Isuzu MU7 [2014-2017]

Summary

Isuzu Motors is a Japanese company that has been manufacturing commercial vehicles and diesel engines since 1916. Isuzu has manufactured over 21 million diesel engines by 2009, which can be found in various commercial vehicles worldwide. Isuzu has launched various commercial vehicles, and the latest launched model is MU-7. It has been ideally engineered to conquer roads; keeping the commercial segment in mind. The model is designed to dominate the premium SUV segment with its efficiency, reliability, power and comfort. MU-7 has rugged aerodynamically contoured exteriors, which is of distinctive nature compared to various other vehicles in the same segment. Moreover, it has relatively enhanced interiors that are very spacious and comfortable.

Isuzu has an unparalleled stance that definitely is as grand as one’s lifestyle. The engine has been such engineered that it is capable to propel on almost every terrain. MU-7 comes with a power-pack combination of stylish exteriors integrated with comfortable interiors. Moreover, its awe-inspiring headlights alongwith tail lights at the rear will compel you to have one’s way on the road.

Exterior

Isuzu MU-7 has a very stylish outer shell that suits the commercial space. The exterior or the frame is rugged and highly durable. The outer shell is alike a tank-like body. It has been so designed to stand and clear every test that comes forth, irrespective of the terrain or the road condition. Additionally, a 3-metre long wheelbase is added to it which offers an unmatched and unprecedented ride comfort and stability. All these features have been incorporated keeping Indian roads in mind. The fuel tank capacity is of approximately 76 litres, which is too good for an SUV. The tyres are of radial structure and are tubeless. Isuzu has been tailor-made according to the commercial sector requirements and includes stylish, highly focused headlights that are complemented by the fog light and front mirrors.

Interior

Isuzu MU-7 has been customized in such a manner that being a commercial segment vehicle, it still offers the luxury features that one is accustomed. The car is a seven seater (or 6+D); partitioned intothree rows. The legspace is enough, and all three rows offer spacious and comfortable seating facility. For, a pleasant trip the second and the third row are provided with the air-conditioning vents. Moreover, the boot space at the rear end in Isuzu MU-7 is class-leading and ensures that it is voluminous enough, to provide occupancy to even oversized holiday bags.

Isuzu MU-7 comes with dual air conditioner facility to ensure proper cooling of every row; making the journey even more pleasant. Also, there are speakers in the front as well as in the rear. Bluetooth connectivity facility is also there. Other interior equipment include the instrument cluster with digital trip computer, Moquette feel seats & trim, leather wrapped gear lever knob, 4 spoke leather wrapped steering wheel,etc. amongst many others.

Engine and Transmission

Isuzu Mu-7 has a very powerful engine that allows it to rule every type of terrain. It is a four cylinder Inter-cooled VGS Turbo Diesel engine providing an engine displacement of 2999 cc. The maximum attainable power is 120 kW or 163 PS at a rate of 3600 rpm. The maximum achievable torque is 360 Nm at a rate of 1800-2800 rpm. The fuel tank capacity of the Isuzu MU-7 is 76 litres. Furthermore, for smooth transmission five-speed manual-type transmission alongwith a drive train of 4x2 rear wheel drive type has been deployed.

Performance and Handling

Performance in Isuzu MU-7 has been escalated to meet its every terrain driving capability. For proper handling of this machine, suspensions are provided in both front and rear part. There is independent double wishbone with torsion bar springs suspension in front and rigid suspension with gas-sealed, twin-tube shock absorber suspension in the rear. All these factors have lead to escalation in demand for this commercial segment vehicle; which has a top speed of 175 km per hour and acceleration from 0-100 kmph can be achieved in a time frame of 10.7 seconds.

Braking System

The braking system in Isuzu is very robust in bringing the machine to halt from high speeds. For this to happen, a very robust brake and steering system has been engineered which consists of a disc-shaped brake system in front and drum shaped brake system in the rear. Additionally, for proper steering of the vehicle there is hydraulic power assist facility provided.

Mileage

The 2999 cc Diesel - powered variant delivers a fuel economy of 10 kmpl in city and 12 kmpl on highways.

Safety Features

Safety is one of the major issues that everyone considers before buying a vehicle. To one’s delight Isuzu MU-7 comes with ABS and EBD system. Furthermore, there are dual airbags present in the car. Provision for remote keyless entry is also made. Other security measures include anti-lock braking system, parking sensors, central locking, break assist, crash sensor and power door locks.

Verdict

Buying Isuzu MU-7 may prove to be a sensible and well-thought decision. This model has been efficiently engineered and even more meticulously manufactured to rule every terrain. The exteriors are good enough to satisfy any commercial segment vehicle requirements. The interiors are stylish and comfortable. Considering the various modern facilities that this specimen offers, it would be a nice value for one’s money amongst various other commercial segment vehicles.

Competition

Isuzu is a brand that has garnered enough experience in the commercial segment engines and vehicles. Isuzu has more than 21 million vehicles fitted with its produced engines running on roads, worldwide. Even then, a few other car models like Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero and Mahindra XUV 500 are worth consideration.

Pros

1. Responsive engine
2. Spacious rows

Cons

1. Third row seating is not good enough