2018 Isuzu N Series Heralds New Levels Of Customer Convenience And Application Suitability

In keeping with its continual quest to supply the most comprehensive and most practical transport solutions for Australian industry, Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has announced the launch of its updated N Series truck range for 2018.

The new range offers even more choice for Australian transport operators, including wider availability of two-pedal transmissions – now appearing for the first time in the vaunted NPS 4x4 models. The range now sees two engines and emission control systems, independent front suspension in key models and a new in-cab audio-visual system to round a compelling update. “Our 2018 N Series model range provides more of what Australian truck customers are looking for from the market leader,” commented Director and Chief Operating Officer, Mr Andrew Harbison. “We strive to provide our customers with a choice of products closely suited to and aligned to their business needs. “It’s what’s kept us at the top of their list when considering the purchase of road transport equipment, and we’re pleased to advise that our latest release delivers in spades,” he said. “We’ve also introduced our highly successful AMT to the industry stalwart NPS 4x4 models. “This provides emergency services, mining and resource exploration companies and remote field service operators with a super-reliable and rugged off-road vehicle available in both 7.5 tonne and 4.5 tonne GVM ratings with the advantage of two-pedal operation. “This is a massive step for these applications. We know that the industry has been crying out for this and we also know that once a company provides the efficiency and ease of operation of a two-pedal transmission, there is little chance they’ll want to go back,” Mr Harbison said. Range Envy The 2018 N Series range offers light truck buyers the choice of two engine formats, with significant overlap across the range, depending on operator preference and application conditions. The low emissions, low fuel consumption Isuzu 3.0 litre 4JJ1 turbo-charged and air-to-air intercooled four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC diesel engine (110 kW @ 2,800 rpm & 375 Nm @ 1,600 – 2,800 rpm) kicks off the range in the 4.5 tonne GVM NLR 45-150 model and runs through to the 6.5 tonne GVM NNR 65-150. Isuzu NNR 45-150Isuzu NNR 45-150 The 4JJ1 is regarded as the most economical four-cylinder diesel engine by a significant margin in 4x2 and 4x4 Ute applications and is reported to return 10 to 15 per cent superior fuel economy than other brands in this usage. Equally, Isuzu truck operators are reporting excellent economy results from the NLR and NNR models using this trusted engine. Enter the higher torque 5.2 litre 4HK1 turbo-charged and air-to-air intercooled four-cylinder, 16-valve diesel engine in the NPR and NQR models. Rated at 114 kW @ 2,600 rpm and 419 Nm @ 1,600 – 2,600 rpm in the 4.5 and 5.5 tonne GVM NPR 45/55-155 models, this engine is also available rated at 140 kW @ 2,600 rpm and 513 Nm @ 1,600 – 2,600 RPM in the 6.5 tonne (4.5 tonne de-rated model also available) NPR 65/45-190 model, the 7.5 tonne GVM NPR 75-190 and the 8.7 (and optional 8.0 tonne GVM) NQR 87-190 models. Isuzu NPR 75-190 The 4HK1 engine (in both 114 kW and 140 kW ratings) is now fitted with a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) exhaust emissions system, providing a robust, low-maintenance power-plant well suited to customers with high idle time applications. DOC technology offers a maintenance-free exhaust system that allows compliance with the current Euro-V standards, without requiring any particulate filter regenerations or the need for AdBlue. “For operators of our car licence 4.5 tonne GVM, 5.5 and 6.5 tonne GVM models, we now offer a choice of engine depending on the application at hand,” Mr Harbison said. Evolutionary Step Change Echoing this focus on closely tailoring the range to customer needs were comments from Chief Engineer, Product Strategy, Mr Simon Humphries. “Our 2018 N Series range once again represents an ongoing evolution of this best-selling light truck platform. “Many of the updates are in direct response to customer feedback, while we’ve introduced elements such as independent front suspension (IFS) to most of our NNR models to provide an even more car-like driving experience,” Mr Humphries said. “Urban distribution is the mainstay of these models, and we all know that a driver can experience the full range of Australia’s road conditions, from potholes to choppy bitumen, tight corners, broken edges, speed humps and unexpected knocks as they go about their daily work. “The NNR models with IFS also benefit from a rack-and-pinion steering box, which provides sharper steering responses in the urban environment. “At the end of the work-day, drivers will appreciate the benefit of Isuzu’s IFS with improved ride and handling and more predictable behaviour over the lumps and bumps of our urban landscape,” he said. “Further, we now have cruise control in all N Series models and drivers can obtain the latest operating data from their vehicle courtesy of the in-dash, multi-information display, now also fitted to all N Series models.” General Changes The new audio-visual system, featuring 6.2-inch capacitive touch-screen with greater brightness and resolution, runs a modern Android Automotive operating system for fast responses, and includes USB 3.0 connectivity, Bluetooth V4, AM/FM/DAB+ and internet radio when using a tethered smartphone wifi. New and improved audio-visual system Service intervals for all models have been extended to 12 months, with 4JJ1 engine service intervals standing at 12 months or 15,000 km while 4HK1 engine intervals move to 12 months or 20,000 km. The towing capacity on NLR and NLS models has been uprated to 3.5 tonnes, meaning GCM for these models is now 8.0 tonnes. Rear axle ratios on some models have also been revised to provide lower noise and superior fuel economy. Treading Carefully The NPS 4x4 has it where the rubber meets the road, undergoing a tyre change that swaps out Michelin XZT 8.5R17.5s for Bridgestone L330 225/80R17.5. The new tyres offer improved off-road tread pattern, particularly suited to sandy and muddy conditions. The NPS 4x4 75-155 in muddy, off-road conditions They also give the truck a higher load capacity and maximise use of the steer axle’s 3,100 kg limit, which represents a 200 kg improvement. The NPR and NNR models have also undergone a tyre pattern change, with an updated, Michelin X-Multi-Z description. This shift results in a shorter braking distance, better mileage and less potential downtime due to the tyre’s robust casing. New Model for MY18… NPS Models with AMT:

• NPS 75/45-155 AMT 4x4
• NPS 75/45-155 AMT CREW 4x4

Two new models with 3,815 mm WB suitable for 8-pallet body:

• NPR 75-190 AMT MLWB
• NQR 90/80-190 AMT MLWB

More of Everything “We feel that the 2018 N Series release is a study in what has kept Isuzu at the top of the Australia truck market for the past 29 consecutive years,” said Mr Harbison. “Our customers can be rest assured that we are continually reading the market, our customers’ needs and the performance of our products to ensure that we not only offer the best available spec, but also the broadest range and the best suited to Australian conditions and industry.”