Last month, Isuzu Motors India announced that production of BSIV-compliant models would stop by December end. It went on to mention that BS6-ready vehicles would cost up to Rs 4 lakh more than they do now. If you think that isn’t a significant price difference, Isuzu has introduced another benefit for those opting for the MU-X SUV before the end of the year. The company is offering an extended three years warranty on the powertrain, for an additional 50,000 km.

Let’s elaborate on that. The “5ecure” package, which ropes in five years of warranty and five years of free periodic maintenance over 150,000 km, is available with the MU-X. At no extra cost, Isuzu is ready to stand by the SUV’s powertrain for an additional three years and 50,000km. In other words, a cover of 8 years/200,000km is up for grabs for major mechanical parts like the engine and the transmission.

Before you wonder, no other model in the same SUV space is currently available with such a warranty period. For the uninitiated, the maintenance part under the “5ecure” package includes parts that need replacing under scheduled maintenance as well as costs attached with lubricants and labour. The entire package of this extended cover, including the additional warranty for the powertrain, is transferrable. That will have positive repercussions on the SUV’s resale value.

The MU-X is a potent product. Under the bonnet is a 3.0-litre, turbo-diesel engine which puts out 174bhp/380Nm. The power-plant comes mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission and a shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system. With satisfactory approach and departure angles, 220mm of ground clearance and drivetrain systems such as electronic stability control and traction control system, the SUV does work when the going gets rough. In India, Isuzu’s flagship model competes with the Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. In that line-up, the MU-X is also on the affordable side.