Isuzu Cebu shows off 3.0-liter MU-X

By: Brian J. Ochoa - Cebu Daily News | November 23,2015 - 03:25 PM

Two units of the 3.0-liter MU-X were displayed during its launching at the Isuzu Cebu dealership at the North Reclamation Area.
CDN PHOTO/BRIAN J. OCHOA

Expect more Isuzu MU–X sports utility vehicles in Cebu in the coming months.

This after Isuzu Cebu Inc. launched the much improved MU-X on Monday at its dealership at the North Reclamation Area in Cebu City.

The new MU-X is now equipped with a more powerful 3.0-liter engine, the 4JJI-TC (hi), that is paired with a variable geometry system (VGS) turbo. Together, the combination generates 163 PS of power and 380 Nm of torque, 27PS and 60Nm more than the 2.5-liter engine (4JK1-TC HI) that came with the MU-X when it was launched here last year.

Even with the 2.5-liter engine that produced 136 PS and 320 Nm, the MU-X still sold well in Cebu, owing to its fuel efficiency and practicality. But there were some who questioned the power of the seven-seater SUV, especially since most of its competitors have engines that have better numbers on paper.

With the new 3.0-liter engine, Isuzu is able to address that issue.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation president Hajime Koso.
CDN PHOTO/BRIAN J. OCHOA

Aside from the new engine, new to this variant of the MU-X will be the daytime running lights at the foglights assembly and a chromed muffler cutter tailpipe. All other features found in the 2.5-liter variant such as electronic stability control, traction control system, electronic brakeforce distribution, auto climate control, push button start/stop function and the drop down 10-inch DVD monitor are carried over to the new version of the MU-X.
Aside from the MU-X, also launched was the 3.0-liter D-Max pickup truck.

Present during the launching were Isuzu Cebu and Isuzu Philippines officials led by Isuzu Cebu Inc. president Rene Paningbatan and Isuzu Philippines Corp. Hajime Koso.

Koso was happy to announce that with the help of the MU-X and D-Max, Isuzu Philippines was able to surpass its total sales in 2014. He also revealed that Cebu accounted for 11 percent of the total sales.

Two units of the new MU-X were on display during the launching. However, units of the new D-Max were not able to arrive on time due to some logistical problems brought about by the country’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit last week.