Top Gun inspired styling makeover
By Mike Baños, Motoring Editor, BusinessWeek/Mindanao Daily
Fans of the Top Gun movie franchise will love the fighter jet inspired makeover of the new 2025 Isuzu mu-X SUV.
When Isuzu Cagayan de Oro North-Min Auto Dealership, Inc. (NMADI) officially launched the new 2025 Isuzu mu-X (officially designated as the RJ08) at Uptown Cagayan de Oro, the Top Gun fighter jet styling cues were immediately apparent from its completely made over front end with its Dynamic Radiator Grille with Black Titanium Carbide Finish, Jet fighter inspired Dynamic Blade LED Headlights, Jet fighter inspired front bumper, and front air curtain/scoops which improves aerodynamic flow for better fuel mileage and reduced NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels, by directing the air flow through its front wheel wells to eliminate the usual air turbulence present in this area, and smoothen the air flow, reducing wind noise and buffeting, and improving fuel mileage through smoother aerodynamics.
The new styling cues extend to its 20 inch 265/50 R20 Dynamic Turbine Alloy Wheels (for the 3.0L LS-E 4×4 AT and 3.0L LS-E 4×2 AT), and 265/60 R18 Aluminum Alloy and 265/R60 R17 Aluminum Alloy Wheels for the 3.0L LS-A 4×2 AT, and RZ4E LS 4×2 AT, respectively.
The all new tailgate design with integrated spoiler and new badging with full length combination tail lamps at the rear end round out the muscular “anabolic roids” look.
For the Philippine market, the midsize SUV made its entry with four available variants, namely the entry-level RZ4E LS 4×2 AT, the 3.0 LS-A 4×2 AT, 3.0 LS-E 4×2 AT, and the top-of-the-line 3.0 LS-E 4×4 AT.
Like its predecessor, there are two powertrain options available for the all-new Isuzu mu-X RJ08. The Blue Power Common Rail Diesel Injection (CRDI) range includes the base 1.9-liter RZ4E turbo diesel motor that churns out 150 hp and 350 Nm of torque, and the 3.0-liter Blue Power CRDI turbo diesel that puts out a hefty 190 hp and 450 Nm of torque. As of the moment, all variants are only available with the automatic transmission.
All four variants of the 2025 Isuzu mu-X RJ08 are now available for test drives at the NMADI Cagayan de Oro showroom and customers can already place their orders with the NMADI branches nearest to them in Butuan, Dipolog, or Pagadian. Prices start from P1,775,000 and tops out at P2,720,000 for the Isuzu mu-X 3.0L 4×4 LS-E AT. If your intend to keep your SUV for the next 10 years, there’s no better value for your money than the new 2025 Isuzu mu-X SUV RJO8.
The latest model also introduces the new Eiger Gray color option, exclusively available for LS-E 4×4 and 4×2 variants. Other available colors include Onyx Black for LS-E 4×2 and RXZ4E 4×2, Satin Pearl White for LS-E 4×4 and LS-E 4×2; Mercury Silver and Splash White for RZ4E 4×2.
The Isuzu MU-X competes in the Philippines’ mid-sized 7-seater SUV segment, otherwise known as the pickup-based passenger vehicle (PPV segment). The overall SUV market in the Philippines is experiencing growth, with the mid-sized 7-seater segment seeing continued demand. Consumers are increasingly looking for SUVs that offer a good balance between performance and fuel economy, with value for money being a major factor for buyers, particularly in the Philippine market.
With rising fuel costs, fuel efficiency is becoming increasingly important and here’s where the mu-X excels over its major competitors with a best-in class 13.5 km/L (8.3 L per 100 kms.) average fuel mileage for the 3.0 liter engine.
Especially worthy of mention is the mu-X’s Blue Power Common Rail Diesel Injection (CRDI) turbo diesels which enjoys Isuzu’s reputation of bulletproof truck engines, but also delivers outstanding fuel mileage for an engine of its size and power output. Isuzu dominated commercial truck sales in 2024 with 4,591 units, they led in the Light Truck (Cat III), Category IV Truck/Bus, and Category V Truck/Bus sub-segments.
Technological advancements, safety features, comfort amenities and brand reputation also play a crucial role in customer’s decisions. With its excellent dealership network and reliable after-sales service, NMADI adds another layer of allure to mu-X’s desirability.
Among the upgrades to this year’s model are the mu-X’s 7 inch electro luminescent multi-information display with new design steering wheel and 10.1 Infotainment System with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto, 360 degree monitor with embedded digital video recorder (no need to get an after market dash cam and you can download the day’s recording through the USB ports conveniently provided for this purpose).
Its upgraded safety features include the Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) with Gen 4 Smart Duo Camera system with defogger, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Turn Assist( automatically actives turn signal lights on turns), 4WD controls with Terrain Command Select Dial with Rough Terrain Mode, and Parking Aid System with 4 sensors front and back with different tones for front and rear sensors and an increased scope and range of its sensors from 40 to 120 degrees, and from 120 to 150 meters range.
In the automotive industry, NVH stands for Noise, Vibration, and Harshness. It refers to the study and management of the aural and tactile feedback a vehicle delivers to its occupants. Engineers aim to minimize NVH to improve the overall driving experience, making the ride smoother, quieter, and more comfortable.
Noise refers to unwanted sounds generated by the vehicle, such as wind noise, tire noise, engine noise, and exhaust noise; while Vibration refers to the mechanical shaking or trembling of the vehicle, which can be felt by the occupants; and Harshness are the unpleasant sensations and impacts felt by the occupants due to vibrations or impacts.
Among the prevalent NVH issues plaguing modern vehicles are Wind noise (sounds created by the wind interacting with the car’s exterior); Tire noise (rumble or humming sounds from the tires); Engine noise (unpleasant sounds from the engine) Vibrations (shaking or trembling felt through the steering wheel or seats) and Harsh impacts (jolts or jarring feeling when driving over bumps or potholes).
The 2025 Isuzu MU-X addresses these issues through its Aerodynamic Design (shaping the car to reduce wind noise and wind buffeting, through its front wind scoops/vents, for instance; Sound-deadening materials (sound insulation in the doors, trunk, and engine compartment to absorb sound and reduce vibrations); Suspension tuning (optimizing the suspension system to absorb bumps and vibrations, making the ride smoother), and designing the engine and exhaust system to minimize noise and vibrations.
According to the American Engineering Group LLC, NVH is a critical factor in vehicle comfort and can significantly impact the overall driving experience. By reducing NVH, car manufacturers can enhance the perception of luxury, reduce fatigue, and improve resale value.
Take home the Isuzu mu-X RJ08 for only P169,000 down payment, or the RJ07 with ZERO all-in down payment and additional hefty spot discounts to experience what it means to drive with power, comfort, and peace of mind.
For a first hand look at the new 2025 Isuzu mu-X, get up close and personal and enjoy great conversations, exciting features, and light cocktails at any of the following NMADI branches on these times and dates.
Isuzu Butuan – May 22, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
0956 096 8838 / 0915 656 1610
Isuzu Valencia – May 28, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
0935 918 0718 / 0935 814 1937
Isuzu Pagadian – June 13, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
0912 934 2197 / 0997 652 8459 / 0956 304 9850
Isuzu Dipolog – June 13, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Venue: TBA
0926 851 6049 / 0995 794 4237 / 0926 377 7922
For more details, please call NMADI at (0905) 366 4612 | (0977) 113 5312 | (0905) 523 2706 or message their official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/IsuzuCagayanDeOroOfficial
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