Isuzu’s Two-Pedal Nps 4x4 Stands Alone

Isuzu Trucks is excited to spruik the benefits of the new NPS 75/45-155 4x4 AMT – the first ever two-pedal 4x4 light truck on the Australian market.

Since the first NPS model introduction in 1992, Isuzu’s light duty 4x4 trucks have established a rock-solid reputation for navigating tough terrain and excelling in tight-access situations, and now the NPS with AMT is a custom-engineered workhorse designed to further the range’s legacy. Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) Chief Engineer, Product Strategy, Simon Humphries, said the NPS AMT had been meticulously designed to provide operators with take-all-comers reliability and easy manoeuvrability. “Because the NPS with AMT is the only factory built two-pedal 4x4 light truck available on the market today, we invested the time and resources into taking a literal ground-up approach to developing a superior product for all operators looking for a 4x4 light truck that’s easier than ever to drive,” Mr Humphries said. Intuitive Control The detail behind that ease of use rests with Isuzu’s tried and tested MYY5T 5-speed automated manual transmission, which has now been specifically calibrated for Australian off-road conditions and operations. Once 4x4 low range has been selected, Isuzu’s AMT reverts to clutch-less manual control mode. This keeps the selected gear engaged and makes for extremely safe operation in a range of different conditions. “The product available today was created from over three years of ongoing development and testing, much of which was conducted in Australia with teams of engineers from Isuzu Japan,” Mr Humphries said. “Many changes were made to both hardware and software specification to ensure the best possible on and off-road driving experience in Australian conditions. “For example, we separated the transmission fluid cooler from the radiator to increase cooling capacity in the more challenging conditions such as high ambient temperatures or prolonged operational hours in demanding terrain,” he said. “These improvements radiate from local conditions and customer feedback and are further evidence of Isuzu constantly analysing the market to deliver fit-for-purpose products in direct response to customer needs.” Innovation in the Blood The application-specific engineering in the NPS AMT begins at its tyres, with Bridgestone L330 225/80R17.5 offering an improved off-road tread pattern for improved results on sand and mud. The higher load capacity of the L330 tyre will also maximise use of the 3,100 kg steer axle limit, allowing an additional 200 kg. “At every stage in its development, we’ve considered how the NPS with AMT can most effectively cater to more operators looking to get behind the wheel of a no-nonsense 4x4 light truck,” Mr Humphries said. “We’ve also included cruise control as standard across the 2018 N Series range, including the NPS with AMT, while the 7,500 kg GVM vehicle can be derated to 4,500 kg and driven on a car licence. “At every step of the design and construction process we’ve strived to develop an easy-to-drive, reliable and heavy duty 4x4 light truck.” Competitive Edge Mr Humphries said the truck’s engineering was tailored to best address the needs of drivers and organisations. “The approach we’ve taken has been straightforward: build it on reliable technology that helps an operator do their job more effectively,” he said. “We’ve identified a lack of automated manual transmission options in the 4x4 light truck market and believe the new NPS will be of great appeal to operators looking for a truck that will allow multiple drivers – even those less familiar with trucks, such as bush fire brigade volunteers – to get behind the wheel. “In addition to its ease of use, the NPS with AMT maintains significant payload advantages over the major competition in the light 4x4 truck category, either through reduced tare mass or higher GVM rating. “We developed this truck knowing it will serve fire brigades across the country, and therefore it was of paramount importance that it’s payload was optimised for the task at hand. When these brave men and women are heading in to battle blazes, we wanted to ensure they were equipped with ample water to take on the job.” Continuing the NPS Legacy Isuzu has a storied history of innovation within the Australian trucking industry and has achieved 29 consecutive years of market leadership on the back of pioneering products that help operators do business more effectively. IAL Director and Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Harbison, said Isuzu engineers were acutely aware of this legacy during the development of this latest model. “Over the years, our NPS 4x4 trucks have served invaluable roles in emergency services fleets, especially in Australian fire brigades. “These are operators who need the utmost confidence in the reliability, safety and access of their vehicles,” Mr Harbison said. “We’ve developed a product in the NPS with AMT that will provide these benefits in a vehicle that more volunteers can get behind the wheel of – a considerable benefit when volunteer numbers are forever in mind for rural fire fighting brigades in particular. “This is a truck that will provide considerable benefits to Australian operators. The NPS with AMT stands out from the field of 4x4 light trucks with its ease of operation, locally-developed improvements and application-specific engineering,” Mr Harbison said.