Isuzu takes new, much better direction with mu-X

THE MU-X makes a much better first impression thanks to its more angular front (with LED daytime-running type) and rear lights.

It’s been nine years since we first welcomed the Alterra, Isuzu’s venerable SUV loved for the ample passenger room (and a huge cargo area that is 5 meters long) and its class-leading entertainment system package, as well as fuel efficiency (posted over 19 kilometers-per-liter efficiency during one test drive organized by the Department of Energy).

But like any out-of-favor models, automakers like Isuzu must bring it up to date to address new market realities or just retire it to give way for an all-new one. Isuzu decided on the latter and introduced the mu-X.

Worthy successor

The mu-X should prove to be a worthy successor. It’s a product of the manufacturing efficiency that enabled Isuzu to benefit from increased economies of scale and save millions of dollars in development costs.

But despite sharing an identical ladder frame chassis, side silhouette and interior styling with Chevy Trailblazer—Isuzu has a long history of cooperation with GM, owner of Chevy—the mu-X still looks and behaves differently.

Isuzu developed its own drivetrain for the mu-X and the Japanese automaker claimed that the truck-based engine is less stressed than competitive powerplants and has a minimum expected life cycle of 500,000 kilometers.

“Buyers will choose the mu-X due to the positive word-of-mouth surrounding the brand’s reliability. I strongly believe that Isuzu’s reputation as a no-nonsense, reliable and durable truck brand will be a major reason why the mu-X will also succeed here,” Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) president Nobuo Izumina said.

Buyers may miss the Alterra’s (which by the way, is known as the mu-7 in other markets) trusty 146-horsepower, 3-liter diesel engine (that churns out 294 Newton-meters of torque), but the mu-X may have its advantage.

More torque

Indeed, mu-X’s 2.5-liter diesel engine may be 10 HP less than the one it replaces. However, it offers more pulling power—an additional 24 Nm of torque— thanks to an engine that is now equipped with an intercooled Variable Geometry System (VGS) turbocharger.

The VGS is a next-generation turbocharging technology that employs movable vanes. The angle of these vanes could be changed throughout the engine’s revolutions-per-minute range to optimize the overall efficiency of the turbines.

The VGS has the advantage of being able to operate more efficiently even at low speeds. At low speed, the narrowed and almost closed vanes allow the exhaust flow gases to accelerate more as they reach the turbine blades.

The optimized airflow generates more boost, while maximizing low-speed torque and, most importantly, fuel economy.

“In the Philippines, SUVs are loved for their larger and heavier built. It’s a status symbol on wheels. The mu-X will be able to replace not just a family sedan but also a minivan as it has superior cargo hauling and people-moving capabilities. With one more row of seating than a traditional full-size car, and with greater ground clearance and available four-wheel drive, the seven-passenger mu-X straddles the line between several segments,” said IPC senior vice president Arthur Balmadrid.

The mu-X rides on a traditional but newly developed ladder frame chassis with independent double wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer in front, and a five-link with coil springs and stabilizer bar combination in the rear, allowing for a surprisingly competent and relaxed high-speed cruising.

Plenty of protection

There is plenty of offroad protection, including 23 centimeters of ground clearance, a 30.1-degree approach and 25.1-degree departure angles, 17-inch wheels, as well as an ECU and alternator positioned out of harms way.

While the mu-X is great for city driving, this SUV is built to go offroad. The four-wheel-drive equipped variant features a selectable switch that allows the driver to switch between 2WD and 4WD at speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour (low-range 4WD still needs the vehicle to be stationary).

Balmadrid announced that market reception has been overwhelming and that the target of selling 2,000 units in the remaining months of the year is highly achievable. IPC targets to hit the 6,000-unit mark next year.