Isuzu MU-X 7 seat SUV Ddi 3.0 VGS Turbo
As Chevrolet did with its pickup, so Isuzu has done with the D-Max; producing a 7 seat SUV derivative of its popular pickup. Although Isuzu is the tenth largest auto manufacturer in the world, its passenger car footprint is very small, due in part to a single-model line-up, the D-Max pickup. Its new SUV sibling, the MU-X, is hoping to grow that foot a little larger. It's not everyday that a car manufacturer doubles the size of its model line-up in one fell swoop, but Isuzu has done just that with the introduction of the MU-X (pronounced "mue" by its Thai builders). On the back of the brand's largely successful D-Max, the MU-X shares dimensions and style with Chevrolet's Trailblazer, a result of shared development when Isuzu built the Colorado as a CKD product for GM. MU-X Music video & behind scenes.
The D-Max and MU-X only share three identical body panels - the bonnet and front doors - and the SUV is 250mm shorter than the pickup, wheel to wheel. Its development started in 2007 as a replacement of the MU-7.
The MU-X in this top grade model features 17-inch aluminium wheels, fog lights, chrome grille and mirrors, and aluminium side-steps, a leather-appointed interior, climate control air conditioning, touch-screen navigation system, roof-mounted DVD entertainment system and Rear Park Assist with reverse camera.
The proved three-litre Isuzu 4JJ1-TC diesel engine powers the MU-X, delivering 130kW of power at 3600 rpm and 380 Nm of torque in the 1800-2800 rpm band, using a common-rail fuel injection system and intercooled, variable geometry turbocharger. Isuzu MU-X SUV comes in top spec with an electronically controlled Aisin five-speed automatic transmission coupled to a two-speed transfer case with a low range ratio of 2.482:1. The auto also has ‘Hill Descent’ and ‘Hill-Ascent’ modes, unlike the manual model versions. Braking is done by power-assisted 300mm ventilated front discs with twin-pot calipers and 318mm rear disc brakes. An anti-skid brake system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist (EBA) is fitted to all variants.
Interestingly, these are lower numbers that its most obvious rival, the Chevrolet Trailblazer, which makes 147kW and 500Nm of torque. Compared to the Trailblazer, however, the Isuzu reaches its maximum torque figure earlier and holds onto it longer. According to Isuzu, this is an intentional difference that's designed to increase the reliability and engine life of the car. Isuzu believes the engine will be good for 500,000km if looked after correctly.
The MU-X doesn't lead the 7 seat SUV pack in terms of power and torque, but performance was excellent and fuel economy on our on and off road test was under 9L/100km, which i very good for such a large car. Shift quality from the five-speed auto box was excellent and powerful engine braking was enhanced by downshifting. The all-disc service brakes were well up to the loaded-vehicle task and should be adequate for towing.
The MU-X have received a five-star ANCAP safety rating for the new model, and has paid close attention to modern safety features. Besides airbags, there's a long list of the usual passive safety features, rear park assist is standard across the line and a there's a rear camera for the top-spec 4x4. The middle row of seats is fitted with both ISOFIX child seat anchors and top tethers.
For those with a four-wheel-drive bent, the MU-X is well equipped. Fitted with a low-range transfer case, and built on a ladder-frame chassis with a five-link coil sprung rigid rear axle, it's built with some of the toughness of older off-roaders. Although it's equipped with ESC and traction control, both can be disabled in low-range mode, while hill ascent and descent control is standard. All of the underbody skid and bash plates are steel, and protect the sump and transfer case. The MU-X is great to tow with. Its towing capacity is rated at three tonnes.
Inside things are good. The quality of fit and finish is nice, and there's a modern suite of comforts, including climate-controlled air conditioning to all three rows of seats, electric windows and a stereo with full Bluetooth connectivity. Isuzu (and GM, mind you) persist with a micro-USB input for media devices, however, which means finding an adaptor for most.
