Isuzu MU-X drives through rocky valley Isuzu MU-X drives through rocky valley

SAY HELLO TO THE NEW-LOOK “PUMPED UP” ISUZU MU-X

12 May 2017

  • Stylish new look and upgraded interior
  • Improved cabin comfort (NVH)
  • Euro5 compliant 3.0 litre turbo-diesel engine (world first for Isuzu)
  • 6-Speed auto or manual transmission

New style, new comfort, new convenience

The new 17MY Isuzu MU-X sets a striking balance of sporty good looks with a tough and rugged stance that typifies the versatile purpose of this 7 seat SUV.

The new design grille blends harmoniously with the new design headlight assembly to give the new MU-X’s fascia an assertive appearance in keeping with the overall design philosophy, while new Bi-LED projector headlights (which are much brighter than the previous model’s projector headlights), provide increased driver visibility when driving at night.

The new Bi-LED projector headlights are also equipped with an auto-levelling feature, which automatically adjust the headlight beam to the appropriate angle whenever the MU-X is loaded with a complete complement of passengers, heavy cargo and towing. This ensures excellent driver vision when driving at night, and increases safety for all road users by reducing oncoming glare. New design front fog lights compliment LS-U & LS-T variants for increased driver visibility at night or during inclement weather.

Complementing the fresh exterior look, is a stylish new design 18-inch alloy wheel with All-Terrain (AT) tyres for all LS-U and LS-T variants, with LS-M spec MU-X riding on new design 16-inch alloys with AT tyres.

The MU-X’s interior styling has also been extensively refined, with the passenger cabin now featuring a dual-tone dashboard with soft touch finishes, new chrome and piano-black trimming, and new soft touch armrests and console coverings. In addition, new quilted design leather-accented seats feature in LS-T variants.

Further improving the value proposition, LS-U and LS-T variants now receive an 8-inch touch screen display audio system with in-built SatNav and reversing camera, and LS-M variants now include a 7-inch touch screen display audio system with reversing camera.

Upping the audio-pleasure stakes, all 17MY MU-X cabins now house eight speakers delivering crisp, clear audio for all occupants: two roof mounted speakers in addition to the two front door mounted speakers, two dash mounted tweeters and two rear door mounted speakers. LS-T variants also boast a fold-down roof-mounted 10-inch DVD screen which can be easily viewed by both the second and third row occupants. The remote control unit allows both the DVD and audio functions to be controlled from anywhere in the vehicle.

USB ports number three in all variants of the MU-X. Two are located in the front dash and one in the rear, providing convenient charge points for mobile phones and other portable devices with USB charge ports. While for heavier-duty power requirements, there are three 12 Volt power outlets, located in the centre dash console, glovebox and rear cargo area.

The MU-X’s cabin offers a practical (12 cup holders and 18 storage solutions!) and comfortable environment with excellent leg, head and shoulder room for all passengers – and clever folding-rolling second row seats make passenger access to the third row seating a breeze.

Further improvements to NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) comfort levels have been achieved in the 17MY MU-X, thanks to the addition of new sound and vibration insulation across the vehicle, including to the dash console, floor transmission tunnel, windscreen seal, firewall and floorpan – providing an even more composed driving experience for all occupants.

The power within - “Pumped Up” engine with more torque

Driving the 17MY MU-X’s arrival is Isuzu’s new “Pumped Up” engine – a Euro5 emission compliant 3.0 litre 4JJ1-TC Hi-Power turbo-diesel powerplant. Recently introduced, this new engine is a world first for Isuzu. It was developed exclusively for the Australian market after exhaustive local research and testing into the use and demands of existing Australian Isuzu owners, and no other market currently features an Isuzu 3.0 litre Euro5 compliant engine.

Maximum torque output has been increased to 430Nm from the previous engine’s output of 380Nm to meet the demands of Australian operating conditions and our customer’s expectations.

In comparison to the previous engine, 380Nm of torque (previous maximum) is now on tap from 1,700 - 3,500 rpm – which is 100 rpm lower and continues 700 rpm higher – meaning the same engine rpm provides more power and the same torque can be generated at lower engine rpm.

By producing more power at lower engine rpm, and more torque, the new “Pumped Up” MU-X is not only more fuel efficient and produces less toxic exhaust emissions – but still deliver Isuzu’s famous “tree-stump-pulling grunt”, that’s fit for the biggest of jobs.

A new variable geometry turbocharger with intercooler, and ultra-high pressure common rail fuel injection ensures precise and efficient fuel delivery, and a newly designed differential has also been introduced to handle the increase in engine torque and ensure that Isuzu’s legendary durability and reliability lives on.

