Owning the Isuzu MU-X LS-A 4x2

Just sharing. The long wait is over and the new Isuzu MU-X LS-A 4x2 is finally a reality.

I hope this helps those who are opting to get the same variant as I can only speak about it since I am already driving it. We test drove this vehicle together with my wife, my son and our helper in one of the dealership here in Manila last July 2015. At first glance, by checking the actual unit at the showroom, we were surprised that it is actually bigger than we've expected. Yes, I did some research before we've tried to actually "search" for our new partner as we are still owning this reliable Honda Civic 2007 model car. Yes, as my family is growing and we had this almost weekly trips going to separate provinces (North and South area), we felt like we are lacking space and the  climate is changing fast (e.g. flash floods). We lived here in Manila and you know what I mean reason why we are opting to buy an SUV.

So there, we've listed our preferences:

1. Ofcourse, my wife should be able to drive it (Alam na diba?)
2. Price
3. Fuel Consumption
4. Mainteance Cost
5. Safety features
6. Comfort
7. Space (I need a foldable 3rd row seats to be exact.)
8. Durability and Reliability.
9. Entertainment


Yes is my answer if you were to ask me if I've tried to check on the Trailblazer, Fortuner and Montero. To be honest, Fortuner and Montero's are commonly seen in our roads so I thought it is old but yes it's reliable and they have this potentials but not putting them on my list unless they were the newer 2016 models. So, we focused on the Traiblazer and MU-X since they were likely the same. The TB's variant that we liked is the 1,488M price variant. I've test drove this as well and it seems very comfortable to drive. I just don't find the beige or light colored interiors not suited with my family especially that as I have a 4 year old son and I also find the same on Fortuners by which they became untidy for some time and looks worned out. Maybe it's just a preference to my current status. Also, feature wise, the MUX has more to offer which I did not find on the TB. (I am not against it but it just a matter of my preference. Please do respect my opinion).

So, we went to visit Isuzu dealership and test drove the MUX. Yes, it is the same as the TB but with more features and the interior is black...all leathers :). We test drove the unit and find it comfortable, easy to drive (my wife loves it too) and finds it's engine to be quiet. The 2nd row seats are easy to tumble and fold and the 3rd row seats flats fold giving us more space when needed for weekly trips. My son also liked it's rear monitor since part of the test is to check the DVD quality  and played a kid's movie. From there, we got really interested and checked on it's price and did a lot of research. All our preferences were met as you can see them listed above. The price is at par with it's competition given the features and fuel consumption reviews.

I am a family man and really know's a little with SUV's or AUV's but yes, the MU-X was our final choice after all the considerations. Not really into power as I find the MUX ample enough during the test drive. (I don't really see it as underpowered).

We decided to buy the MUX. Two months after, the wait is over.

It was really a beauty with our choice of color: Silky Pearl White.  Got the door visor and step/rear guard for free and a 10k cash discount from our dealership.  We added opted to add ABS CBN TV plus box on it and it was really something worth spending but this was installed in CASA. It really helped me and my wife overcome the traffic conditions here in Makati during peak hours by watching TV. I find the MUX "not maarte" for any add-ons that you need to install.

Here are some of my Pros and Cons for this MUX.

Pros:
1. Price is really cheaper compared to it's competitors.
2. The ride is really comfortable and I can even compare it with a brand new sedan.
3. Fuel consumption. (Ang tipid po talaga). 10-12kpl po city driving. 14 to 16 po if out of town trips. 25.50 pesos per liter of Fuel Save Diesel :) Medyo di mabigat paa ko sa silinyador.
4. Interiors are all black. I really like the leather seats. (I also like the all black leathers from the Toyota Fortuner V but it's worth was around 1,50M)
5. Safety features. (Dual airbags, Back-up camera and sensors and other ESC safety features etc. which lacks on our previous Civic 2007 1.8v all-stock that we own)
6. Entertainment features.(Easy to navigate touch panel and it can even be controlled on the steering wheel) DVD,Bluetooth,AV IN, Navigation etc. My son loves watching movies from the USB and DVD. My wife loves the TV feature which we've added. (Not sure if this can be easily installed from other variants other than Montero and Fortuner).
7. Spacious cabin
8. Several compartments and bottle/glass holders.
9. Performance. Coming from a sedan, I find this SUV very responsive given the paper specs. Not really sure why some people says it's underpowered but I guess it's a matter of owning it and driving it first. Perhaps, it's also because an AUV or SUV's built is for towing or the like so they prefer the more engine powered horses. :) I am a family man so the current engine is ample for me to bring my family from Point A to Point B unless I pull  a trailer which is a different story.
10. Able to install a dash camera with ease.
11. Able to play my favorite Spotify music playlists and the sound quality is good using bluetooth connectivity
12. Push Button To Start
13. Not really a fan of power controlled driver seat but yes, it's cool!
14. We are now flood-ready.


Cons:
1. Still waiting for our official Plate :)
2. Too many accessories to choose from (Just being sarcastic in a positive way) I just bought a tire spare lock and rear organizer box. (Magastos) :)
3. No paddle shifter.
4. No cruise control.



To be honest, I don't see any cons as of this moment. What I've read from owners since October 2014 (1 year ago) is that they are not experiencing any issues so far. I love driving the MUX and it serves me well for our daily driving and out of town trips. (Just like the Undas 2015). Kilometer reading as of this writing is 1049km.

I also joined some forums and facebook groups to better understand this SUV and still enjoying what we had right now and I can say that it was the most practical family SUV with value for money with it's usable features and fuel efficiency.

So, please comment if you have any questions or concerns and I will be glad to respond.