Isuzu goes edgy with the 2018 D-Max X series, posh with the mu-X Luxe

By Ardie O. Lopez Philippine Daily Inquirer February 28,2018

IPC president Hajime Koso takes the wheel of the new mu-X Luxe, as EVP Shojiro Sakoda gestures his full approval.

It’s kind of improper to categorize Japanese brand Isuzu under the industry term “carmaker” when they really have become well-known for producing some of the most hardy, reliable and exceptionally capable trucks and buses for commercial use, and of course, pickup trucks, SUVs and best selling AUVs for private use.

For a few years now, the Isuzu D-Max and mu-X have been staple sights on our congested city streets, but it comes as no surprise that both are equally visible and popular even in the most rural of locales—they aren’t, after all, all form and no substance.

This time though, Isuzu ups the form factor of their fontliner nameplates by a few notches.

Matching makeovers

Isuzu Philippines Corporation president Hajime Koso recently unveiled to the motoring press the latest limited edition iterations of their dynamic duo—the 2018 Isuzu D-Max X-Series and mu-X Luxe.

IPC president Hajime Koso

Better honed to the specific lifestyles of their intended market, both new releases seem to part ways towards being aggressively stylish for the D-Max X-Series, and the luxuriously sleek for the mu-X Luxe.

Maxxed-out

The D-Max X series goes right out there with a black radiator grille with a bold red Isuzu logo.

The less-than-subtle front and rear skirts accentuated in deep red complement the bold statement while aiding the vehicle’s overall aerodynamics.

Bright red accents and a host of aerodynamic embellishments distinguish the new X-Series D-Max from the highly capable D-Max you’ve always known.

Its new cargo spoiler is color-keyed, and matched with matte black roof rails and fog lamps with red garnish, but the most striking in the D-Max’s aesthetic update would have to be its 18-inch alloy wheels with red lip accents mounted on all-terrain tires with an aggressive tread pattern.

The design theme is carried into the cabin as well, via a rocker plate with an Isuzu logo illuminated in red as its centerpiece.

It also has additional USB ports because, well, more ports to plug into is always a good thing.

Luxe impressive

Premium is the key word that’s probably been emblazoned on the Isuzu factory wall when the product engineers worked on the new mu-X Luxe, as it’s namesake would partially suggest.

The mu-X Luxe is undoubtedly the brand’s flagship nameplate made to lean towards more luxury for its driver and occupants.

A power lift tailgate provides convenient access to cargo via automatic opening and closing via a simple button push.

It’s necessary to offer exciting updates on the mu-X and D-Max to keep them fresh and competitive in the very active SUV and pickup truck market, says IPC president Hajime Koso, as EVP Shojiro Sakoda (right) joins in presenting the new mu-X Luxe to the media.

And to make long or rush-hour travel more enjoyable, the mu-X Luxe’s entertainment system has been upgraded with a 3D surround sound setup.

Of course, the Luxe was given the premium SUV treatment in terms of looks.

Light grey fender flares complement the huge wheel arches of the mu-X, but also protect the doors and side panels from wayward rocks and debris, when it’s taken for an exciting romp off the road.

New scuff plates illuminated in blue were also added for safer ingress in dark or dim conditions.

Edgy, posh yet potent

Both the Isuzu D-Max X-Series and mu-X Luxe are powered by the tested-tough and reliable 4JJ1-TCX 3.0-liter Blue Power Diesel engine that produces 177 ps of power and an assertive 380 Newton meters of torque.

A well-appointed cabin with a 3D surround sound system for an immersive audio and video experience: they’re all in the new Isuzu mu-X Luxe.

Aside from it being proven durable and fuel efficient, it’s also Euro 4 compliant.

Both special edition releases are only available in 4×2 drivetrain configurations.

Now that Isuzu has all the bases covered, it’s all up to you regarding which of the two would suit your personality.

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