Off-road the MU-X is settled and competent. Wheel travel in the rear end is quite good thanks to the five-link rear end and, if treated right, the traction control will help you out of minor difficulties. The short first gear in both manual and automatic guises combines well with the low-range gearing to provide good engine braking, while the hill descent control will further help the automatic. Driven on steep side angles (40 degrees), the car felt stable and well-mannered. Thankfully, the suspension also does a good job of softening the initial harshness of rough and rocky terrain. The MU-X is well geared for rock climbing and descending and ground clearance is adequate for most people's needs. On beach sand we dropped pressures to 16psi and the MU-X drove effortlessly.
On road the car is unsurprisingly SUV-like. The softness of suspension we enjoyed off-road contributes to a manageable amount of body roll, although the steering is much more direct than some of the more established SUVs getting around (LandCruiser for example). See how steep slopes it can manage.
Inside, cabin noise is low, although there's no escaping the growl of the engine. Like the TrailBlazer, this is still based on a commercial vehicle. Getting comfortable behind the tilt-only wheel was easy in the case of the top spec test vehicle that had a power-adjustable driver's seat. Leather seat covering is also a feature of this model and we liked the suede-finish surface on the seat cushion and backrest that held us in place when cornering. It's comfortable, and the second row of seats has enough room for adults. Isuzu even widened the seat rail gap on the front seats to provide more foot room. Many seven-seaters have difficult third-row seating access, but the MU-X was one of the best we've tested. Both second-row seats tumbled forward completely - once the headrests were easily pushed down - leaving ample room for adults to clamber into the third row. However, as with most seven-seaters, the third row is mainly of child and small adult proposition, and while the seats do stow down to provide luggage room, it could have been executed better. They look added-on, rather than integrated. The cargo area has some floor-height compromise from its pickup heritage, but the payoff is a high-set, under-floor spare wheel that doesn't intrude into the departure angle envelope. The third-row seats don't fold into a floor recess, but a false floor section at the rear of the cargo area helps form a flat floor.
Trailblazer vs MU-X MU-X presentation 3D On bad roads Beach driving Water Crossing MU-X test drive
Conclusion:
The MU-X is a solid four-wheel-drive. It's not overly powerful and it's not overly agile, but in its top spec, it is the best and safest of the affordable seven-seat four-wheel drive on the thai market currently. If money is no problem the Mercedes Benz GL is a much better, much more comfortable and a safer car.
Isuzu is marketing these cars as affordable, tough and reliable machines for adventure.
That seems to be exactly what they are, but they also do a very good job as a normal family car. Isuzu has done a great job converting its pickup into a wagon. Ride is, if anything, too soft. There is some slight 'booming' on rough surfaces, but, generally the MU-X's cabin is very quiet. We warmly recommend this vehicle as a good buy.
The D-Max and MU-X only share three identical body panels - the bonnet and front doors - and the SUV is 250mm shorter than the pickup, wheel to wheel. Its development started in 2007 as a replacement of the MU-7.
The MU-X in this top grade model features 17-inch aluminium wheels, fog lights, chrome grille and mirrors, and aluminium side-steps, a leather-appointed interior, climate control air conditioning, touch-screen navigation system, roof-mounted DVD entertainment system and Rear Park Assist with reverse camera.
The proved three-litre Isuzu 4JJ1-TC diesel engine powers the MU-X, delivering 130kW of power at 3600 rpm and 380 Nm of torque in the 1800-2800 rpm band, using a common-rail fuel injection system and intercooled, variable geometry turbocharger. Isuzu MU-X SUV comes in top spec with an electronically controlled Aisin five-speed automatic transmission coupled to a two-speed transfer case with a low range ratio of 2.482:1. The auto also has ‘Hill Descent’ and ‘Hill-Ascent’ modes, unlike the manual model versions. Braking is done by power-assisted 300mm ventilated front discs with twin-pot calipers and 318mm rear disc brakes. An anti-skid brake system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist (EBA) is fitted to all variants.
Interestingly, these are lower numbers that its most obvious rival, the Chevrolet Trailblazer, which makes 147kW and 500Nm of torque. Compared to the Trailblazer, however, the Isuzu reaches its maximum torque figure earlier and holds onto it longer. According to Isuzu, this is an intentional difference that's designed to increase the reliability and engine life of the car. Isuzu believes the engine will be good for 500,000km if looked after correctly.
