New Isuzu mu-X to reach PH 'in due time'

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) will likely add the new mu-X sports utility vehicle (SUV) to its locally available roster of models in the near future.

IPC Assistant Division Head for Sales Robert Carlos made such a statement during an interview with Zigwheels Philippines at the launch event of the updated local-spec Isuzu D-Max.

“So far, the new mu-X has been introduced in Thailand, and the Philippines is one of the important markets for the mu-X,” Carlos said.

To note, the said model is already available in Thailand. According to the IPC executive, the company is currently conducting a feasibility study to find out if the new mu-X is fit for the Philippine market.

Carlos likewise remarked on Thailand being the brand’s manufacturing hub for markets within the territories belonging to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The latter, of course, also includes the Philippines. As such, the new mu-X might be seeing a local introduction in “due time.”

Apart from what was shared by the IPC executive, no dates were provided for the updated mu-X’s possible launch in the Philippines.

For additional context, the Thai-spec Isuzu mu-X, which debuted just this month, saw vast improvements to its exterior style and interior. 

On the outside, the update provides the Isuzu-made SUV with a new honeycomb grille colored in black. It also received a redesigned front bumper, a new pair of LED daytime running lamps, black-colored exterior parts, and a set of new 20-inch black alloy wheels. 

Isuzu also expanded the updated mu-X’s onboard features to include a larger digital gauge cluster and restyled upholstery. It also received a new ambient lighting system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

The updated Thai-spec mu-X has carried over the 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX turbodiesel engine for propulsion. At the most, the said powertrain can still output up to 197 horsepower and 450 Newton Meters of torque. Going off-road on the refreshed SUV, however, is easier thanks to a 360-degree exterior camera view setup and an upgraded electronic power steering system. 

In addition to the prospective launch of the updated Isuzu mu-X for the Philippines, Carlos disclosed the new features added to the refreshed Isuzu D-Max were decided upon to address customer needs. 

Specifically, the latter includes the new 360-degree monitor and onboard digital video recorder, which were only accessible to owners of the pre-updated D-Max through the after-market. 

Photos from Isuzu Thailand

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