Revealing the excellence of Isuzu’s diesel technology know-how, the 17MY MU-X’s 4JJ1-TC Hi-Power Euro5 turbo-diesel engine has a number of new components:

  1. New design pistons
  2. New design fuel injectors
  3. New design fuel supply pum
  4. New VGS turbo-charger
  5. New larger Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler
  6. New design EGR bypass valve
  7. New ceramic glow plugs
  8. Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS)
  9. Diesel Particulate Defuser (DPD)

All these new features culminate in a more fuel efficient and low emission turbo-diesel engine that harnesses Isuzu’s century of diesel engine manufacturing, and continues to maintain Isuzu’s reputation for outstanding reliability and low cost of ownership.

“Pumped Up” transmissions designed and built for purpose

With a new Aisin AWR6B45 6-Speed Automatic Transmission with “lock-up” torque converter, drivers of the MU-X are provided the most efficient gear selection to suit a wide variety of driving conditions – further improving fuel efficiency and lowering CO2 emissions. This automatic transmission features a “adaptive learning” function, which automatically adjusts the gear changes to suit your driving style and circumstances, whether it be towing or carrying a load, driving in undulating regions or cruising at highway speeds – thereby improving both driveability and fuel efficiency.

A sequential shift mode allows the driver to select gears on demand, giving the driver the same level of control as in a manual transmission, which is extremely beneficial in off-road environments. The new Aisin AWR6B45 6-Speed Automatic Transmission also incorporates the Slip Control System Lock-up Clutch (Lock-up Torque Converter) which raises transmission efficiency in the 2nd to 6th gears (all gears except 1st and reverse) when a certain speed is reached, and improves fuel efficiency. The lock-up clutch will be released when the accelerator pedal is pressed forcefully. This system provides increased transmission efficiency and fuel economy, and automatically operates to reduce torque converter slip loss during moderate acceleration at low speed. It also increases the efficiency effects of engine fuel-cut when coasting.

Also on offer is a 6-Speed manual transmission designed exclusively by Isuzu. It features “close ratio” gears and “triple cone” synchronizers to provide easier gear selection and long service life. This new 6-Speed manual transmission is also linked to a Gear-Shift Indicator on the driver’s instrument panel which intelligently displays the recommended gear position for optimum fuel efficiency.

Excellent towing performance

Thanks to the abundance of low-down torque on tap, the MU-X makes for a confident towing partner – be it a boat, caravan, horse float or trailer. All MU-X variants offer 3-tonne towing capacity (braked), and thanks to the under-stressed engine calibration, delivers exceptional fuel economy even when under load. Reversing cameras (with guide lines) on all models now make hitching up a breeze.

A focus on safety

All variants of the MU-X are equipped with a reversing camera and Rear Park Assist (RPA). They offer an extensive and impressive level of occupant protection; six airbags (dual front, side and full-length curtain), 4-channel 4-sensor Anti-skid Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), as well as Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Decent Control (HDC).

MU-X cabins are constructed from High Tensile Steel for outstanding strength and rigidity to create a resilient passenger safety cell. To further enhance this design criteria, Isuzu engineers have made use of tailor-blank welding construction techniques in those areas that warrant additional strength for increased occupant protection, including anti-intrusion door beams.

There are height adjustable head restraints for all occupants and dual pre-tensioners with load limiters for the front seatbelts, along with ISO-FIX child restraint points in the second row.

Off-road ready

Front independent double wishbone suspension with coil springs, gas shocks and stabiliser bar allows the driver positive feedback and steering control regardless of the terrain underfoot, and a rear five-link suspension configuration also with coil springs, stabiliser bar and gas shocks provide superior stability and generous wheel articulation when traversing off road.

All 4x4 variants of the MU-X offer an impressive level of ground clearance, affording these models true rugged off-road performance. For added protection, 4x4 models are also equipped with a 2mm steel front skid plate, steel sump and transfer case guards plus protection for the leading edge of the fuel tank when travelling off-road.

Further confidence is provided with Hill Descent Control (HDC) which assists driver control by controlling the vehicle’s brakes to maintain a constant low speed when descending steep slopes, or on slippery off-road surfaces. Increased driver control means increased safety, and importantly, HDC is offered on all Isuzu MU-X variants, including 4x2 models.

Perfect for fleet

A robust ladder frame chassis ensures long term durability when exposed to harsh driving environments – making the MU-X ideal for heavy-duty fleet applications. Flat-fold seating creates a cargo space for the biggest of loads of up to 1,830 litres, and with competitive pricing, low maintenance costs and outstanding fuel economy, the MU-X presents cost-conscious businesses with a smart alternative when it comes to satisfying their fleet requirements. Isuzu’s ultra-reliable 3.0L Isuzu turbo-diesel engine completes the business case ensuring downtime becomes a thing of the past.

Service Plus 555 – Even more bang for your buck

As a testament to the immense confidence we have in building durable, reliable and efficient vehicles, every Isuzu vehicle is backed by the Isuzu UTE Australia Service Plus Program which includes a 5 year warranty, 5 years Roadside Assistance and 5 year/50,000 kilometre Capped Price Servicing program – which adds further peace of mind when it comes to protecting your investment and your wallet.