ALL BASES COVERED WITH ISUZU’S NEW MEDIUM-DUTY RANGE
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Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has redefined medium-duty trucking and added a new dimension into this hotly contested market segment with the launch of its newly released 2016 F Series range.
The clever new 2016 Isuzu F Series range counts as the latest and greatest stride in what has been an ever-evolving product journey dating back to the late seventies.
In its most wide-ranging upgrade in almost a decade, the new offering brings together Isuzu’s unsurpassed international experience both on and off the highway, and nearly three decades of local market domination, unmatched anywhere in the world.
What’s new?
What’s immediately apparent is a brand new look for the F Series including new grille design, badging and nomenclature, as well as updated seat trim and steering wheel design.
Though it’s under the skin where the real revolution gets underway…
The new truck range features a fresh approach, with the tried and true F Series now available with two very different driveline technologies for 4x2 and 4x4 models.
The jewel in the crown is Isuzu’s small displacement, high torque new 4HK1 turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine, considered the cleanest medium-duty Japanese diesel engine available in Australia today.
Its complement is the new six-cylinder Isuzu 6HK1 engine with Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) for low maintenance and unparalleled dependability.
And Isuzu’s new torque converter equipped automated manual transmission (TC-AMT) – among an array of other range-wide improvements – rounds-out a comprehensive and innovative road transport solution.
Customer first
“The new Isuzu F Series range represents change on a level we haven’t seen in the medium-duty market for quite some time,” said Phil Taylor, IAL Director and Chief Operating Officer.
“Be it waste and refuse, cold-chain logistics, dry freight, pick-up and delivery, emergency services or something out of the ordinary – the new Isuzu F Series range covers even more applications than the previous line-up.
“While our F Series offering is constantly evolving to meet the needs of Australian businesses, our approach to product development hasn’t seen a great deal of change over the years.
“We will always put the needs and requirements of our customers first.
“It’s a straightforward, ‘fluff-free’ approach that has served us well for 27 consecutive years as the market leader, and we aim to keep it that way.
“In this new F Series range, customers have access to a wider range of quality capital equipment and industry-leading aftersales innovation at a very competitive price.”
Driveline choice
There are two engine options available across the 4x2 and 4x4 range, and four different power outputs.
Operators can now choose from two power variants radiating from the low displacement, high torque new 4HK1 four-cylinder turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine.
Alternatively, there’s a new no-fuss, six-cylinder Isuzu 6HK1 engine with maintenance-free Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), with the same emissions technology as seen in the highly admired and well-known Isuzu 6UZ1 350 PS engine.
Isuzu’s new 4HK1 engine
Isuzu first introduced a four cylinder power-plant to the F Series range back in 2007, with the FRR 500 models.
In 2016, the four-cylinder option has been extended up the GVM range.
The new 4HK1 is a completely redesigned engine, with only the bore and stroke remaining the same as its predecessor, and with its low displacement and impressive power and torque rating, there is nothing quite like this engine on the market right now.
When specifying the new 4HK1, customers can take advantage of a 5.2 litre, four-cylinder, two-stage turbocharged and intercooled engine available in two power ratings:
- A 154 kW (210 PS) variant, producing 726 Nm of torque.
- A 177 kW (240 PS) variant, generating 765 Nm of torque.
- Changed intake cam design (increased low RPM torque).
- A change in the piston shape (reduced PM, improved fuel economy).
- Increased injection pressure (reduced PM, improved fuel economy).
- Optimised injectors (reduced PM, improved fuel economy).
- An improved EGR valve control (reduced PM and NOx).
- Larger intercooler to reduce the air intake temperature and combustion temperatures (reduced NOx).
- Revised engine block to suit the higher cylinder pressures.
- Manual transmission new 4HK1 models benefit from the addition of the Start Assist function, to enable easier, faster clutch engagement.
- Revised multi-information display, with a larger screen comes standard across the range.
- Low-coolant sensor for all models. This seemingly minor addition represents huge risk mitigation with advance warning of a situation that could result in a catastrophic engine failure.
- Fuel cooler has been introduced to models with the new 4HK1 and 6HK1 DOC engines.
- Upgraded Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) module and software with ABS 8 is now included on FTR, FV, FSS and FTS models.
- Rear seat in crew-cab models has been improved with additional padding in the seat base and realignment of the back rest for greater support.
- Hill Start Aid (HSA) has been introduced in all manual transmission FSS and FTS 4x4 models.
- Additional wheelbase option for FSR models at 4,360 mm.
- A 90 amp alternator has been added to all new F Series models resulting in a 50 per cent output increase for some models.
- Passenger side ISRI 6860 air suspension seat in the FTS single and crew cab as well as the FTR crew cab model.
- Satellite navigation as standard on all models (except 4x4).
- Elimination of oil changes at the first free service and an extension of oil change intervals from 15,000 km to 20,000 km for those models with either new 4HK1 or 6HKI DOC. This means the entire F Series range now has 20,000 km service intervals.
- Isuzu remains the only Japanese brand to use the highly regarded Meritor axle and brake assemblies on FVR and FVD 4x2 models, including the new 260 PS DOC models, the FVL 6x2 model and all FVZ or FVY 6x4 models.
- FV models with Meritor axles have factory fitted Stemco Sentinel oil-filled hubs with Discover hub seals.
Playtime’s over, get $3,500* to spend on extras.
If you’re ready to get serious about tackling bigger jobs, grab yourself an NLR 45-150 AMT SWB Traypack from the Ready-to-Work range for $62,990 drive away*. And to prove we aren’t playing, buy any NLR Traypack before June 30 and you’ll get $3,500* to spend on genuine accessories or an Essentials service agreement.
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