Isuzu, dubbed the “King of Diesel” with its undisputed diesel engine power, has seen one of its latest models undergo a performance test during a recent test-drive.

The test drive took place from Semarang to the mountainous area of Sidomukti village in Central Java. The model being tested was Isuzu’s MU-X 4x2 sport utility vehicle (SUV) model.

The car’s dashing and robust exterior gives no impression of elegance or luxury, as is the case with its nondescript interior with only wooden panels and a monitor in the middle of the dashboard to display information from audio function to the parking camera.

The high roof of the vehicle makes the cabin spacious, and tall passengers will feel the difference compared to other cars of the same class. For cabin comfort, there are several features aboard the MU-X, including a special muffler to reduce noisiness to 46.3 decibels for interior silence.

The MU-X cabin is also equipped with AC blowers for all passengers, which can be regulated as desired.

Surround-sound audio speakers are available to create different nuances, as entertainment is offered by a multimedia system.

The driver’s seat can be adjusted with an electronic regulator. For those unaccustomed to parking a large car in a reverse or parallel direction, the MU-X is fitted with a 360-degree camera, which also helps to ensure safety when driving through narrow spaces.

No frills: The interior of the Isuzu MU-X is modest, featuring keyless technology, a Traction Control System (TCS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

As the test drive began from the hub of Semarang, the car was running comfortably.

Entering the city’s toll road leading to Ungaran on the outskirts of Semarang, the MU-X was stable in spite of its high speed thanks to the SUV’s 4JK1TC 2.5 VGS Turbo Commonrail engine with 136 Ps/3400 revolutions per minute (rpm) at a torque of 32.6 kilogram-meters/1800-2800 rpm.

Like other cars in the upper-middle segment, the Isuzu SUV is equipped with cruise control.

The driver can therefore maintain a steady speed without having to press the gas pedal, which is especially useful when traveling long distances. This MU-X uses an automatic transmission, but it can be shifted to manual mode.

In the hilly zone near Sidomukti, the MU-X faced no trouble at all, tackling extreme ascents and descents with ease, thanks to the car’s Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control mechanisms that automatically detect uphill and downhill movements with accuracy, with no chance of sliding back or losing control.

On bumpy roads, the SUV is also ready with its Traction Control System (TCS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), through which vibrations and shocks are absorbed to the maximum.

The Isuzu MU-X comes in two variants: 4x4 and 4x2. However, the 4x4 version is more directed at regional markets where rough paths are dominant and many mining operations are undertaken. On Java Island, only the MU-X 4x2 with automatic transmission is marketed at the price of less than Rp 500 million (US$34,518).

All around assistance: The car also features a 360-degree camera to facilitate parking or narrow-path driving, a digital temperature regulator and an audio button on the steering wheel.

— Photos by R. Berto Wedhatama