Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) finally completes its Blue Power offering with the launch of the 2018 mu-X and D-Max powered by the all-new 1.9-liter RZ4E Blue Power engine. Six months after showing off its 3.0-liter Euro 4 compliant engine, IPC now welcomes this downsized engine to the market for those wanting a mix of power and efficiency.
“The global trend of producing smaller capacity engine that has an output of larger engines has come to Isuzu,” said IPC President Hajime Koso. “The new RZ4E Blue Power engine, carries with it our years of experience as a diesel engine manufacturer. Carefully developed to provide optimized power and torque; this engine performs efficiently, with much care for the environment, running with less noise & vibrations, and is very easy to maintain,” he added.
With four years of testing and development, the Isuzu RZ4E engine features a displacement of just 1,898-cc or 1.9-liters. And yet, this Euro 4 compliant engine produces a maximum output of 150 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and 350 Nm of torque at 1,800-2,600 rpm, easily matching Isuzu’s own 2.5-liter 4JK1-TC engine.
This new engine has several technological features that promote better fuel efficiency and better emissions including: an optimized combustion chamber with diamond-like coated piston pins and fuel injector needles, and fractured split-design connecting rods. The RZ4E also features a water-cooled variable-geometry turbocharger with a turbine made from high-temperature resistant material.
For easier and lower cost of maintenance, the RZ4E engine has Hydraulic Valve Lash Adjusters (HVLA) which keeps the correct valve lash clearance, a single engine accessory drive belt, a cartridge-type oil filter, and a steel timing chain with automatic chain adjuster.
Given its new design, the RZ4E engine easily outpaces the previous 2.5-liter variants. During IPC tests, the Isuzu mu-X RZ4E LS-A MT records 37.27 km/L which is a 14.32 percent improvement from before, while the mu-X AT logs 35.80 km/L or a whopping 48.36 percent better than before.
The test was conducted under the supervision and verification of the Automobile Association Philippine (AAP) following the Department of Energy (DOE) testing parameters and standards.
Set to replace Isuzu’s existing 2.5-liter variants, this engine will be made available in both the Isuzu mu-X and D-Max models.
As an entry-level model (and potentially a replacement to its Crosswind AUV), the Isuzu mu-X RZ4E LS 4x2 MT offers comfort and convenience without breaking the bank. Moving up, the new Isuzu mu-X RZ4E 4x2 LS-A MT and AT variants are packed with top-of-the-line SUV features perfect for those who need something smart and functional but still easy on the pocket.
Similar to the mu-X, the Isuzu D-Max will have its own smart and functional variants: the Isuzu D-MAX RZ4E 4x2 LS MT and AT. Ideal for urban drivers, these two new variants offer a comfortable driving experience while maintaining its cargo truck capabilities.
The new Isuzu mu-X RZ4E variants are available in five color options: Havana Brown, Cosmic Black, Obsidian Gray, Titanium Silver, and Silky Pearl White. Prices are as follows:
- Isuzu mu-X RZ4E 4x2 LS MT - P 1,395,000
- Isuzu mu-X RZ4E 4x2 LS-A MT - P 1,570,000
- Isuzu mu-X RZ4E 4x2 LS-A AT - P 1,595,000
As a reference, the mu-X 3.0-liter Blue Power still sits atop the range with two variants:
- Isuzu mu-X 4JJ1-TCX 4x2 LS-A AT - P 1,845,000
- Isuzu mu-X 4JJ1-TCX 4x4 LS-A AT - P 2,145,000
For the Silky White Pearl premium color, an additional P 10,000 will be added to the vehicle price. This color is only available on the LS-A.
Deliveries of the 2018 mu-X 1.9 Blue Power starts in April. For the D-Max 1.9 Blue Power, pricing and final specifications will be announced closer to its launch date in June.
IPC will be displaying the mu-X 1.9 Blue Power at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) this April 5-8, 2018 alongside the mu-X Luxe Edition and the D-Max X-Series.
Engine too small for such heavy vehicle. I'm sure its enough to propel the car around the city with its 320nm torque. Its weakness will be felt on the highway. I wonder who would buy the LS-A. The price is about the range of the Mitsu Monty which has a new high tech and bigger engine. And the best transmission of them all.
