Quench your thirst
Buyers looking for a rugged seven-seat offroader can now have a thriftier choice
Isuzu has made its seven-seat offroader cheaper, greener and less thirsty, introducing a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine to its MU-X range. On the surface it appears like a smart move, as the Federal Government is poised to introduce new vehicle efficiency standards from next year, penalising thirsty vehicles.
The 1.9-litre uses almost a litre less fuel per 100km (7.4L/100km to 8.3L/100km) than the 3.0-litre model, which means it meets the first of the government’s mandated CO2 targets.
The smaller-engined MU-X is also $2000 cheaper than the 3.0-litre versions.
But sitting high in the MU-X’s fussfree interior, on first drive the compromise is clear.
This lightweight four-cylinder is asked to budge two tonnes of hulking great SUV with only 110kW of power – the same as an entry-level Volkswagen Golf – and it soon runs out of puff. Use your right foot to force the issue and it gets obnoxiously noisy.
A turbo-diesel’s trump card is torque and Isuzu’s smaller engine – which already sees service in its DMAX ute – delivers a healthy 350Nm from just 1800rpm.
That makes it lively off the mark and well-suited to towing or zipping through town to get the kids to school.
That last point’s important, as the MU-X is no stranger to school car parks and the urban snarl. Such owners really don’t need 3500kg towing capacity (the 1.9L can only tow 3000kg), the extra grunt of Isuzu’s 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre or proper off-road capability.
The family budget prefers cheaper purchase prices, lower fuel bills and – as we’re saving the planet for our offspring – a bit less carbon dioxide spewing from the exhaust.
The smaller engine will also appeal to fleet and government buyers, which make up a healthy slice of MUX sales.
The Isuzu wagon is Australia’s top selling large SUV this year, trumping heavy-hitting rivals including Ford’s Everest and Toyota’s Prado.
Isuzu’s not messed with a good thing. The package of tough good looks, spacious cabin with third-row seating able to accommodate adults, a long six-year/150,000km warranty and impressive safety gear remains. The new engine simply adds more choice to more buyers.
There’s a cheaper entry price for 2024 – an MU-X LS-M 1.9L 2WD is available from about $51,500 driveaway.
A higher-spec LS-M 1.9L 4WD is about $58,000 and the fancy LS-U 1.9L 4WD is about $65,000.
Less pleasing are price rises of between $500 and $2000 for established 3.0-litre versions.
The flagship LS-T 3.0L 4WD is the only model to be offered with driveaway pricing, at $67,990.
Isuzu won’t adequately explain why the top-spec model is available on the road for $1400 less than its recommended retail price, making lesser grades look expensive, the new 1.9L included.
Regardless, it remains a loveable big brute. The 1.9-litre may lack firepower, but it’s a smooth enough unit in towns and at highway speeds.
Show it a corner and it doesn’t disgrace itself; there’s reasonable body control considering its heft, and the coil sprung rear suspension (unlike the D-MAX ute’s leaf springs) means rear passengers don’t feel like they’re on a bouncy castle.
Steering is easy and light – a bit too light – and the six-speed auto gearbox smoothly goes about cog swapping duties. But steering-wheel paddle shifters would be welcome to bring more driver control to the hardworking 1.9-litre.
Equipment for the rest of the range is unchanged for 2024.
The MU-X misses out on the smarter cabin, improved infotainment and better calibrated safety systems arriving in the new DMAX ute next month.
What it does have as standard across the range are adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert and, if you spend $6000 more on the 4WD version, excellent off-road ability courtesy of a rear differential lock and smart Rough Terrain mode.
But if you’re planning to take your MU-X adventuring, it makes sense to pay the extra $2000 for the more muscular 3.0-litre engine and improved towing capacity.
The sweet spot for those content with a 1.9-litre is the LS-U 4WD. Its 7.4L/100km fuel economy matches the 2WD version, it looks sharper with 18-inch dark grey alloys, has a more premium cabin finish, dualzone airconditioning, a power tailgate and a more user-friendly 9-inch infotainment screen.