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Rod Chapman22 Mar 2015
REVIEW

Isuzu MU-X 2015 Review

Isuzu's capable and comfortable MU-X is tailor made for families with a thirst for adventure

Isuzu MU-X LS-T 4x4 SUV
(Off) Road Test

With seating for seven, numerous features and the benefit of a proper four-wheel drive system, Isuzu's MU-X 4x4 brings family values and plenty of off-road ability to the brand's hardy D-MAX ute platform. Powered by Isuzu's 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, here we examine the MU-X in its range-topping LS-T format, priced from $54,000 (plus on-road costs).

Isuzu's MU-X has always erred towards the off-road end of the sports utility vehicle spectrum, so it was refreshing to get to grips with the model's dirt potential over a two-day exploration of Victoria's High Country during our recent off-road SUV test.

The craggy ridges, rugged descents and towering climbs of Victoria's Alpine National Park are a fitting test of any vehicle's ability and, as we bid farewell to the bitumen near Mount Buller, the MU-X quickly lost its LCV stigma to assume a quiet and assured air of capability.

To be fair, life in the MU-X on the tarmac isn't too bad. But from the moment we fire up the Isuzu's 3.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel, the D-MAX-based MU-X's commercial-vehicle origins become clear.

The engine barks into life with a gruff diesel growl and it's a noisy beast under acceleration, although thankfully the clatter subsides to an acceptable level on a steady throttle. It's a big thing to pilot around the average shopping centre car park, too, with an 11.6m turning circle requiring plenty of input at the wheel.

As we noted in a recent, more road-oriented review, the MU-X succumbs to all the usual ladder-frame physics on the road, where its slower steering, plush suspension, hefty dimensions and relatively basic interior trim meaning it plays second-fiddle to more road-biased SUVs.

Take the MU-X into the backblocks, however, and it's in its element. On the tracks into the picturesque Wonnangatta Station the MU-X demonstrated its impressive ability, its Bridgestone Dueler highway tyres clawing their way through the often very rocky (but admittedly dry) terrain.

The electronically-actuated transfer case is convenient and effective, engaging high-range 4WD from 2WD on the fly and shifting from high-range to low-range 4WD at a standstill in neutral. We never experienced any difficulty when switching modes, as has occasionally been the case in other similarly equipped models.

The lack of a diff lock poses no concerns for the MU-X in the dry and even over particularly loose sections the MU-X simply buries its head and ploughs on, its low gearing and ample low-down torque coming to the fore.

Even the high driver's seat, which has the potential to annoy taller types on the road, makes more sense off-road, giving you a better view of upcoming terrain over the bonnet.

For much of the time on the approach to Wonnangatta the engine is spinning between 1000 and 2000rpm in low range, with only the odd steeper section seeing the tacho edge northwards. This is a lazy, relaxed but potent engine – just what you want in the great outdoors.

In top-spec LS-T trim the MU-X is only available as an auto, and while it doesn't boast an abundance of cogs it certainly makes the most of the five on offer, and is refined in its operation. The ratios are well spaced and first gear is low enough to allow the MU-X to walk up or down technical sections on a steady throttle without fuss.

In auto mode, the transmission will downshift of its own accord to employ engine braking on a descent, although we preferred to stick to manual sequential mode for total control in challenging going.

For lower grade LS-U and LS-M models buyers can opt for the auto or a five-speed manual.

The suspension comprises a coil and shock arrangement front and rear. While slightly ponderous on the road, where it displays a degree of body roll typical of LCV-based models, it acquits itself remarkably well on the dirt. It does, however, offer a more compliant ride than its D-MAX brother, which relies on a rear leaf-spring arrangement, though both are equipped with a live rear axle.

Corrugations are ironed out nicely and it also takes the sting out of bigger hits and dips, although maintaining a modest pace is key to preserving those aluminium side steps. On a couple of occasions our enthusiasm gets the better of us and the side steps are left scarred as a result.

