New Isuzu mu-X and D-Max: a quick yet satisfying drive

ISUZU Motors International Operations (Thailand) managing director Shinsuke Minami (left) and IPC’s Koso present the mu-X.

SLIPPING behind the wheels of both the mu-X and the D-Max at Isuzu’s Gateway City complex in Thailand (150 kilometers east of Bangkok) a few weeks ago brought a sense of déjà vu. The exterior as well as the cabin looked and felt extremely similar to the ones sold in the Philippines.

In fact, if I hadn’t paid much attention to the façade, I wouldn’t have noticed the LED daytime running lamps that adorn these new variants that were presented to us weeks before their Philippine unveiling.

But the real objective of the trip was to test the power of the new engine underneath these two models. Considering that the variants available in the Philippines are powered by a 2.5-liter common rail direct injection, variable geometry- equipped turbocharged diesel engine, Isuzu Motors International Operations (Thailand) managing director Shinsuke Minami promised us a different experience.

Big improvement

NEW 3-LITER turbocharged diesel engine

“Compared to the current 2.5-liter diesel engine that powers both mu-X and D-Max in your country, the 4JJ1-TC (HI) or the 3-liter common rail direct injection, variable geometry- equipped turbocharged diesel engine is a big improvement. It generates 163 horsepower, which is 16 percent better and can attain a maximum 380 Newton-meters of torque, which is 15 percent more powerful,” explained Minami.

Organizers during the test drive at the test facility insisted that their instructors ride along with us journalists at all times during the brief test drives. We were asked to keep straightway speeds at around 80 kilometers per hour and cornering speeds between 40 kilometers per hour and 60 kph on a wide asphalt loop.

Of course those suggestions were later ignored as the instructors felt our group to be more disciplined as well as skilled. The meaty 3-liter engine pulls effortlessly and is relatively quiet and refined (as far as diesel clatter inside the cabin goes). In any case, this power- plant is really meant to provide a more rewarding offroading and towing experience (considering this new engine offers an additional 86 Nm of torque compared to the old 4JJ1-TC, or an additional 60 Nm of torque compared to the currently available 2.5-liter—the 4JK1- TCX—engine).

IPC PRESIDENT Hajime Koso test-drives an mu-X powered by the new 3-liter diesel engine in a Thailand test facility.

Indeed these new variants of the mu-X and the D-Max, all powered by the same 3-liter variable geometry-equipped turbocharged diesel engine, gave a good first impression during this brief encounter.

We can’t wait to see how it will eventually perform in Philippine road conditions.