Isuzu MU-X offers seven roomy seats

– By Rod Fuller –

Isuzu Ute Australia is pushing hard in the SUV 4×4 segment, with strong offerings in its MU-X and D-MAX vehicles for both the retail and fleet markets. Not long ago I drove the MU-X, Isuzu’s seven seat SUV and found it to be an honest and no nonsense type of vehicle that makes no excuses, delivers what it promises which is dependably and reliably for a family or the fleet.

The first thing I notice is the space. It isn’t a pretend seven seater for the occasional extra passengers. And the when all the seats fold down, the cargo capacity is a cavernous 1830 litres.

Out on the road (or off it) the MU-X drives really well with great visibility front and rear, riding comfortably on 255/65R17 Dunlop tyres. With the power coming from a 3.0 litre four cylinder DOHC turbo diesel offers (130kW and 430Nm) you won’t even notice the boat or caravan with the three tonne braked towing capacity.

Unfortunately it won’t let you forget it’s a diesel with that distinctive diesel engine note being very audible in the cabin. Though you won’t mind at the bowser with a respectable 8.1lt/100km combined.

Once the tarmac disappears, the ‘Terrain Command’ control of the 4×4 system allows you to shift easily on the move between 2WD and 4WD High as needed. Ground clearance is 230mm, with a maximum approach angle of 24 degrees and departure angle of 25 degrees, so the MU-X will go most places you want to off road and probably some you shouldn’t as well.

The interior is spacious and comfortable. For the driver the dashboard layout and controls are all well laid out, easy to reach and operate so you can keep your eyes on the road where they belong. The bluetooth system is quick and simple to connect and operate with your phone. There is even a compartment in the top of the dash that hides your phone away from prying eyes, but more importantly removes the temptation to touch it when driving. Sound quality of the bluetooth wasn’t as good as other SUV’s I’ve driven.

Storage space abounds with dual glove boxes power outlet(s) in the front and rear, bottle and cup holders all round and a rear cargo organiser box. A large touchscreen dominates the centre of the dashboard and it controls all the audio, telephone and sat nav functions as well as doubling as the display for the reverse camera which is standard on all MU-X models (an important safety feature). The LS-T model has a built in DVD player complete with a fold down 10” screen for rear seat passengers – the kids will love that if they look up from their iPads.

Driving the top of the range LS-T was nice but at times when comparing it to other offers in the market it falls behind in the ‘kit for coin’ department. For example, it has leather seats, but no lumbar support for the driver. It has sat nav, but the maps were out of date. It doesn’t have Lane Departure Warnings, Blind Spot Monitoring, Collision Warning/Avoidance systems or even automatic wipers or headlights. I know these are very “first world” problems, but similar SUV’s similarly priced are equipped with the features, and when you are parting with your hard earned for that novated lease it’s something to consider.

The MU-X comes with a five year 130,000km warranty, five year complimentary roadside assistance and a capped price servicing program. Priced from $39,000 for the 4×2 LS-M, to $53,000 for the 4×4 LS-T the MU-X is a rugged, honest and reliable vehicle for either the fleet driver or the family like to get off the tarmac.

What does it look like as a Novated Lease?

This data is from the 2018 Novated Leasing Guide produced by Fleet Auto News.