Side steps are something of a double-edged sword. While necessary for families with young children in particular, they do encroach on ground clearance.

Still, with 230mm of clearance under the diff and approach and departure angles of 30.1 and 25.1 degrees respectively, the MU-X fares pretty well in the rough stuff, and we certainly appreciate the extensive and sturdy underbody protection.

Two front recovery points are provided should things turn pear-shaped.

Four-wheel disc braking provides good stopping power and plenty of feel at the pedal, with an anti-lock system and electronic brake-force distribution adding to the security. Speaking of safety, stability control, switchable traction control and six airbags help the MU-X to a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Complementing that protection is an optional bullbar ($2070.20); our test vehicle was also fitted with a towbar and harness ($949.09), an aftermarket brake controller ($434.49), slimline front and rear weather-shields ($211.20) and a snorkel ($913.00).

While we didn't use the MU-X to tow anything, with a three-tonne towing capacity there's plenty of scope on that front.

The cabin's interior trim can't fully conceal its commercial origins. Even with the leather-appointed seating, steering wheel and gear shift, there's a utilitarian feel that some may find wanting given this range-topper's price tag.

Still, there are plenty of features to soften the Spartan outlook. The LS-T has passive entry and push-button starting, while the driver's seat has six-way electric adjustment. A-pillar grab handles on both sides aid entry but the steering wheel is only adjustable for tilt and not reach.

The LS-T's multimedia unit features CD/DVD/USB/SD/MP3 input and is equipped with Bluetooth and audio streaming. It's hooked up to a premium eight-speaker sound system and an easy-to-use touchscreen, while the kids will love the ceiling-mounted drop-down 10-inch screen in the back.

The LS-T also benefits from a reversing camera in addition to the standard rear parking sensors, plus cruise control, climate control, tinted windows, roof rails, foglights, chrome mirrors and a chrome radiator grille.

Our Wonnangatta adventure – followed shortly after by a second outing with the wife and kids (aged six and four) – underlines the MU-X's family friendly flexibility. Folding down the third-row seating provides enough room for a tent and all our gear for a night in a local state forest.

The MU-X safely delivers us along a variety of 4WD-only tracks to a remote campsite and in general paves the way for some quality family time.

The second-row 60:40 seating folds flat or can even flip forward for even more flexibility. It's equipped with ISOFIX mounting points for child seats and capsules.

The third-row seating is really only suitable for smaller kids while the second row will easily accommodate teens (and smaller adults). It will handle larger adults too, just without the same level of comfort as usually found in road-based SUVs.

When going bush the rubber floor mats ($78.10) are worth the investment and the sat-nav still works reasonably well off the beaten track thanks to the roof-mounted GPS antenna and comprehensive mapping. The climate control also works well as does the MU-X's door seals, which effectively keep dust at bay.

Over the course of our adventures the MU-X returned 15.0L/100km – that's loaded up and taken over some serious 4WD country. Isuzu quotes a combined ADR figure of 8.4L/100km, which would afford a safe working range of over 700 kilometres.

While $54,000 is still a significant amount of money, at the time of writing Isuzu is offering the MU-X LS-T for $50,990 drive away.

If family bush adventures are a high priority, Isuzu's MU-X strikes a good balance between off-road ability and general comfort. Sure, it doesn't have the same on-road manners as your average road-based SUV, but it will leave those vehicles in its dust when the bitumen ends.

2015 Isuzu MU-X 4x4 LS-T pricing and specifications (as tested):
Price: $54,000 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 130kW/380Nm
Transmission: Five-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.3L/100km (ADR combined)
CO2: 219g/km
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

What we liked:

Not so much:
>> Real off-road ability >> Niceties still can't conceal commercial origins
>> Family-friendly features >> Noisy under acceleration
>> Superb bottom-end torque >> High driver's seat

Related reading: motoring.com.au's Offroad SUV reviews


Also consider:
>> Holden Colorado 7 (from $47,490 plus ORCs)
>> Mitsubishi Challenger (from $42,490 plus ORCs)

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