ReplyDeleteMr.Anonymous, think about this as a comparison (engine stats)... have you driven a mitsubishi pajero fieldamster with a 4m40 Turbo Intercooler engine?this engine produces 103kw(140PS/314N.m Torque)... how about Nissan patrol series Y60/61 having an TD42 NA, 6cylinder engine?produces 85kw@264N.m of torque...this 2 popular SUV's are much havier than the latest Isuzu SUV...todays diesel engine technology engine displacement become smaller but powerful... see the latest FORD RAPTOR having a smaller engine of 2.0L but it produces 201Hp with a whooping 500N.m of torque!
DeleteThat comparison means both are comparable in engine power with this 1.9 mux. Of course the Raptor is more powerful because it's 201hp. We're talking of hp and torque not engine size. What are you arguing about Diesel Polo?
DeleteMr. anonymous you said that the engine is too small and the 320N.m of torque is not enough to propel the car...so its very clear that you mentioned the engine size (pertaining to 1.9L Mu-x)
Deletehaving said as comparison to pajero(314N.m) and patrol(264N.m) which is heavier then Mu-x.
Looks prettier, good specs, but I would prefer the Fortuner or Montero Sport than this one since this one has smaller engine.
ReplyDeleteIt has the most affordable base variant, practically not a bad vehicle.
ReplyDeleteSir ULY, is the picture of D-Max shown, the D-Max equipped with 1.9 L engine?
ReplyDeleteYup.
DeleteIt’s a preview. The full specs will come out in June 🙂
Uly, were you able to drive a test unit? Not shown is the vehicle weight but the 1.9's power and torque seems at par with the 3.0... Hope you can publish a more in-depth review soon so we can have more perspective on this 1.9 version.
ReplyDeleteNo. We haven’t driven it yet.
DeleteThe unit that the other sites are publishing aren’t reflective of the units that’s sold to the public. Don’t worry, we’ll have a more in-depth review of the mu-X 1.9 soon.
Only one is missing, The Isuzu's MPV, which could be one of the Innova rival.
ReplyDeleteI'd rather buy a Montero Sport than this car, more value for the money and better aftermarket support. But then again, to each his own.
ReplyDeletewhy inquire when your already closed your mind Anonymous
ReplyDeleteLS mt @ 1.350m sounds cheap but it's not! It's a bit expensive from what your actually getting!
ReplyDeleteWithout ABS and rear wiper? Wtf!!!
ISUZU Power the best MU-X 1.9 nothing above!...
ReplyDeleteRespect my post: MU-X Blue power 1.9 MT...for me my opinion...small engine but terrible than other...waiting and this is my dream CAR...from 1.6 engine(existing car to 1.9 engine....
ReplyDeleteNakakarindi na yung mga nagcocomment na smaller engine eh mas mahina. Sir Uly, ano po masasabi niyo sa paliit ng paliit na displacement ng mga mako na ng sasakyan habang lumalaki or namamaintain yung power? Ano po tingin niyo magiging epekto niya sa kotse?
ReplyDeleteHmmm, the 1.9 variants priced well based on its specs and features. This one for me is an excellent SUV, reliable vehicle and diesel engine since it is an Isuzu, fuel efficient since it has smaller engine but powerful. then LOTS of PACKED features found, lots na nga, packed pa, hahaha! Love this mu-X!
ReplyDeletePrice point of about Php1.6M for a diesel car one can get:
ReplyDeleteIsuzu mu-X 1.9L 150@3600
Ford Everest 2.2L 160hp@3200
Honda CR-V 1.6L 120hp@4000
3.0 4JJ1-TCX
ReplyDelete2.5 4JK1-TCX
1.9 RZ4E
3 Engine Options Euro4
If specs are true as ot says on paper,then it is comparable to fort 2.4G....
ReplyDeleteHi sir Ulysses Ang, Do you have a review for Isuzu MUX 1.9L RZ4E LS-A Variant? Planning to buy a new one and im needing your help. Thanks
ReplyDeleteBest regards,
Von
Soon ;-)
DeleteI prefer isuzu because of better road visibility. Hindindi namam sila nagkakalayo sa drag race. If im behind by 5 secs its ok.
ReplyDelete