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FireFlyz | 67
0 - 100 km/h : n/a
Fuel Consumption : 9.7 liters / 100 km (as tested)
Price : RM 173,460.40
Extras : 3 years or 100,000 kmwarranty
Fast Facts
the hard plastics. This is where the MU-X
loses out to some of the newer competi-
tion. However, it makes up in the driving
visibility department, although the high
seat height could be a challenge for some.
The Drivetrain
The MU-X is powered by Isuzu’s 2.5 litre
iTEQ four-pot diesel with a variable-
geometry turbo. It produces 134 hp at
3,400 rpmand 320 Nmof torque between
1,800-2,800 rpm and even though it’s not
the most powerful in its segment, the
torque is enough to get most things done;
driving uphill with a load of passengers
is no issue. The 5-speed automatic allows
for sequential manual shifting when
urgent boosts are needed.
This drivetrain combination also
helped with frugality - average fuel
consumption was 9.7 l / 100 km for the
few days we had it and this includes
some light off-roading, highway and
city driving.
The Drive
The MU-X can’t hide its pickup relation
with obvious diesel clatter on hard
acceleration; it however quietens down
significantly once you get to a relaxed
cruising speed. Wind and tire noise is also
surprisingly well muted for
a truck-
based SUV.
Torque is apparent
in the low range but
to push it harder, a
manual downshift is
usually needed. The
MU-X sits on inde-
pendent double wish-
bone suspension in
front and coil-sprung
five-link in the rear for improved comfort
and stability, but don’t expect comfort
and handling levels of SUVs based on car
platforms. There is still some bounce felt
through the ladder frame chassis as well
as leans in fast corners.
But where it beats the car-based SUVs
is off-road with its robustness, high
ground clearance (230mm) and good
approach and departure angles. Its fuel
economy too is almost unbeatable.
The Features
The MU-X 4-wheel drive system can
be switched on the fly of up to speeds
of 100km/h via the easy-to-use Terrain
Command dial. In low range 4WD, it
does a capable job of tackling dirt trails
and muddy terrain.
Safety features in- clude traction
control, 4-channel,
4-sensor ABS
and EBD, brake
as s i s t and
stability con-
trol.
The Android-based infotainment
systemwith navigation, DVD player and
driving information is convenient and
easy to use but takes longer to start up
than I would like.
In Conclusion
If you are looking for something some-
thing plush and soft, this is not recom-
mended. But if you want a solid SUV for
daily use and the ocassional fishing or
outdoor adventure with family or friends,
then look at this. The Isuzu MU-X is rug-
ged, robust, practical and despite newer
SUVs in the market, still appealing with
its honest qualities. Its ability to stretch
that liter of diesel too makes it a worthy
consideration.