Isuzu mu-X: Family-friendly, robust off-roader

A bold chrome grille, chiseled lines and solid build characterize the 2014 Isuzu mu-X midsize SUV. PHOTOS BY AIDA SEVILLA-MENDOZA

Inside, a five-speed automatic gearbox, pushbutton start-stop, a touchscreen SatNav system. Connectivity galore.

When Isuzu Philippines launched the mu-X last September, the emphasis was on the family-friendly features by presenting the Kramer family as its brand ambassador. Doug Kramer drove a shiny new unit onstage with his attractive wife and three small children on board.

But the mu-X is much more than just a family-friendly midsize diesel sport utility vehicle. It is a highly versatile and usable seven-seat off-roader with low-range gearing, powered by what is reputed to be the world’s most robust diesel engine.

Isuzu is globally recognized as the manufacturer of the best, most durable and most reliable built-for-work diesel engines. Unveiled at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, the mu-X is an all-new model powered by the 4JK1-TC, a 2.5-liter Hi-Power turbo diesel engine that has never been used before in any Isuzu vehicle sold in the Philippines.

Its common rail direct injection (CRDi) fuel system, variable geometry system (VGS) and heavy-duty, stainless steel timing chain deliver abundant power, max torque across a wide rev range, minimal gear changes and efficient fuel consumption, all of which ensure many years of trouble-free motoring and off-road weekend adventuring.

SPACE. But first, let us look at what the mu-X has that attracts consumers in the market for a family-oriented vehicle. The primary consideration is space. The mu-X is roomy fore and aft. With three rows of seats, the mu-X accommodates seven, although the third row with its limited legroom and headroom is suitable for children only.

Easy access to the third-row seats which are suitable for children only

The driver and front seat passenger are ensconced in comfortable, supportive bucket seats and have an excellent view going forward. There is plenty of room for three adults on the second row of seats, which are just as supportive and can split 60:40, and fold and tumble in one action to give easy access to the 50:50 split third row seats.

To enlarge the cargo area, the third row can be folded down although not completely flat. Both the second and third row seats have easy one-tug controls to fold them or set them up.

With all seven seats in place, there is little room for luggage, sports equipment or groceries. On the other hand, there are 12 cup holders and 19 storage compartments plus a lockable and illuminated glove box.

Riding comfort is also taken into account when shopping for a vehicle to be used most often by the family. The double wishbone independent front suspension and multilink coil spring setup for the live rear axle, instead of the traditional harsher leaf springs, provide surprisingly comfortable on-road ride quality for this truck-based SUV.

At the rear, tow hooks and a large tailgate with chrome garnish

The soft, long-travel suspension system soaks up large potholes in stride but without the composure or poise of SUVs with a carlike monocoque frame and a fully independent suspension. Automatic climate control in the top-end LS-A variants contributes further to the comfort factor.

MULTIMEDIA. In the LS-A variants, a 10-inch ceiling-mounted drop-down DVD monitor can keep rear passengers, especially children, entertained during long trips. A 7-inch touchscreen display is standard equipment in all variants for the six-speaker multimedia (CD, CVD, DVD, tuner) system that has Aux-in, USB, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity plus a navigation system.

Safety is naturally foremost in the minds of parents when it comes to motoring with their children. A smart key and start/stop system allows the driver passive entry and to start and stop the engine by pushing the start/stop button.

Moreover, the mu-X is equipped with dual front airbags, childproof and speed-sensing (at 20 kph) door locks, disc brakes on all four 17-inch alloy wheels with antilock brake system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), brake assist (BA), electronic stability control and traction control system that prevent skidding and loss of steering control.

With the third-row seats folded, cargo space is much bigger.

The projector headlights, high-mounted stop lamps and fog lamps ensure visibility on the road, while the rear sensors and reverse camera in the LS-A variants help the driver to back up easily into a parking slot despite the high-cut rear windshield and thick C-pillars hindering rear visibility.

