Text by Doug Dukeson
For the first time in seven years, Isuzu’s large 7-seat SUV has undergone a complete transformation, making the all-new Isuzu MU-X the most advanced Isuzu ever built. Like her sister, the Isuzu D-MAX ute, (of which we currently run two in our PowerBoat Magazine fleet) the MU-X is one of the leaders in the SUV industry with a huge 3500kg towing capacity and a locking rear differential for better off-road ability. The extra 235mm in wading depth (now 800mm) and a roomier cabin choka full of advanced safety and technology features, this SUV is impressive.
FEATURES GALORE
The addition of ‘driver aids’ galore has awarded the MU-X a five star ANCAP rating. These include autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane assist, lane departure warning, a blind spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert, plus the addition of a side centre airbag. Many of these features enabled by the new dual-camera sensor system, mounted high on the windscreen.
Adaptive cruise control through the binocular frontal camera system, works right down to standstill. Coupled with the lane-keep assist which includes steering assist which automatically centres the vehicle, makes motorway and country driving a pleasure. Although this did take a bit of getting used to, once dialled in, I found this a real highway asset.
A every time I climbed aboard, I discovered another feature, and being a Kiwi bloke – regretfully in this instance, I should have referred to the manual much sooner than I did. Off-roading electronics such as hill descent control, a switchable differential lock and a more refined four-wheel drive system, makes the MU-X great for those getting out into the back country. Including the passing on the very functional, switchable four-wheel drive system on the fly technology, from the previous model.
The electronic speed sensitive steering rather than the previous hydraulic system is an absolute pleasure, making city driving and low speed parking easy, especially when coupled with front and rear parking sensors.
Upgraded technology and quality of interior components have also come a long way from the previous model. An updated infotainment system within the nine-inch touchscreen includes sat-nav and smart phone wireless mirroring of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This took a little learning – but now dialled in, I would not want be without it. At 144ppi resolution the screen is crisp and sharp.
GREAT TOWING CAPACITY
The increased tow limit to 3,500kgs will be a great offering to the boating fraternity. At the ramp, dragging a reasonably sized boat from the ramp was with ease, without any slippage or strain.
Isuzu have certainly gone the extra mile with this latest model, a giant step up from the previous model, which I thought was a pretty good SUV, delivering everything I asked of it. This model is ‘head and shoulders’ above that.
The MU-X is available in an array colours including Splash White, Onyx Black, Mercury Silver, Obsidian Grey, Red Spinel, and Sapphire Blue, with Santos Brown new to the range.
For peace of mind, should you need it, the MU-X comes standard with a comprehensive, bumper-to-bumper 3-years/100,000km warranty, and up to 3-years or 100,000km of roadside assistance, whichever occurs first.
Understandably, with these new levels of refinement, capabilities and technology, these upgrades are reflected in the retail price of $80,990 inclusive of gst.
For more information visit www.isuzuutes.co.nz/mu-x
