2,000 KM WITH THE ISUZU MU-X AND ISUZU D-MAX

MOBILITY

2,500-KILOMETERS WITH THE ISUZU MU-X AND ISUZU D-MAX

Words by Belle Alba

Photos by Clifford Dela Paz and Gilbert Chao

We were about to set off from Manila to Dumaguete on a 10-day road trip with three motorcycles, and wrestled with which support vehicle would be the best option for our team. Initially, we thought taking along one van would do the trick, as it would carry all the gear for our group of four riders and four support staff. After much discussion, though, the group agreed that two vehicles—an SUV and a pick-up truck—would be the better combination. With two vehicles, the lead car could scout out the terrain, stop at vantage points for those Instagram-worthy photo-ops, as well as race on ahead to ensure space on the RoRo ferries for those crucial sea crossings.

The plan was to take off from Manila and take RoRo ferries to cross the islands of Mindoro and Panay on our way to Dumaguete City in Negros Island. We’d spend three days in Negros, then backtrack the same route home to Manila. In all, it would take some 10 days and about 2,500-kilometers.

Happily, our friends at Isuzu Philippines Corporation very readily sent along an Isuzu mu-X 3.0L LS-A 4x2 AT and an Isuzu D-MAX RZ4E LS 4x2 AT—both ideal for our needs. As weather was unpredictable, the crew’s luggage and other critical equipment were all securely stowed in the spacious cargo room of the mu-X, while the open cargo bed of the D-MAX was a great solution on how to safely carry a small jerrycan of spare fuel, odd-sized stuff and, if the need arose, even transport the two-wheelers in the convoy.

The Isuzu mu-X 3.0L LS-A 4x2 AT, powered by a 2,999-cc Blue Power diesel engine with turbo-intercooler that delivers 177 PS of power and 380 Nm of torque, easily took on the steep inclines of the Mabinay highway linking Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental to Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental. The Isuzu D-MAX RZ4E LS 4x2 AT, with its smaller 1,898-cc Blue Power engine, could not be left far behind with its maximum power output of 150 PS and 350 Nm maximum torque.

We averaged about 250 to 300 kilometers each day, spending some 6-hours on the road which meant interior amenities were much appreciated.

The mu-X, in addition to its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, also has a 10-inch roof-mounted monitor so rear passengers can watch videos while traveling. With three rows of seats, the mu-X can accommodate up to seven people, making it ideal for barkada or family bonding road trips. While the D-MAX is less posh, its 7-inch audio system with Bluetooth connectivity and 6 speakers still make listening to your Spotify playlist a pleasurable experience.

Across the flat coastal roads, rolling terrain, and winding mountain roads of Mindoro, Panay, and Negros islands, the Isuzu mu-X and D-MAX kept passengers safe with features such as dual airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, high-mount stop lamp, reverse sensing system with reverse camera, among others. Additionally, the mu-X has a driver assist system that includes electronic stability control, traction control, hill start assist, and hill descent control for a more confident drive.

As we moved from island to island, we were subjected to micro-weather patterns like sudden torrential downpours, when the high ground clearance of the mu-X (230 mm) and the D-MAX (225 mm) kept us worry-free despite the occasional deep pools of water on the road. When the sun shone hot and bright, making the day oppressively humid, the interior cabins of both vehicles were cool havens with their air-conditioning systems which, on the mu-X, was an auto-climate control system with independent rear cooler control.

With all the gadgets that we brought along, we were also very happy with the 12-volt accessory socket (x2 on the mu-X) and three USB charging ports on both the mu-X and D-MAX. There was no need to fight over who needed to charge his/her phone, and we were even able to install front and rear dashcams to monitor our journey.

Ten days and 2,500-kilometers on the Isuzu mu-X and D-MAX went by like a breeze, with our biggest worry being the low-pressure area that caused rough seas and high waves during the 4-hour ferry crossing between Caticlan in Malay, Aklan, and Roxas in Oriental Mindoro.

So, going on a long, cross-country road trip through variable terrain? Worried about unpredictable weather? Lugging a lot of gear? Concerned about creature comforts? Want to be sure that everyone will be safe? Isuzu has you covered with the Isuzu mu-X and the Isuzu D-MAX.