Blue is in for Isuzu

By: Paolo Gabriel Demillo October 23,2017 - 09:56 PM

Isuzu Philippines president Hajime Koso (second from right) leads the unveiling of the new mu-X. (CDN PHOTO/Junjie Mendoza)

Isuzu PH launches ‘Blue Power’ technology, face-lifted mu-X

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) and Isuzu Cebu Inc. (ICI), in a star-studded event, launched the new D-Max pickup truck and mu-X midsize sports utility vehicle that are now EURO 4-compliant last Oct. 20 at the Northwing Atrium of SM City Cebu.

The engines of the new D-Max and mu-X, along with the new generation of Isuzu’s trucks, are now equipped with the new “Blue Power” technology that is said to provide maximum output, cleaner emissions, superb fuel economy, and Isuzu’s patented engine durability.

IPC president Hajime Koso said in his opening remark that he is confident the new D-Max and mu-X will help ICI surpass previous sales figures in the Visayas region and Mindanao region.

The upgrade is in line with the country’s shift to EURO 4 emission standards by the start of 2018.

The highlight of the event was the launching of the face-lifted mu-X.

The hot-selling SUV is now equipped with the 4JJ1-TCX engine, the same one that powers the D-Max. The new engine now has decent power ratings at 177 pferdestarkes (175 hp) and a maximum torque of 380 newton meters.

Apart from the new engine, the face-lifted mu-X is now mated to a six-speed transmission for both manual and automatic variants.

It also has cosmetic upgrades such as a new front grille, bi-LED projector headlights with daytime running lights, and new front bumper design to go with a new set of rear LED taillights, new rear bumper, and bigger 18-inch wheels.

Other new features include auto headlight leveling, hill descent control, and an 8-inch screen entertainment system with USB link and text-to-speech navigation, and a more premium interior with piano black accent and blue ambient strip lighting on the door panels.