-litres of boot space which can be increased to 720-litres by sliding the seats forward and to a massive 1,630-litres by folding the second-row seats completely.
| Parameter | Isuzu mu-X | Citroen C5 Aircross |
| Length | 4825 mm | 4500 mm |
| Width | 1860 mm | 2099 mm |
| Height | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2845 mm | 2730 mm |
The Isuzu mu-X is clearly much larger than the Citroen C5 Aircross in terms of overall dimensions. However, the C5 Aircross is substantially wider than the mu-X which makes the experience of the second-row passengers supremely comfortable. There is acres of space for the passengers and a large boot to enhance the practical aspects of the C5 Aircross. However, being significantly larger than the C5 Aircross, the mu-X has the additional practicality and comfort of a third row which makes it a bit more advantageous.
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Isuzu mu-X vs Citroen C5 Aircross- Interiors and Features
While the overall focus of Isuzu is to develop a robust and rugged SUV that could stand the test of time, it has still offered a ton of features generously. The Isuzu mu-X comes with a ton of modern comfort and convenience features. This includes a 7-inch Digital Infotainment Touchscreen Display with USB, AUX and Bluetooth Connectivity, 3D Electro-luminescent meters with Multi-Information Display (MID) & chrome rings, Live Surround Sound roof-mounted sound system with 8 speakers, Steering wheel with easy-select cruise and audio controls, Climate control air-conditioning with integrated heater & demister, Soft pad on all side door armrests, door trims & front floor console armrest, Premium finish dashboard with soft-touch panels, 6 -way power-adjustable driver seat and much more.
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The Isuzu mu-X comes with all the modern safety features including 6 Airbags, ABS with EBD and Emergency Brake Assist, Traction Control System, ESP, Shift-on-the-fly 4×4 system, All-four disc brakes, Hill Ascent and Descent Control, Cruise Control, Pre-tensioners with load limiters for front seat belts, ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts, Rear Parking Sensors with Camera to name a few.
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The list of modern comfort and connected features is extensive in the Citroen C5 Aircross. This includes an 8-inch Digital Touchscreen Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster to provide the driver with the necessary information, Automatic LED headlamps with LED DRLs, 18-inch Alloy Wheels to give it a sporty look, Electrically Adjustable, Powered and Heated Wing Mirrors, Electronic Parking Brake, Hands-free Powered Electric Tailgate, Dual-zone Climate Control, Panoramic Sunroof, Auto-dimming Inside Rear View Mirrors, Auto Park Assist with Reverse Parking Camera, Hill Descent and Ascent Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, 6 Airbags, Blind Spot Assist, Driver Fatigue Alert, Adjustable Rear Seat and Powered Driver’s Seat, Connected Car Features, Front and Rear Parking Sensors, Various Drive and Traction Modes for all kinds of environment, Cruise Control, 6-speaker Audio System.
Isuzu mu-X vs Citroen C5 Aircross- Engines, Transmissions and Prices
The Isuzu mu-X comes with a 1.9-litre BS6 compliant diesel engine with a Variable Geometry Turbocharger making 163 hp of peak power and 360 Nm of peak torque. The transmission options include a 6-speed Automatic transmission with Sequential Shift which holds the gear in high RPMs if it detects ascent or descent. The prices for the Isuzu mu-X range between Rs 33.23 lakh and Rs 35.19 lakh, ex-showroom.
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The Citroen C5 Aircross is making news because of its unique suspension setup for our roads. It comes equipped with something known as the Progressive Hydraulic Cushion-equipped suspension setup which will filter out all the bumps on our especially chaotic roads. The C5 Aircross will come with a sole 2.0-litre diesel engine making 180PS and 400Nm. It will be paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The shift-by-wire system will ensure smooth gearshifts for plush ride quality. The prices of the Citroen C5 Aircross start at Rs 29.90 lakh and go all the way up to Rs 31.90 lakh, ex-showroom. Another way of owning the C5 Aircross is through the Citroen Future Sure monthly package of Rs 49,999 for a term of 5 years. This will include an assured value of your C5 Aircross after the end of the term, Routine Maintenance, Road-side Assistance, Extended Warranty, On-Road Finance and much more. At the end of the term, one can either trade and upgrade to a brand new Citroen, keep the product or simply return to the dealer.
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Isuzu mu-X vs Citroen C5 Aircross- Verdict
Now, these two premium SUVs may be similar in the price range but could not be more different in terms of character. Whereas the Isuzu mu-X is a hardcore off-roading machine with the added convenience of three rows and tough built with durability, the Citroen C5 Aircross is an SUV focused solely on the comfort and conveniences of the passengers. If you are concerned about going on adventures on the weekend with the family, the Isuzu mu-X might be better suited for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for plush ride quality and a ton of comfort features for the passengers, Citroen C5 Aircross might well be the one for you.
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