Filipinos have been patiently waiting for Isuzu's new-generation SUV. Now it's here!
This new MU-X will start in a strong position, as the previous generation was a favourite of the segment for many years. And let’s face it, the old model was starting to feel particularly haggard as a 2021 offering.
Aged as it was – offering little in terms of safety and technology – the previous-generation MU-X continued to be a popular choice for various lifestyles, four-wheel drivers, and families right up until its retirement. Along with being a good value proposition, the MU-X has carried an enviable reputation for reliability for many years. And some people place that higher than a fancy infotainment system.
This new Isuzu MU-X follows in the footsteps of the popular new D-Max Pick-Up Truck, with a new engine, better safety credentials, and overhauled technology to move it up in the world.
Under the bonnet are some figures that are familiar to the Isuzu name: A 3.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo diesel engine.
It’s a new engine, however, and marks the first time that Isuzu has separated its commercial and passenger engine offerings with the 4JJ3-TCX.
Like the D-Max, this MU-X rarely feels stressed – unperturbed by loads and hills as it lobs along at a relaxed, rattling gait. The six-speed automatic gearbox is a good companion in this regard, keeping revs low most of the time and allowing the engine to flex that low-down torque as much as possible. It’s still not as refined as the likes of Ford and Mitsubishi despite additional sound deadening. This engine still has a gruff nature to it, 3.0-litres across four cylinders means larger pots perhaps add to the noise and vibrations.
There are still a lot of reasons to like this engine in terms of potential durability. Timing chain and scissor gears up front, cast iron around the combustion chamber, and a melt-in cylinder liner all being ingredients that should aid longevity.
Inside, the improvements that helped the D-Max so much also benefit its brother SUV. Piano key-style air-conditioning controls look and work well in the MU-X, and there is a handy storage bin underneath where you can fit your stuff like phones, wallets and keys easily.
The infotainment display – a larger 10.1-inch screen. Standard inclusions cover Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, native navigation and digital radio. The operating system isn’t as slick as others out there, but if you spend the majority of your time mirroring your smartphone, that’s less of a deal-breaker.
Standard across the range is Isuzu’s new ‘ADAS’ suite of active safety technology. Autonomous emergency braking with intersection, pedestrian, cyclist and road sign detection comes from the two cameras mounted in the windscreen.
Rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring offer assistance when moving in the other direction. Other safety and convenience features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, post-collision braking and driver-attention assist. Safe to say, enough safety systems to sink a ship.
The presence of all of this safety equipment, along with eight interior airbags, puts in the groundwork for the potential of a good score. Those airbags include curtain airbags that extend to within the third row, as well as a front centre airbag to prevent collision between front occupants.
It’s not necessarily the same quantum leap forward that the old D-Max enjoyed in comparison. However, the MU-X is undoubtedly improved. The safety and technology credentials have all caught up to modern-day standards, and the general ride and driving experience is also positive. It still feels a little bit truck-like, with a torque delivery and diesel rumble that set it apart from others in the segment. Some will enjoy it, some won’t mind it. Others could grow tired of it.
Those who already know and love the previous-generation MU-X will likely find this new generation fits them like an old boot. It's familiar in many respects, but also improved in some key areas.
Improving the braked towing capacity to 3.5 tonnes – despite having a small payload at that point – does play to the strengths of the MU-X and its popularity as a tow vehicle.
MU-X 3.0 4x2 LS-A A/T in photo
But even with the improvements across the board that this new model enjoys, the big jump in asking price does hamper the value equation. Buyers will now need to consider a wider range of competition before locking in their choice.
Price:
MU-X 3.0 4x4 LS-E A/T - Php 2,450,000
MU-X 3.0 4x2 LS-E A/T - Php 2,100,000
MU-X 3.0 4x2 LS-A A/T - Php 1,900,000
MU-X RZ4E 4x2 LS-A M/T - Php 1,770,000
MU-X RZ4E 4x2 LS A/T - Php 1,590,000
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