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By
EWAN KENNEDY
19 November 2007
As Isuzu approaches the end of its 19th year as number one in the truck
market in Australia it has finally released its eagerly awaited N-series
light to medium commercials. And also much revised versions of its
medium- to heavy-duty F-series models.
The simultaneous introduction comes as no surprise when you
learn that Isuzu has now linked the N and F models. Thus giving
new-generation N-series an even tougher makeup to keep up with its
big brother.
The new N-series have a fair bit of style in their makeup,
taking the tack that trucks don’t have to be square and boring.
Style is apparent both inside and out. The exterior of the cab now
has a curved shape in the windscreen, and the corners and roof of
the cab have been carefully sculpted to improve aerodynamic flow.
This not only reduces fuel consumption, but also makes the cabin
quieter due to reduced air disruption.
There's more space inside the cab than ever before and the
N-series is simple to drive. The seats have been redesigned for
greater comfort and a lot more attention has been paid to
ergonomics than in past models. Additional sound proofing further
improves matters and were impressed by the refined feel within the
new N-series cabs during our introductory drive program out of
Brisbane.
Engines for the new Isuzu N-series are virtually all-new in
design and comply with Australian Design Rule 80/02 (Euro 4)
emission regulations. Isuzu's claim that these new high-tech units
are more powerful, flexible and responsive than the superseded
ones are certainly true. The trucks we drove were loading almost
to their maximum permissible levels yet the drivetrains proved
themselves up to the task in the suburbs, the country and in
particular in some taxing hilly areas.
Some of the test trucks had the latest AMT (Automated Manual
Transmission), a feature that’s becoming common in the new
N-series models. It now uses a conventional change pattern instead
of the somewhat odd one used on the original AMTs. Changes are
faster than before, but are still on the slow and harsh side in
the manner of these gearboxes.
The security of ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
is standard on all except the N-series 4x4 variants. The latter
may be engineered to accept it later. In any case, the 4WD system
can help to reduce brake lockup in its own right.
The doors can now be opened a full 90 degrees to permit simpler
access. However, it can be a big stretch to close them unless you
think ahead and partially pull them towards you as you complete
your entry to the cabin. The N-series doors all have dual safety
beams as protection against side impact. An airbag for the driver
is standard and a passenger unit is either optional or standard on
other models.
Australia is an important market for Isuzu and many thousands
of kilometres of road testing of the new trucks was done in this
country to make sure they were suitable for long-term hot weather
and rough road surfaces. Modifications were made as a result,
particularly to the suspension settings and the Japanese company
is to be praised for the way it paid attention to the requests
from our local engineers and test drivers.
Quite a few of the Isuzu N-series models can be driven on a car
license. We were particularly impressed by the NLR 200. This model
has car-type rack-and-pinion steering, coil springs on the front
suspension and front disc brakes. You wouldn’t exactly say it
feels like a car to drive, but it comes a lot closer than you
might expect. Isuzu anticipates this model being a hit with the
truck hire companies as car drivers will feel relatively at ease
in what are otherwise in an otherwise unfamiliar environment.
The Isuzu NLR 200 would also make an excellent basis for a
motorhome conversion for the same reasons.
While you are shopping about for a new generation Isuzu
N-series ask your dealer about the company’s Isuzu Care scheme.
It’s arguably the most comprehensive of its kind in the industry
and it’s good to see a truck manufacturer providing the sort of
service and backup systems that were previously only offered to
car owners.
There are 30 variants in the Isuzu N-series range with prices
ranging from $41,990 for a short wheelbase NLR200 4X2 up to
$76,490 for a NPS300 Crew cab 4X4.
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Marque Publishing Company
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