DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT, HERE'S WHAT THE MEDIA SAID…

D-MAX & MU-X

THE

ISUZU

The success of the existing generation can’t be denied, both the D-MAX and MU-X carving out significant slices of their respective fields… Of more note, however, is the extension of Isuzu UTE’s Service Plus program…The new ‘6-6-7’ scheme beats most rivals on most counts, and makes a strong statement regarding the brand’s faith in its products. Rod Chapman | Carsales.com.au

The Isuzu MU-X is on a roll at the moment. Despite entering its twilight years – it’s been around since 2013 – it’s holding its own against newer rivals… Australians with a sense of adventure clearly have a soft spot for the MU-X’s tough styling and relatively sharp price.Drive.com.au

“The Isuzu MU-X LS-T is now a four times winner of this category Award (Best 7 Seat 4WD under $60,000 by OzRoamer Magazine). It remains the best balanced of all Ute based 4WD wagons... The competitive advantage that the Isuzu MU-X has always had is its stylish good looks, exemplary road manners, rugged off-road capability, outstanding reliability, durability, longevity and renowned value for money.”

Rob Fraser | OzRoamer

“Isuzu’s listened to customers and revised the MU-X’s steering to make it lighter at low speeds around town, and certainly the SUV trumped its ute cousin in this regard during our test.”

Iain Curry | The Mercury

“We had the opportunity to give the MU-X a work out on some forestry tracks, and the combination of 230mm ground clearance, good off-road angles and satisfactory engine torque make for a handy tool in the bush.”

Philip Lord | Carsales.com.au

“The MU-X is a solid SUV wagon and it only continues to gain more appeal and, with it, a growing legion of fans. You certainly see a lot of them around – in the bush, in the suburbs and on city streets. …it’s a very practical daily driver or weekend tourer and performs very well in the real world. The top choice for me remains the LS-T.”

Marcus Craft | CarsGuide.com.au

“The MU-X is predictably nicer to drive and more comfortable, with the steering noticeably softer and easy to use when in tight spaces.”

Sam Jeremic | The West Australian

“The MU-X has been subject to a more thorough update, with tweaks made to its hydraulic power steering to reduce weight and increase smoothness at standstill and low speed, which IUA said came as a direct response to customer, dealer and media feedback.”

Justin Hilliard | GoAuto

“We’re glad Isuzu has stuck with the higher-capacity diesel engine, as this means more effortless power off-boost and better real-world fuel economy since the engine doesn’t struggle as much as some of the rivals… Off-road the MU-X shows its prowess with low-range gearing teaming up very well with the engine’s newfound torque.”

Mitchell Jones | PerformanceDrive.com.au

“A practical seven-seat capacity and good interior comfort should appeal to families and, for touring, the previous generation has proven the MU-X is built tough.”

Alex Rae | Practical Motoring

“Despite being ute-based, the MU-X continues to offer a relatively comfortable ride thanks to its coil springs… It’s worth pointing out that the MU-X has one of the most usable third rows in the business for a vehicle of its size. Yes, it’s designed for children, but adults up to six feet tall can easily sit in it on shorter journeys and ingress and egress are relatively pain-free.”

Justin Hilliard | GoAuto

ISUZU MU-X | IN THE NEWS

It seems if there’s one brand in Australia that proves that there’s success to be had in doing just one thing and doing it right, it’s Isuzu. Tom White | CarsGuide.com.au

“Underneath it all, from the bog-standard 4x2 cab chassis to the new top-of-line 4x4 crew cab LS-T, D-MAX sports a bulletproof driveline and chassis, evidenced by the crazy but successful adventures of some intrepid explorers into the great Australian wherever, with only an Isuzu ute as a trusted companion. Off-road the truck pedigree of the driveline shines through. There’s little need to use more than 1500rpm as the engine’s 430Nm and low-range gearing ambles over most obstacles.”

David Meredith | The West Australian

“Isuzu D-MAX buyers love the tough, truck-like design, but more importantly they’re sold on the engine… Enthusiast buyers know this engine is shared with an Isuzu light truck that can handle a 6.5-tonne load, so one tonne in the tray or 3.5 tonnes on a tow ball is all in a day’s work for the D-MAX.”

