Isuzu MU-X LS-Terrain 2015 Review

More off-roader than sports utility vehicle, the D-MAX-based Isuzu MU-X is an old-school four-wheel drive, making do without some modern electrical off-road systems in favour of a super-low first gear ratio, diesel engine braking and low-down grunt. Priced from $53,500 in top-spec LST form (as tested), the MU-X is a curious amalgam of modern (keyless entry, electric seats) and old (the gruff diesel donk). How well has Isuzu blended these elements?

Flash back to the 1980s for a moment. Did you ever ride in a period diesel LandCruiser or Patrol? If you did, your synapses will fire memories as soon as you slide behind the Isuzu MU-X's steering wheel and start the gruff turbo-diesel motor.

Sure, at 130kW and 380Nm the new Isuzu has much more stomp than its illustrious predecessors, but it vibrates and chortles just like they did.

There's also the smell. Even though this top-spec LST features electrically-operated 'leather' seats, it feels and smells like cheap vinyl. Indeed, the MU-X's interior is a curious blend of features, keyless entry and go, a DVD player for rear-seat passengers and sat-nav feeling out of odds with the bus-like driving position (the steering wheel is a definite downward reach) and 'robust' plastic trims.

Despite the elevated driver's pew, front-row headroom is fine, even for drivers over six-feet tall in the old money (which seems appropriate).

Elsewhere the interior is starkly functional, the second row occupants gaining their own controls for the climate system (which can be switched off via a button to the right of the centre console up-front) and still-adequate head- and leg-room, though the short seat-backs and low-set 'headrests' are really only comfortable for teens.

Thankfully the gate for the five-speed self-shifter is also free of complication, the MU-X jumping slightly against the brakes before I take off to the industrial vibrations emanating from the engine bay.

Just off-idle the turbocharger whistle becomes audible, and the 2060kg MU-X actually shifts well enough to keep up with everyday traffic, and it does so with surprising efficiency; we recorded 8.6L/100km, just over the ADR claim.

Things change when you arrive at a corner, however. It starts with the steering – which at less than two turns lock-to-lock should feel reasonably direct – takes a long time to respond to the driver's input. This delay is exacerbated by a chassis which is clearly tuned for off-road work, each corner seemingly out of sync with its cross-axle counterpart.

At least the barge-like Isuzu feels strong and robust, with extra peace of mind added via multiple airbags and a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

If the on-road aspect of the MU-X's repertoire sounds underwhelming, you'd be right. There's no doubt that the myriad road-biased SUV options (such as the Holden Captiva 7) available for a similar price offer a far superior day-to-day experience; unless your day-to-day involves rutted gravel and muddy, grassy slopes.

Yep, it's off-road where the Isuzu excels, the thick skid plates that line its undercarriage encouraging the driver to go bush. Its robust feel and raised driving position make more sense here, and its lockable, low-range capable four-wheel drive system adds a hardcore layer that many competitors simply can't match.

Where many soft-roaders rely on over-nannying electronics to maintain traction, the Isuzu MU-X digs in and gets on with it. Even without engaging descent control, selecting low-range, first gear crawls steep banks at a literal snail's pace, the suspension allowing individual wheels to articulate as required and the steering, so slow on-road, suddenly makes sense. After such a disappointing initial impression, it's the confidence the MU-X carries in these situations that saves it face.

In terms of aftersales services, Isuzu offers a five-year / 130,000km warranty on the MU-X range, with five years of premium roadside assistance thrown into the mix. No capped-price servicing arrangement is presently offered.

In simple terms, if you can live with on-road compromise for off-road mettle, then you should consider an Isuzu MU-X. It puts the Utility in Sports Utility Vehicle, but don't expect anything sporty about the times you are on tarmac.

Also consider:
>> Holden Colorado 7 (from $47,490 plus ORCs)
>> Jeep Grand Cherokee (from $44,000 plus ORCs)
>> Toyota LandCruiser Prado (from $55,990 plus ORCs)