Isuzu mu-X Black Series: Dressed to the nines

Two impeccably good looking color variants of the mu-X Black Series were unveiled at Isuzu Cebu City by IPC EVP Shojiro Sakoda (third from left) with (from left) Isuzu Cebu branch manager Ilderim Castanares, Isuzu Cebu Inc. GM Steve Gingco, Mitsubishi Corp. GM for Asean Division Daisuke Takagi, and IPC Sales Department head Hiroto Nakaguro.

With a healthy economy, opulently equipped SUVs are without question the shining stars of the auto business these days.

Take this Isuzu mu-X SUV, for example. On top of its sporty look, add a black radiator grille and hood garnish, as well as a two-tone front bumper where the top portion matches the vehicle body’s color while the lower part is finished in Cosmic Black.

This is Isuzu’s dressed-to-the-nines mu-X Black Series, the upgraded variant of the automatic, 3.0-liter LS-A 4×2 model.

Buyers will surely appreciate the gloss black roof rails rated to carry loads weighing up to 60 kg, semi-gloss black side stepboards, a new tailgate garnish that’s also finished in black, and redesigned two-tone, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels with 255/65 R17 tires.

As a premium SUV, the Isuzu mu-X Black Series also boasts of projector-type multi-reflector headlamps, daytime running lamps, a center-mounted roof antenna, chrome power-folding side-view mirrors with integrated turn indicators, and a rear spoiler.

“As Isuzu Philippines’ bestselling and flagship model, the Isuzu mu-X Black Series deserves to have the best features that address the expectations of even more discerning customers. That is why we strive to continually introduce upgrades to this premium and highly capable SUV. The Isuzu mu-X Black Series is the latest product of such efforts, and we’re confident that the model will appeal to a more sophisticated market,” said IPC EVP Shojiro Sakoda during the latest model’s launch last March 17 at Isuzu Cebu City.

Sakoda said introducing the new Isuzu mu-X Black Series in Cebu is also an important move as this signifies Isuzu Philippines’ appreciation for growth markets in the central and southern parts of the country. “Cebu has consistently been among the strongest performers in terms of deliveries of Isuzu products.”

With a more sophisticated and daring look, the mu-X Black Series also has an upgraded interior: carbon fiber accents on the key cover and other panels, new scuff plates, chrome inside door handles, 6-way power adjust leather-wrapped driver seats, and soft pads on the door armrests and center console.

The entertainment system that boasts of a 10-inch ceiling-mounted video monitor and six-speaker system offers Bluetooth, iPod and WiFi connectivity.

The 8-inch touchscreen display on the center console offers various multimedia and navigation functions. There’s also the electroluminescent multi-information display.

Also upgraded is the organizer box, which complements the various storage compartments strategically located inside the vehicle.

The mu-X Black Series is powered by Isuzu’s 3.0-liter 4JJ1-TC (HI) diesel engine that is equipped with common rail direct injection, intercooler, and a variable geometry system turbocharger.

This 161-horsepower engine produces 380 Nm of torque from 1,800 rpm to 2,200 rpm, which is delivered to the rear wheels by a five-speed automatic transmission with a sequential shift function.

The mu-X Black Series is priced at P1.568 million and is available in two colors: Cosmic Black and Garnet Red. Log on to www.isuzuphil.com for more information.