The all new Isuzu MU-X does bring back good memories from the eighties, where its Trooper range of SUVs were everywhere to be seen on our road. During that time, the Trooper enjoy a different tax bracket as it was listed as commercial vehicles. But with its high driving position, good reliability, and the lack of any competitor, the Trooper sold like hot cakes in those days. After market accessories shops helped to fit in a rear aircon, two side benches above the rear wheel arches, it became a nice 7-seater family "travel-anywhere" tough vehicle. The sales of such SUV start to decline when the government changed its policy, viewing such vehicle as a normal passenger car, and slap it with those standard high rate. Most of such SUV, including the Mitsubishi Pajero and Toyota Land cruiser suffer almost an immediate disappearance from the market. Then comes with more comfortable MPV, flooding the market.
Choosing a Isuzu, which is well-known for its diesel engines, will never go wrong on the reliability and robustness. With 21-million of engines to date as solid proof. Over here, the MU-X is available in only one engine choice, which is the 2.5-litre inline-4 VGS (Variable Geometry System) turbocharged diesel engine, mated to a 5-speeder autobox, and capable of 134hp/320Nm of power. Though 3-litre model is available in some other countries, this will never be the popular choice. Two variants is available here, the 2WD (RM152k) and 4WD (RM165k). Isuzu need to work harder to bring back its previous charm, and MU-X might sees lesser acceptance from the crowd. The high selling price is a main factor, second by the boring look of the SUV. For those that remember the Isuzu Piazza which was penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro?! That's a fantastic car Isuzu used to produced, tuned by Lotus! The MU-X is more suited for those that work for estate, yet a pickup truck is out of class. Although the MU-X is derived from the D-MAX, the leaf spring suspension has been dumped for a multi-link setup, that bring improve comfort to the MU-X.
A 7-seater the MU-X is, but chairs could not be folded flat completely. But it is still huge enough to carry your bicycles or your favourite Ikea's flat-packed. Though the MU-X scored a 5-star ANCAP rating, do note that in Malaysia, the variants we get are only equipped with 2-airbag. Other safety amenities such as ABS, EBD, TCS, ESC, BA are fully equipped though.
The interior of the MU-X is as comfy as a sedan, and the 4x4 variant comes with a Blaupunkt multimedia player, support navigation, and mirrorlink to your smartphone. Center console is a simple round shape control. Nothing fancy here. The 4WD selector switch is located behind the gearshift.
So think you want a real off-roader, and the Jeep/Land Rover is not within your budget, the MU-X could be a good choice. Or you really need to stay in a flood prone area to force yourself into getting this car. If all you need is a comfortable 7-seater people mover, get a MPV. If all you drive is on city roads, there are better choice such as the Nissan X-Trail or Honda CRV. Estate managers, please keep your eyes on this MU-X, you can have a good decent car now instead of the pcikup you are having! Family will love you more!
