Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) brought in the all-new mu-X last September, months after it had introduced its pick-up-truck counterpart, the D-Max.
The sport utility vehicle (SUV) became so highly appreciated that IPC President Hajime Koso even admitted that the company had experienced overwhelming demand, with their dealerships receiving hundreds of reservations for the pickup. Come to think of it, the occurrence was somehow expected since the crossover sports major upgrades compared to the previous version that made it more appealing to buyers.
We already have an idea of the four-wheel-drive capabilities of the nameplate but can the vehicle topple its competitors in the 4x2 category? Let’s have a look at the all-new Isuzu mu-X LS 4x2 E AT.
The all-new Isuzu mu-X LS 4x2 E AT is 4,850mm long, 1870mm, wide and 1,825mm tall with a wheelbase of 2855mm. These numbers assure that big drivers or passengers will have sufficient room inside the cabin. Aside from the size, the ground clearance of 235mm gives the impression that it is really meant to cover more unpaved roads.
Placed side by side, the latest version of the mu-X looks taller than the previous generation.
While there is enough space for adults in the front and middle row, the third row still does not give much seating space. Since the second-row seat can be folded 60/40 (and the last row folded flat), the all-new Isuzu mu-X LS 4x2 E AT gives generous space that could help one haul a month’s worth of groceries for a small family — maybe even more.
The all-new Isuzu mu-X LS 4x2 E AT shows that the nameplate known to be rugged and muscular can evolve into something sleek and sexy.
The curves from the front flow more naturally — a huge upgrade from its predecessor’s bulky look. The headlights are now slimmer, along with the toothed grille design.
While the vehicle could use bigger and wider tires, the 20-inch alloy wheels still complement the overall look of the all-new Isuzu mu-X LS 4x2 E AT. After all, this variant is built more for the city and must be more fuel-efficient than its four-wheel drive brethren.
The driver's seat can be electronically adjusted eight ways, while the front passenger seat can be moved four ways manually.
The interior of the all-new Isuzu mu-X LS 4x2 E AT would probably look very familiar — especially to those who checked out the all-new D-Max.
This would serve as a compliment since the interiors of the two are clad in black leather with white stitching, chrome, and black piano key touches with very few plastic accessories. The buttons in the steering wheel are neatly placed and the digital and analog gauges provide ample information.
Also, I like how Isuzu placed the hazard light button in the middle of the dashboard above everything else, making it easier to find.
Under the hood is also another familiar sight as the vehicle is equipped with a 3.0-liter common rail direct-injection diesel engine with turbo intercooler (4JJ3-TCX) mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain combination can provide up to 187 horses and as much as 450Nm of pulling power.
With the aforementioned engine fitted (plus the overall engineering of the vehicle), the vehicle does not feel restricted and easily reaches the 100kph mark without pushing the gas pedal much.
After traversing the congested uphill that is the Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road a few times over the weekend — with a few trips around Valenzuela up to Bocaue, Bulacan — the all-new Isuzu mu-X LS 4x2 E AT returned a 12kpl reading.
The all-new Isuzu mu-X LS 4x2 E AT is not just good looking, it now comes with nifty features, too.
The first to greet passengers is the 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — connected to a total of eight speakers around the cabin.
The vehicle also offers a pair of 12-volt sockets (one in the front and the other at back of the third row), three USB ports (one placed near the auxiliary jack socket while the other two in the second row). If those are still not enough to power up those mobile devices, there is also a 220V power outlet.
It also has 10 bottle holders (more than its seating capacity of the all-new Isuzu mu-X LS 4x2 E. The dual-zone air-conditioning system ensures comfort for every passenger and covers every row with its eight vents.
Safety-wise, the all-new Isuzu mu-X LS 4x2 E AT comes with Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Turn Assist, Pedal Mis-application Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Since the tag price of the all-new Isuzu mu-X LS 4x2 E AT is at P2.1 million, it would not hurt if the future mu-X version would be fitted with a moonroof (although it might mean a reduction in A/C vents for the rear and third-row passengers), and a wireless mobile phone charger that would make it a cut above the rest.
As it is, the all-new Isuzu mu-X LS 4x2 E AT already has what it takes to stir up the competition in the midsize SUV category.
Photos from Ruben D. Manahan IV
Also read:
IPC expects Isuzu mu-X to corner 10% of segment
PH-spec Isuzu mu-X is first LHD version in the world
Here's the possible variant lineup of the upcoming Isuzu mu-X
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