Isuzu sings a happy tune for mu-X

ISUZU Philippines Corp. (IPC) could sing “Happy Days Are Here Again” to celebrate the company’s resurgence late this year. Executives at IPC are reporting that they are having trouble keeping up with demand for their newly launched mid-size SUV, the mu-X, which was introduced in the market last September.

According to one IPC officer, during last month’s motoring media ride and drive event in Palawan, the 2,000 units allotted to IPC this year have all been sold out so much so that the supposed shipment of around 500 units a month had to be adjusted to around 700.

“With 2,000 more customers on the waiting list—70 percent of these have ordered the automatic 4×2 (LS-A) variant—we are doing our very best to solve this ‘happy problem’ at the soonest time possible,” the officer said.

Incidentally, IPC SVP for sales Arthur Balmadrid, informed that next year, the company has projected to sell an estimated 600 units a month—that’s over 7,000 units of the mu-X for 2015.

Having driven as well as having been a passenger (seated on the third row), this writer realizes why this SUV is something you’d want to own.

Its bold chrome grille, chiseled lines and eye-catching silhouette is a visual match for the latest crop of SUVs. Its new diesel engine is smooth and reasonably quiet, and the interior space—while less spacious than its predecessor (the Alterra)—is still ample, especially for those seated on the third row.

Fun and stable

“During our numerous drives between Puerto Princesa City and the town of Sabang, an 80-kilometer travel featuring twisty, narrow mountain roads, we have experienced how fun and stable it is to drive this new SUV. And with its good looks and wonderful comforts offered inside (12 cupholders and 19 storage compartments!), it’s no wonder why this SUV is so much in demand these days,” said IPC president Nobuo Izumina.

Izumina said the three-day event in Palawan served as a maiden test drive for the company’s flagship SUV. “The natural wonders of the province definitely provided the best backdrop for the mu-X’s own amazing traits. Isuzu is not a stranger to the numerous wonderful destinations that the Philippines

offers.

“With our all-new mu-X, we are confident that touring these many attractions will become even more pleasurable. This premium SUV not only benefits from the core Isuzu values of durability, reliability and fuel efficiency, but also raises luxury and convenience to a whole new level,” Izumina said.

Sharing almost the same body lines and dashboard layout as Chevy’s Trailblazer SUV, the mu-X comfortably seats seven. While it is shorter than the Alterra (by 13 cm), it is much wider (by 6 cm) as well as taller (by 2.5 cm).

The mu-X new new seat design utilizes “wrap-around” bolsters for increased shoulder, back and base support. Its two rows of split fold rear seats offer versatility for all occasions.

In many seven-seater SUVs, we often discover that the third row is suitable only for younger children. This is not the case for the mu-X as the third row can happily fit adults.

Powering the mu-X is a new generation four-cylinder diesel engine that displaces 2.5 liters. While this writer missed the old 3-liter intercooled turbo, the mu-X features a Variable Geometry System that enables the SUV to produce 134 horsepower (at 3,400 revolutions per minute) and a high 320 Newton-meters of torque (from 1,800 to 2,800 rpm).

Still satisfying

While this numbers would not make the mu-X the leader of the pack in terms of power and torque, its performance would still be satisfying. Moreover, fuel economy on our on-and-off road drive was 16 to 18 kilometers per liter, which is very good for an SUV. Shift quality from the five-speed automatic was excellent.

Landing in Puerto Princesa late in the morning, the convoy quickly proceeded to Sheridan Organic Farm in Sabang, passing over town and coastal roads that afforded expansive views of the West Philippine Sea.

After a hearty feast, the group proceeded to Sheridan Hotel which would become the group’s headquarters for three days.

While traveling on the mu-X, passengers appreciated the interior’s quality fit and finish. There was also a modern suite of comforts, including climate-controlled air conditioning on all three rows of seats and the six-speaker multimedia system with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity.

Isuzu utilizes a micro-USB input for media devices, which means that finding an adaptor is a must before heading to places where radio signal is weak or not available.

Indeed, the mu-X is a solid SUV. It is a tough and reliable machine for long drives and adventure-packed road trips, but also does a good job as a normal family vehicle. It may not be overly powerful or agile, but it promises to bring smiles to its new owners.

IPC is marketing this SUV as affordable: The most popular variants are priced P1.358 million (automatic, 4×2), and P1.748 million (automatic, 4×4).