Last February, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) launched the updated 2024 mu-X. While it still comes with a familiar-looking exterior & interior, the midsize SUV now features a 360-degree around-view monitor, a digital video recorder (AKA dashcam), a new touchscreen infotainment with wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad for smartphones.

At the time we wrote about the updated mu-X, we thought the midsize SUV was still being offered with a manual transmission. However, upon checking their website recently, we noticed that there is no longer a manual variant of the 2024 mu-X.

We then asked our contacts at IPC to confirm if there is no longer a manual variant of the 2024 mu-X. True enough, our contact shared with us that all versions of the updated mu-X are now only offered with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. You read right, the only variants of the 2024 mu-X are now the following;

mu-X RZ4E 4x2 LS A/T - PHP 1.675 million

mu-X 3.0 LS-A 4x2 A/T - PHP 1.999 million

mu-X 3.0 LS-E 4x2 A/T - PHP 2.230 million

mu-X 3.0 LS-E 4x4 A/T - PHP 2.580 million

So why did Isuzu decide to drop the manual version altogether? While they did not say exactly why, perhaps the low demand for manual vehicles could be the reason. Add to that the increasing demand for vehicles with automatic gearboxes, perhaps it didn't make sense anymore for Isuzu to offer a manual variant of the midsize SUV.

If you're looking to get a 2024 Isuzu mu-X soon, don't be surprised to see only automatic variants of the SUV in your favorite showroom.