The MU-X doesn't lead the 7 seat SUV pack in terms of power and torque, but performance was excellent and fuel economy on our on and off road test was under 9L/100km, which i very good for such a large car. Shift quality from the five-speed auto box was excellent and powerful engine braking was enhanced by downshifting. The all-disc service brakes were well up to the loaded-vehicle task and should be adequate for towing.
The MU-X have received a five-star ANCAP safety rating for the new model, and has paid close attention to modern safety features. Besides airbags, there's a long list of the usual passive safety features, rear park assist is standard across the line and a there's a rear camera for the top-spec 4x4. The middle row of seats is fitted with both ISOFIX child seat anchors and top tethers.
For those with a four-wheel-drive bent, the MU-X is well equipped. Fitted with a low-range transfer case, and built on a ladder-frame chassis with a five-link coil sprung rigid rear axle, it's built with some of the toughness of older off-roaders. Although it's equipped with ESC and traction control, both can be disabled in low-range mode, while hill ascent and descent control is standard. All of the underbody skid and bash plates are steel, and protect the sump and transfer case. The MU-X is great to tow with. Its towing capacity is rated at three tonnes.
Inside things are good. The quality of fit and finish is nice, and there's a modern suite of comforts, including climate-controlled air conditioning to all three rows of seats, electric windows and a stereo with full Bluetooth connectivity. Isuzu (and GM, mind you) persist with a micro-USB input for media devices, however, which means finding an adaptor for most.
Off-road the MU-X is settled and competent. Wheel travel in the rear end is quite good thanks to the five-link rear end and, if treated right, the traction control will help you out of minor difficulties. The short first gear in both manual and automatic guises combines well with the low-range gearing to provide good engine braking, while the hill descent control will further help the automatic. Driven on steep side angles (40 degrees), the car felt stable and well-mannered. Thankfully, the suspension also does a good job of softening the initial harshness of rough and rocky terrain. The MU-X is well geared for rock climbing and descending and ground clearance is adequate for most people's needs. On beach sand we dropped pressures to 16psi and the MU-X drove effortlessly.
On road the car is unsurprisingly SUV-like. The softness of suspension we enjoyed off-road contributes to a manageable amount of body roll, although the steering is much more direct than some of the more established SUVs getting around (LandCruiser for example). See how steep slopes it can manage.
Inside, cabin noise is low, although there's no escaping the growl of the engine. Like the TrailBlazer, this is still based on a commercial vehicle. Getting comfortable behind the tilt-only wheel was easy in the case of the top spec test vehicle that had a power-adjustable driver's seat. Leather seat covering is also a feature of this model and we liked the suede-finish surface on the seat cushion and backrest that held us in place when cornering. It's comfortable, and the second row of seats has enough room for adults. Isuzu even widened the seat rail gap on the front seats to provide more foot room. Many seven-seaters have difficult third-row seating access, but the MU-X was one of the best we've tested. Both second-row seats tumbled forward completely - once the headrests were easily pushed down - leaving ample room for adults to clamber into the third row. However, as with most seven-seaters, the third row is mainly of child and small adult proposition, and while the seats do stow down to provide luggage room, it could have been executed better. They look added-on, rather than integrated. The cargo area has some floor-height compromise from its pickup heritage, but the payoff is a high-set, under-floor spare wheel that doesn't intrude into the departure angle envelope. The third-row seats don't fold into a floor recess, but a false floor section at the rear of the cargo area helps form a flat floor.
Trailblazer vs MU-X MU-X presentation 3D On bad roads Beach driving Water Crossing MU-X test drive
Conclusion:
The MU-X is a solid four-wheel-drive. It's not overly powerful and it's not overly agile, but in its top spec, it is the best and safest of the affordable seven-seat four-wheel drive on the thai market currently. If money is no problem the Mercedes Benz GL is a much better, much more comfortable and a safer car.
Isuzu is marketing these cars as affordable, tough and reliable machines for adventure.
That seems to be exactly what they are, but they also do a very good job as a normal family car. Isuzu has done a great job converting its pickup into a wagon. Ride is, if anything, too soft. There is some slight 'booming' on rough surfaces, but, generally the MU-X's cabin is very quiet. We warmly recommend this vehicle as a good buy.
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