Isuzu mu-X, D-Max go upscale
LORENZO “LORD” R. SENO
MANILA, Philippines — A few months after launching its new mu-X and D-Max powered by their Euro-4 compliant Blue Power engine, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) is happy to introduce new 4x2 variants of its popular midsize SUV and workhorse pickup. Interestingly, the bells and whistle sin these new variants are the fruits of the valuable input and work of Filipino developers-and hence, are both fitting and ideal for the Filipino taste!
This latest release of the mu-X is called the 'Luxe' variant, which from the name alone, hints on a more upmarket, better-appointed iteration of the vehicle. True enough, its sound system gets upgraded to 3D Surround; and it now comes equipped with a very convenient Power Lift Tailgate that allows strength-challenged Filipinos with thin, wobbly arms (like myself) to easily close the rear door with a simple push of a button.
And the advantage of this new Power Lift Tailgate does not end there; it also benefits vertically challenged people (like me again) because it is capable of storing memory, and can be programed to open only up to a certain height - one that you can easily reach, so you don't have to pull off any embarrassing, basketball dunk moves every single time you need to close the door.
Also, the automated tailgate has a cool safety feature: It doesn't close all the way if it senses an obstruction. Hence, if you have children who like playing in the luggage compartment and dangling their legs while sitting with your stuff in the back, you can be assured that the Power Lift Tailgate won't cause them harm, making the mu-X Luxe a fitting mom-mobile.
Moreover, the degree to which the tailgate opens can be controlled by the driver. This may be particularly handy when entering parking houses with security checks at the entrance. The driver may control the tailgate in such a way to allow for the guards to take a peek, but restrict it from opening wide enough that it becomes easy for third parties to try to steal anything. So as you can see, these features were applied while keeping typical Filipino life in mind! —