From left, Mandaue City Councilor Demetrio Cortes, Isuzu Phils. VP for sales Arthur Balmadrid, Isuzu Cebu general manager Steve Gingco, Isuzu Phils. marketing head Joseph Bautista, and Isuzu Cebu president Rene Paningbatan with the new MU-X at the Isuzu Mandaue showroom.
ISUZU Philippines finally brought to the country the MU-X midsize sports utility vehicle (SUV) that will take the place of the outdated Alterra model released way back in 2005.
In Cebu, the MU-X was unveiled last Friday in an event dubbed the Privilege Night at the Isuzu Mandaue showroom. It was headed by Isuzu Cebu Inc. general manager Steve Gingco.
The 7-seater MU-X, which shares the same truck DNA with the D-Max, will be available in three variants: high, mid and standard. The top variants are badged LS-A, the mid is called the LS-M and the base is referred to as the LS.
The LS-A variants are equipped with 4×4 drivetrains paired with automatic gearboxes. The LS-M and the LS, meanwhile, will only come in a manual transmission. The LS-A will also have the Terrain Command Dial, which allows shifting from 2H to 4H mode with just a twist of a knob. A driver can shift at speeds as high as 100 kilometers per hour.
All the variants are powered by a 2.5-liter variable geometry turbo-backed common rail direct injection diesel engine that produces 134 horsepower and 320 newton meter of torque.
Noted safety features include anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, and traction control.
Highlighting the interior is the 2-DIN audio system with built-in navigation system and hands-free communication system that is standard in all variants.