Isuzu has held the lead position in Australian truck sales for 36 years and has shown it isn’t resting on its record by announcing during late 2024 that the year 2025 will witness the biggest launch in Isuzu’s history with new models, new drivelines, new cabs and interior appointments, and a class-leading focus on safety.
Isuzu’s most recent comprehensive model launch was back in 2008.
A critical element across the entire range of the Model Year 2025 (MY25) offering is Isuzu’s first-in-class suite of safety features which will significantly enhance active, passive and driver-assist safety functions, several of which go significantly beyond the requirements of the impending Australian Design Rules (ADRs) including ADR35/07 which mandates Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on all new heavy vehicles from 1 February 2025 and ADR97/00 which requires Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB) for those vehicles from the same date. Many of Isuzu’s current Australian models in the N, F and FX-FY Series already employ a range of safety features and driver ergonomic benefits, and the new range takes the overall concept of truck safety to a higher level, underpinned by a new advanced electrical architecture.
Additional safety features will include Full Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (F-ACC) on all two-pedal models, Miss Acceleration Mitigation (MAM) on selected models and Bi-LED headlamps with integrated Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).
The MAM system reduces the chances of the vehicle colliding with objects either in front or at the rear if the accelerator is accidentally depressed from a stationary position. Isuzu Australia’s next generation products also deal directly with driver well-being with numerous comfort and ergonomic improvements, starting with a new cabin structure which delivers a new-look exterior and a roomier, more accommodating interior space with enhanced appointments.
Cabin strength has been increased including the addition of anti-intrusion beams. As well as conventional diesel engines, Isuzu will offer a broad carbon neutral line-up suitable for many applications which will include Internal Combustion Engines fuelled by CNG, LNG, hydrogen, HVO and biodiesels. Currently under test in Australia are examples of fully electric Isuzu NLR and NPR models.
The Isuzu strategy of increased safety across the new 2025 model line-up has the aim of reduced incidents and also reduced damage in the event that an accident is inevitable. Isuzu has drawn heavily from its The Future of Trucking (FoT) report data which at its core has a collective desire to have safer conditions for all road users, combined with a strong focus on truck occupant wellbeing.
The FoT found that alongside total cost of ownership equations, safety technology remains a major purchase consideration for many operators. A three-factor approach to safety is being applied across the MY25 range with ‘Foundational’ safety relating to the ease of driving in relation to such factors as stability, visibility, driving position, and the flexibility and comfort of operation. The driver focus will include addressing noise reduction, vibration and vehicle ride and handling. The ‘Active’ safety elements will cover driver vision support, blind spot reduction and reduced damage in the event of an accident, while ‘Passive’ safety relates to driver and passenger protection and other road user and pedestrian protection. The new Isuzu N Series also receives Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) using stereo camera technology and combines this with an Intelligent Speed Limiter (ISL) function to assist the driver to stay within posted limits. Features such as these add to the “ute to truck” strategy which Isuzu has pursued successfully in Australia, particularly in relation to applications involving towing.
For Medium Duty applications, the MY25 Isuzu F Series also receives a comprehensive safety boost. In a substantial upgrade from previous systems, every model across the F Series range, including Isuzu’s 4×4 models, benefits from a comprehensive baseline suite containing 12 active and passive systems, including the Auto Lighting System. Depending upon the application, some models come equipped with even more systems, such as a typical FV model variant, which receives a total of 17 active and passive safety features.
Full Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (F-ACC) also finds its way into nearly every model in the F Series range except 4×4 and manual transmission FRR and FSR models.
At the heavier end of Isuzu’s all-new line-up, the FX-FY Series also receives additional safety related features. As per ADR regulations, all models now come fitted with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and the addition of F-ACC in this weight range, across all models, offers a host of important safety actions for highway and metropolitan driving.
The addition of the Lane Keep Assist (LKA) to this market segment, is a boon for fleet customers mindful not only of driver and road user safety, but of compliance obligations as well.
The Isuzu MY25 cabs have been designed to significantly improve overall safety, dimensions, visibility and storage with a smart, new-look exterior and a roomier, more accommodating interior space, ensuring operators have an ergonomic, comfortable and safe environment in which to work.
Driver seating has been closely considered to reduce fatigue, with Isuzu’s new suspension seating added to a large selection of the range as standard. Isuzu claims the new driver’s seating will be noticeably more comfortable, and driver positioning has been optimised to be more car-like, accommodating greater visibility, easier access to driver controls including stalks and other dash functions.
Impact absorption is enhanced through the use of three-piece resin bumpers and front panels which are more pedestrian friendly while reducing repair costs.
To further minimise the incidence of pedestrian and cyclist injuries Isuzu has eliminated protruding windscreen washer nozzles and equipped MY25 models with “wet wipers” which have the cleaning fluid applied directly to the wiper blades.
Even the pedal layout has received a rethink and Isuzu’s new smaller steering wheel has been further enhanced using electric actuators for advanced driver support functions and ease of use, and it’s also been optimised to work seamlessly alongside on-board safety technology such as Isuzu’s Advanced Driver Safety System, audio prompts and hands-free functions via the in-dash multimedia unit.
Further safety functionality is available via a new seven-inch, easy to see, meter cluster display screen located directly in the line of sight of the driver positioned in between the traditional speedometer and tachometer needles which oversees a range of ADAS related safety controls as well as vital trip, range and economy intelligence.
Included in the MY25 cab changes is a revised glass specification, again with driver comfort, safety and well-being firmly in mind. A huge 99 per cent reduction in ultra-violet (UV) and a 59 per cent reduction in infra-red (IR) cut-through has been achieved, helping to dramatically enhance visibility, prevent sunburn, and retina damage and markedly improve cabin insulation, taking pressure of the HVAC system.
A replacement for the Heavy Duty Isuzu Giga model is still a “year or two away” according to Isuzu Australia Limited Director and Chief Operating Officer Andrew Harbison, and speculation is the truck will be a rebadged UD with a 13-litre engine.
The new range of Isuzu trucks is scheduled for its public launch at the Brisbane Truck Show in May.
