The Isuzu MU was the three-door version of the almost-as-stupidly-named Isuzu Wizard SUV. In the case of the MU the letters stood for “Mysterious Utility”. That is not the case with the new Isuzu MU-X. No, according to the company the letters now stand for “Multi Utility” which, when you think about it, is possibly even sillier. Still, it doesn’t stop the MU-X from being rather a good piece of machinery.
What is it?
No longer mysterious, the MU-X is Isuzu’s version of the last project it worked on for General Motors before their messy divorce a few years back.
GM’s version is here as the Holden Colorado 7, which even the slowest of you must have recognised as having the same body as the MU-X, but with a different (and not as good looking) nose. There are, however, far more differences under the skin.
Like the D-Max ute, the MU-X has a 130kW/380Nm 3.0-litre inline four-cylinder diesel engine hooked up to a five-speed automatic transmission, as opposed to the Holden’s 147kW/500Nm 2.8-litre diesel engine and six-speed auto.
The MU-X also features a different suspension tune that the Colorado and is far better off for it, with a softer, more compliant ride as a result. Also a seven-seater, the MU-X boasts the same flexibility and space as the Colorado 7.
Isuzu is offering the MU-X as a single model here in New Zealand and it is the top-spec variant. Landing at $65,990 the MU-X comes with a remarkable amount of kit as standard, including 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome power mirrors, aluminium side steps, rear privacy glass, roof rails, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, leather seats, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, satellite navigation, a CD/DVD entertainment system with a drop down 10-inch rear screen, iPod integration, Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming, a reversing camera and extra power outlets in the glovebox and rear cargo area.
What’s it like?
Impressive. The MU-X may not quite have the grunt of the Colorado 7, but it more than makes up for this with its superior ride, handsome looks and high levels of standard specification.
On the road it is very comfortable, while the engine is more than strong and flexible enough to keep things boiling along at a decent pace. Handling is also impressive, but you are also always aware that you are in a big, tall, heavy SUV.
That is because that is exactly what the MU-X is – and old-school traditional ladder chassis 4X4 with some serious off-road ability and some equally serious towing ability.
The MU-X is capable of pulling 3,000kg on a braked trailer, meaning that boat or caravan-owning market will be interested straight away. The off-road crowd will no doubt pay attention as well, because the MU-X shares the same impressive ability off the sealed stuff that the D-Max and the Colorado cousins possess.
With massive axle articulation and impressive approach and departure angles of 30.1 and 25.1 degrees respectively, the MU-X packs all the standard off-road specification, including the ability to switch between 2WD and 4WD high at speeds of up to 100km/h (low range 4WD still needs the vehicle to be stationary, obviously). It also has underbody protection front and rear, and boasts 230mm of minimum ground clearance.
What’s good about it?
The high level of standard spec is a highlight, especially the excellent stereo. The seats are big and comfortable. The big chrome Isuzu nose is far more suited to the body than the Holden, and it is a conventionally handsome SUV in a way that is becoming scarce these days.
What’s not so good?
Some of the interior plastics are a bit hard and cheap feeling. No reach adjustment on the steering wheel.
First impressions?
A very impressive, practical and comfortable traditional 4X4 SUV, the MU-X is probably the best of that rapidly disappearing breed around at the moment. Certainly from a bang-for-buck point of view, at least.
On the road it is comfortable and extremely capable, while off it it is even more impressive. While the MU-X and D-Max ute share a powertrain (albeit with a few tweaks to the MU-X’s engine) they also share that ability to be a surprisingly strong and capable contender in segments filled with incredibly good competitors.
Anyone after good looks, comfort, big towing capacity (3,000kg braked) and prodigious off-road ability would definitely need to give the MU-X some serious thought indeed.
Models/prices
MU-X – $65,990
Powertrain
3.0-litre inline four-cylinder diesel turbo producing 130kW/380Nm; five-speed automatic transmission; four-wheel drive
Fuel consumption: 8.4L/100km
CO2 emissions: 223g/km
Safety
ANCAP/EuroNCAP rating: Five stars
Air bags: 6
Stability control: yes
Lap/diagonal belts: 7
