Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has announced the first of its all-new, next-generation truck range to be released down-under.
The new four-cylinder medium-duty F Series models were revealed at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, where IAL deployed strong representation at the landmark event, both to celebrate the imminent Australian launch of the all-new models, and to obtain first-hand experience of the latest technological developments and industry news.
“It’s a pleasure to announce this next stage in our product journey for Isuzu Trucks in Australia, and to do so at such an auspicious occasion – the 2023 Japan Mobility Show,” said IAL Chief Operating Officer and Director, Andrew Harbison.
“This event, reimagined after a four-year hiatus, has brought together the very latest ideas and technology and more importantly, the critical innovative outcomes from this in the products and services being showcased,” he said.
For Isuzu, it’s about the first full public release of the all-new model ranges first launched earlier this year.
“On display we see products spanning the Isuzu offer – from light to heavy duty, including the battery electric model variants, plus some significant examples of zero emission vehicles and other results from the technology and strategic partnerships the company has entered into,” said Harrison.
“For our Australian owners and operators, we’re excited to be able to confirm that we’ll see the first of this impressive new product from the second half of next year, in the form of the four-cylinder medium-duty F Series models.
“The launch and release of an entirely new product line-up, from our driver’s licence N Series models all the way through to our FY heavy-duty trucks represents a significant undertaking, and so staging the various range releases in Australia made best sense.
“This, combined with the production timelines from the factory in Japan, mean that we’ll see our full model line-up progressively rolled-out leading into the ADR 80/04 heavy vehicle exhaust emissions in late 2025,” added Harbison.
The new four-cylinder F Series are the first of the next generation Isuzu truck range for Australian operators, designed on the premise of carbon neutrality, driver comfort, safety, and connectivity.
The Isuzu modular architecture and component standard, or I-MACS underpins the new model’s entire design and functionality.
The approach is one of combing various components, parts, and devices on an as needs basis, thereby catering to the diverse requirements of Isuzu truck customers and markets today and into the future.
“Our new four-cylinder F Series models cover the key 9,000 to 12,000kg GVM sub-segment of the medium-duty market, a category where we’ve been fortunate to enjoy over 50 per cent market share year to date,” said Simon Humphries, Medium and Heavy-Duty Product Manager.
“These all-new models deliver on the design premise, with best-in-class safety features, new cab design and improved ergonomics, the latest exhaust emissions treatment and new cabin and engine combinations.
According to Humphries, Isuzu has retained and further enhanced its highly regarded, low displacement, high-torque four cylinder, turbocharged and intercooled N-4HK1 engine, with lower exhaust emissions courtesy of the new selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system for lower NOx output.
The N-4HK1 produces 177kW power (240 PS) and 765Nm in the FFR/D, FSR/D models and 154kW power (210 PS) and 726Nm for the FSS 4×4.
Transmissions include the six-speed torque-converter automated manual (TC-AMT) and six-speed manual.
“We’ve upped the ante with our safety features in the new models, with the four-cylinder variants featuring the introduction of three new safety systems on top of what was already a class-leading package,” said Humphries.
“We now have adaptive driving beam (ADB), full-speed adaptive cruise control (ACC) and traffic sign recognition (TSR), all features that contribute greatly to the experience of driving the vehicle and for others in the environment.”
The new FRR/D, FSR/D models also benefit from the inclusion of the auto lighting system and auto rain sensing wipers (AWS), to round out the full-featured safety suite.
Additionally, FSS 4×4 models will see the introduction of advanced emergency braking (AEB) and electronic stability control (ESC) – a first for Japanese vehicles in this category.
FRR and FRD models also receive full air braking system with EBS, while further enhancements to the vehicle include advanced CAN electronic architecture for better integration and control of ancillary and body builder equipment.
The cab features an all-new interior, with new display, dash, lighting, storage and seating and steering componentry, with improved ergonomics contributing to reduced user fatigue.
Essential operational information is provided to the driver via the large and sharp, enhanced full-colour TFT 7-inch multi-information display, located between the speedometer and tachometer.
The cab exterior has also undergone a full transformation with new lamp assemblies and aerodynamically sculpted panels.
A new grille provides a powerful visual statement, with the integration of the Isuzu badge allowing for greater flexibility for client livery and signage.
The headlamps incorporate a combination LED lamp assembly with Bi-LED high and low-beam, distinctive daytime running lamp (DRL), position lamps and indicators, all in one unit.
“This new headlamp is both a well-executed design element on the truck, and it performs effectively with the multitude of standard functions, plus the new adaptive driving beam,” said Humphries.
“This is reflective of the smart thinking that is evident throughout these new models, provided with both excellent form and function.
“From the conceptual approach with the modular engineering design and I-MACS, to the visual design and the integration and performance of the various components of the truck, I can see that we have a product that will enhance the transport operations of our customers in a variety of ways.
“The news of this launch is an exciting day for IAL, and we look forward to sharing in the future with our customers and partners back in Australia,” concluded Humphries.
The new four-cylinder F Series Isuzu Truck range will be launched in Australia in the second half of 2024.