2017 Isuzu MU-X LS-U (4×4): owner review

Isuzu, in my eyes, has always been behind the times regarding technology. But I reckon that's a good thing because how long will all the jam-packed technology that other vehicles have last for, and how much money will it cost when it's out of warranty?

We have owned the Isuzu MU-X for 12 months now and racked up 27,000km. The fuel economy is fantastic. With two children and the boot fully loaded, the MU-X comfortably sits on 110km/h only revving at 1600rpm on the highway and achieves 7.4 litres per 100km – 850km travelled and still with a range of 150km to go. I really want to make it to 1000km on one tank, but I'll try it when the wife and kids aren't in the car. It will save a massive headache if I run out of fuel.

We have had no issues at all. I am a very fussy diesel mechanic, and our MU-X has always been serviced every 5000km. You cannot over-service a vehicle. My aim is to rack up 500,000km on her.

Apart from regular servicing, the only mods are a straight-through exhaust (no muffler) as it's a DPD model. I have maximum exhaust flow with no noise! I have put a ProVent oil catch can and an EGR-delete cable on.

The only dislike is the DPD because it does its burn-off sometimes when you're almost home, and you've gotta keep driving until it's finished. Not really efficient in that way, but I think it's just bad timing. Saying that, Isuzu does have the best location of the DPD sitting right behind the turbo, the hottest part in the exhaust, and that's a good thing.

Another big bonus is my wife loves the car and so do her parents – so much so, they bought one too. We just purchased a caravan and the MU-X pulls it with ease. I'm always looking in the mirrors to make sure it's still there!

Value for money, reliable and practical, looks fantastic – you can't beat it. I'd buy another one any day.

A Note from the Editor: A stock image has been supplied with this review