Car Advice

“A change in rear suspension set-up has improved the D-Max’s on-road manners and refinement, while retaining its impressive off-road and towing capabilities. The seat changes are the most noticeable and do well to provide improved lateral support, the perforated leather providing nice cushioning, where older models had you sliding around on synthetic trim.”

Cameron Kirby | Wheels

“Visibility is great out of the truck, and you’re never going to be worried about breaking any trim sections or features…The very mechanical feel of everything lends it trustworthy feedback when you venture off the tarmac. It’s easy to feel out where each of the wheels are at any given moment, and there’s no need to place your faith in computers or electronics to keep you from slipping or sliding - it’s a feel that the brand has built a reputation for.”

Tom White | CarsGuide.com.au

“A quick off-road test tackling gradients, water crossings and muddy tracks illustrates how effortlessly capable these Isuzus are. There’s an assured feeling of simplicity and old-school toughness and, for many buyers, this outweighs any fancy features you can throw at them.”

Iain Curry | The Courier Mail

“At the Australian Automotive Research Centre proving grounds, both were barely troubled by off-road work, including climbs and descents of 40 degrees. These are capable vehicles.”

Sam Jeremic | The West Australian

“All in all, some rather well thought out upgrades that have come from Isuzu listening to the Australian punters and their requirements, instead of just throwing things in from other domestic markets that we Aussies scratch our heads about.”

Wes Whitworth | Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures

“[The D-MAX] does do well once there’s a load on board. For about 50km of winding and hilly back roads I towed a 2000kg boat and trailer. While it was well inside its maximum towing capacity, the D-MAX didn’t raise a sweat and felt sure-footed… for most people wanting to tow a boat or a caravan, the Isuzu D-MAX will get the job done.”

Car Advice

ISUZU D-MAX | IN THE NEWS

Having sampled both vehicles a number of times over the years I am pleased to say that the extra torque really does help ‘round out’ the Isuzu products. They were always adequate, now they feel a bit stronger and more capable, both on-road and off.Joel Helmes | Behindthewheel.com.au

“The Isuzu 4JJ1 diesel has by far the best pedigree in the ute market. The Euro 5 engine was very pleasant to operate, having smooth power and torque delivery from around 1400rpm. There was no noticeable turbo lag, no surging and no flat spot. The D-MAX’s Aisin auto is beauty, with almost seamless up and down shifts. On the road the latest D-MAX handled predictably and the rear end behaved well on bumps. Steering is still hydraulic, not electric, and feel was excellent.”

Allan Whiting | Outbacktravelaustralia.com

“A heavy duty new engine developed for Australian conditions, plus tried and tested underpinnings, make it a smart pick. A practical, comfortable piece of equipment.”

Richard Berry | CarsGuide.com.au

“You have to admire any brand that drives head-first into a crowded, established market. That’s what Isuzu UTE did here with its D-MAX in 2008 and MU-X in 2013. In the years since it’s steadily built a growing army of loyal customers – people devoted to a vehicle that’s quickly built a reputation for performance, dependability, and value. These new models build on that solid platform, and this update represents a solid and worthy step forward for the brand.”

Rod Chapman | Carsales.com.au

“Considering the D-MAX was already an honest, hard-working ute with very good off-road performance and good towing ability, the addition of more torque and improvement in fuel economy is very welcome. The new automatic six-speed is far better matched for all driving conditions, be that on the beach, in low-range or on the highway… the Isuzu D-MAX has made leaps and bounds in the right areas.”

Brendan Batty | Australian Caravan+RV Magazine

“The new D-MAX and MU-X continue to be one of the most trustworthy packages around. A tried and proved diesel is now more economical and supplies more torque. It’s also quitter and more refined, while the new transmissions do wonders to slice up and make better use of the engine’s outputs.”

Brett Davis | PerformanceDrive.com.au

“With regards to the impressive Aisin automatic gear box, a lock-up torque converter and adaptive shifting to give the driver plenty of control, especially when off-road. It also ensures the 3.0TD engine works in its most effective rev-range for every driving situation.”

Justin Walker | 4x4 Australia Magazine

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