RV FEATURE
One of the key changes was to the suspension . The five-link coil spring rear suspension was overhauled in order to accommodate the increased payload when towing , while remaining comfortable when unladen . Around town , without a van hitched up , the MU-X offers a fairly plush ride , despite the suspension being stiffer than that of the first-gen MU-X . That stiffness isn ’ t overly noticeable around town .
The rear coil spring rate has been increased as well , allowing for increased payload , and minimal vehicle pitch and squat . Redesigned to reduce unwanted body roll and improve vehicle composure , the 23mm-diameter anti-roll bar has a 36.6 per cent wider span than the previous model , measuring 1250mm in width across the axle , an increase of 335mm from 915mm , resulting in better managed sprung mass in corners .
Up front is a new double wishbone design with high-mounted uppercontrol arms . The wider-span upright arms further help to maintain camber and caster angles , as well as geometry composure , maintaining a wider contact patch with the road and vastly improving cornering stability and performance .
The spring rate of the independent front suspension has been increased , too , further stiffening the front axle and enhancing chassis composure .
Now , this second-gen MU-X received an all-new 3L turbodiesel engine that offered an additional 10kW of power and 20Nm of torque over the previous vehicle . While this increase is welcome , I still don ’ t think it ’ s necessary or noticeable when towing sub 3000kg worth of caravan ; however , I suspect if you were loaded to the gunwales – 3500kg is its maximum towing capacity – you might then appreciate that extra boogie and torque .
But the wholesale changes to the vehicle ’ s suspension have indisputably improved the towing characteristics and handling dynamics over the preceding MU-X . While I still think the original MU-X is a tow vehicle to be reckoned with , these suspension changes have made a noticeable , welcome difference to the towing experience .
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