The Isuzu mu-X’s tech that makes a great drive – Manila Bulletin

2022-06-04 02:31:19 By : Mr. Armin Hong

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I like how it crept up on the segment and just surprised everyone with how sleek and slender it has become. The amazing part is, it isn’t even that vastly different design-wise from the first-gen model.

Side-by-side, the biggest difference are the slimmer bi-LED automatic headlamps with arrow signature, the vastly sleeker daylight openings, and the sexy back (with power tailgate). Of course, it doesn’t hurt that this Marrakesh Brown really stands out on the road.

The redesigned grille is a given as it’s an all-new model— much wider now with thinner borders and bars with a more prominent character line looking like it’s always ready to pounce.

A rear spoiler comes standard, along with LED front and rear fog lamps, LED daytime running lamps, and LED combination taillights. Plus, the roof rails aren’t just for show. These can take a maximum load of 100 kilograms.

It isn’t a very drastic change, design-wise, but it’s still comprehensive enough to overhaul its looks and image. If this was a beauty contest, I’d definitely put the mu-X among the top 3 of all mid-size SUVs.

The smart key never left my pocket. There’s a button on the door handle to lock/unlock this seven-seater and inside is a push Start/Stop button to wake the 3.0L diesel CRDi engine with an electric variable geometry turbo.

There’s a rather edgy vibe in the cabin from the very angular features of the dashboard, its wavy soft-touch surface, and also the shape of the vents and the silver and glossy accents all around the cockpit.

All seats are leather-wrapped. The ones in front are bolstered, but it begins to thin out the further back it goes. Second-row seats don’t slide, which is a point against it, but they do fold and tumble forward easily using only one lever. The best thing I like about the seating is how the third row is just two seats but they’re more spacious than most in the segment because of the big legroom.

The steering wheel is a huge upgrade from its predecessor. It has leather and controls for audio, the 4.2-inch multi-function information display, and the various highly advanced safety features of the mu-X.

What will take this cabin over the top versus other in the segment is this massive 10.1-inch full touchscreen display. It sends music to eight speakers and comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and even the old-school AUX-in. Operation is very easy and because touch points are huge so there’s very little chance you press something by mistake.

Isuzu has really stepped it up with everything in the cabin and it’s a total 180° turnaround. Appointments are highly plush and the tech features, for this variant, are certainly class leading.

On the highway, especially on SLEX, it feels like it has more than 190 PS. It can cruise a little above the speed limit and still keep well below 2,000 RPM which is why it is so fuel efficient. It doesn’t have as quick takeoff for an SUV with 450 Nm of torque (and a lighter 4×2 layout) but it doesn’t feel sluggish either. Overall fuel consumption on combined driving is a very good 10.1 km/l for an engine with a higher displacement than most in the segment.

Steering feel is much lighter with this second-gen unit but feedback isn’t as high. Ride comfort is very commendable and surely at par with some of the best in the segment. Potholes barely register in the cabin and even bad humps are caught softly by the coil spring front and rear suspension.

One of its best assets though is ADAS (advanced driver assist system). It has at least 13 safety features that will definitely save your life, or at the very least, prevent a collision. If I had to tweak something though, I’d reduce the sensitivity of the Lane Departure Warning. It’s extremely sensitive, unforgiving, and will definitely disturb the cabin’s peace and quiet. Nevertheless, it’s still something I’d rather have than not.

Isuzu did impressive work on the m-UX. The exterior didn’t get as much work as the cabin and engine, but the addition of ADAS was a big leap forward and shows that the marque is serious about taking the lead in this segment.

The SRP of P2.100 million puts this on the expensive end of the price range and the limited color options – only five are available including this hue – may turn off the young market.

But colors and price aside, if it’s safety and tech you’re after, not to mention the legendary durability of Isuzu engines and bodies, this m-UX 3.0L 4×2 LS-E AT will not disappoint.

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