Isuzu Philippines (Finally) Gives 2018 Mu-X and D-Max All-New BluePower Diesel Engines

With the DENR’s Euro IV minimum emissions requirement coming by 2018, the Isuzu D-Max and Mu-X has been marching on with its Euro 2 4JJ1-TC (HI) 3.0 liter diesel engine since its release after replacing the also Euro 2 4JK1-TC 2.5 liter diesel engine. Through its lifetime, the D-Max and Mu-X has never been updated with the cleaner, more modern, and more efficient BluePower diesel engines overseas markets have been enjoying for years. Finally, and we do mean, finally, the new BluePower diesel engines have now arrived to the Philippines for the D-Max and Mu-X, and along with the new engines, the Mu-X receives a facelift for the 2018 model year.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation’s 20th anniversary celebration became the company’s opportunity to finally bring the new powertrains, and the new 2018 Mu-X that we first have seen at the 2017 Bangkok Motor Show. For 2018, the Mu-X’s changes are quite substantial. New Bi-LED headlights with auto levelling and LED daytime running lights is the Mu-X’s new method of illumination, including the new LED rear lights. Complementing the pair of new headlights up front is a revised grille that has been matched to the new headlight design of the Mu-X. The Mu-X also receives an updated front and rear bumper design, and rounding off the changes are a snazzy new set of 18-inch alloy wheels. The 2018 D-Max receives no exterior changes.

Inside, and the Mu-X’s cabin has been given an upmarket treatment. Soft touch materials finally grace the interior surfaces, and a new instrument cluster is now in place, including a full color TFT LCD display sandwiched between the two gauges. A new 8-inch touch screen infotainment system with USB Link and text-to-speech navigation dominates the center stack, and a 10-inch drop down LCD screen is offered for the back seat passengers. For the D-Max, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control is added, and so are more USB ports inside.

The highlight of the 2018 Mu-X and D-Max is its BluePower diesel engines. Codenamed “4JJ1-TCX”, its a revamped version of the existing 4JJI-TC 3.0 liter diesel engine, but now produces more power, at 177 hp, and the same torque figures, which are at 380 Nm. BluePower technology reduces the compression ratio from the current 17.5:1 to 16.5:1, enabling it to have a much cleaner emission than the Euro 2 4JJ1-TC, as the BluePower 4JJ1-TCX is Euro 4 standard. Fuel efficiency is also better, but by how much more efficient is yet for us to see in the real world. Power is sent through a new 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential mode, replacing the old 5-speed unit. For the D-Max, the 5-speed automatic remains.

Prices will be revealed next month so stay tuned.