DRIVEABILITY. For the head of the family, driveability is important since it is he who will presumably take the wheel. When a vehicle is driveable, all on board benefit in terms of ease, riding comfort and confidence even on long drives.

The driver’s seat is power-adjustable six ways, with the height adjustment somewhat compensating for the lack of reach adjustment on the steering wheel. The electroluminescent instrument meters and multi-information display (MID) keep the driver well-informed, including instant and average fuel consumption.

In the LS-A variants, the 4JK1-TC Hi-Power engine is mated to a five-speed intelligent “grade-logic” automatic transmission that keeps the mu-X in the correct gear to prevent excessive revving and unnecessary fuel burn. The four-inline dual overhead cam (DOHC) diesel engine with turbo intercooler, CRDi and VGS delivers 133.15 horsepower at 3,400 revolutions per minute and 320 Newton-meters max torque at 1,800-2,800 rpm.

Legroom aplenty in the second row leather seats plus a roof-mounted DVD monitor

It is Euro 2 emissions level compliant, while in other markets with cleaner diesel fuel like Australia and New Zealand, the mu-X is offered with a 3-liter Euro 4 turbo diesel powerplant.

Driving the mu-X 4×4 LS-A (P1.748 million) you immediately sense that it is a strong, robust, solidly built SUV with a tough-as-nails drivetrain that pulls powerfully from lower-down revs.

The way the doors close and the absence of squeaks attest to its build quality, including the strength and rigidity of the high-tensile steel passenger safety cell. With its spacious cabin, seven comfy leather seats, carpeted floor and high-tech infotainment and connectivity equipment, it looks and feels like a family car inside and out. Add to this its good throttle response and surprisingly smooth, supple ride in the city and on the expressway.

But remember that this is a truck-based vehicle and as such feels a bit truck-like to drive. The steering is slow, heavy and cumbersome especially when parking or maneuvering in tight areas.

Does the full-length side view remind you of the Trailblazer?

The mu-X has a large turning circle and requires a lot of muscular effort to maneuver it. I experienced this while making several U-turns on Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road) in Makati City last week around 7 p.m. when the street was congested with rush hour traffic (I was looking for a misnamed restaurant).

However, the steering of the mu-X lightens up considerably on the highway. Going into corners reveals a fair amount of body roll but the mu-X always feels stable.

OFF-ROAD. That said, the mu-X is definitely in its element off-road. Built on a full ladder frame chassis shared with its rugged D-Max sibling (but with a 250-mm shorter wheelbase), the mu-X possesses considerable all-terrain capability, what with an off-road arsenal that includes a bulletproof 4×4 drivetrain, 230-mm ground clearance, 600-mm wading depth, underbody armor consisting of a front steel plate skid/splash shield and steel plate guards to protect the sump and transfer case, steep approach (30.1 degrees) and departure (25.1 degrees) angles and ramp over angle (22.6 degrees) and a traction control system with electronic stability control that provides sure-footed grip on all kinds of surfaces in all conditions.

The 2.5-liter common rail fuel injection turbo diesel engine packs 134.14 horsepower and 320 Newton-meters max torque.

In the LS-A 4×4 variant, a 4WD Terrain Command Select Dial conveniently located between the front seats allows you to easily shift on the fly, even at speeds as high as 100 kph from 2WD high to 4WD high or 4WD low range. Switching the dial to 4WD high enables a smooth take-off on slippery dirt and gravel roads.

Although lacking hill descent and hill ascent modes, its excellent wheel articulation and low-range crawling make the mu-X safe to climb hills and overcome obstacles. The supportive, well-bolstered seats were designed to hold driver and passengers in place at odd angles off-road.

When the going gets rough, eight strategically located interior grab handles offer additional support. With its ladder frame and robust diesel engine, the mu-X can tow a trailer, boat or whatever without breaking a sweat or engine overheating.

In fact, after a week of driving the mu-X, I was in awe of its strength and versatility. The mu-X is so robust that it seems unbreakable. Bottom line, the 2014 Isuzu mu-X is a family-friendly, solid touring and towing workhorse that raises the bar for midsize SUVs.