ทดลองขับ ISUZU MU-X กับขุมกำลังบลอคใหม่ 1.9 DDI BLUEPOWER Motor Expo 2026

Test Drive ISUZU MU-X with the new 1.9 DDI BLUEPOWER engine

May 23 , 2016

ISUZU reinforces its SUV lineup, the MU-X, with a new 1.9-liter turbo-diesel engine. Decent power, but torque on par with larger engines!

ISUZU MU-X shares its platform with the brand's pickup truck, the D-MAX, but features enhanced sharpness and a more sophisticated overall design. The square headlights include daytime running lights, and fender flares complement its adventurous character. It has a high roof with initial roof rails for carrying external cargo. The rear is simple, with horizontal slanted taillights. The tailgate is quite large, making it easy to load luggage. The 1.9 DA DVD model we test drove comes with 17-inch alloy wheels and BRIDGESTONE DUELLER tires.

Although it has been on the market for several years, it must be acknowledged that the MU-X has a contemporary and well-balanced design, truly befitting an SUV.

The interior emphasizes simplicity and practicality, decorated in black tones with genuine leather seats that look premium. The driver has good visibility and feels comfortable. The second-row seats are satisfactorily spacious, reclinable, and very comfortable. Their position is slightly higher than the front seats to provide a more open feel for rear passengers. The third-row seats have sufficient space, suitable for small children or short trips.

The dashboard features a twin-dial gauge cluster with a digital display in the center showing gear mode, coolant temperature, and fuel level, giving it a modern feel. The steering wheel is comfortable to grip, although its overall shape is somewhat similar to that of the D-MAX. The circular air conditioning controls are a signature of modern ISUZU vehicles. It supports family use with a 10.5-inch TV screen.

Now to the latest engine block, a 1.9-liter DDI turbo-diesel, with a maximum power of 150 horsepower at 3,600 rpm. This is comparable to other brands' entry-level 2-liter engines. The interesting point is the maximum torque of 35.7 kg-m at 1,800-2,600 rpm, which is close to ISUZU's 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engine with a maximum torque of 38.8 kg-m at 1,800-2,800 rpm. This indicates that the 1.9-liter “BLUE POWER” engine has impressive power for its size. Power is transmitted via a 6-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels.

While driving on Phra Ram 2 road, traffic was initially heavy. We found the accelerator response of the MU-X to be satisfying, especially from low to medium speeds. The engine can smoothly and continuously increase speed up to 120 km/h. At constant speeds, we momentarily forgot that this is only a 1.9-liter diesel engine. There was no sluggishness or need to constantly press the accelerator. In terms of daily use, this engine block is more than sufficient, though a kick-down acceleration might have a slight rev delay. The average fuel consumption stated on the ECO STICKER is 14.3 km/liter, which is commendable for an SUV weighing almost 2 tons.

The suspension system of the MU-X emphasizes smoothness while maintaining good stability, making long-distance driving comfortable. Lane changes exhibit minimal body roll, making it suitable for the diverse road conditions in our country, both urban and rural. The safety features are also on par with modern vehicles, including ABS, stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, and a rearview camera for parking.

Even though it was a short test drive, we experienced the essence of the ISUZU MU-X, which comes with a new, smaller engine block that delivers surprisingly strong power without any sluggishness. It comfortably supports daily use and offers significantly improved fuel economy, making this SUV one of the most well-rounded choices in its class.