2018 Isuzu FVL 240-300: Review

Built for the long haul
Australia’s intrastate and regional truck market is well catered for in 2018. A range of updated offerings from Japan and Europe present owner-operator and fleet buyers alike with a bevy of decent options, perhaps none more solid than the refreshed Isuzu FVL 240-300.

Playing at the higher-capacity end of the F Series range – but beneath the larger FX and FY Series – the long-wheelbase FVM and FVL ranges each provide a 6x2 drive configuration and the choice of air-assisted ZF nine-speed manual or Allison six-speed automatic transmissions.

Each is powered by Isuzu’s under-square (115 x 125mm) 6HK1-TCS six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine displacing 7790cc. The common-rail direct-injected unit uses an air-to-air intercooled variable nozzle turbocharger to reduce lag time and improve boost from lower engine speeds. The upshot is an accessible 981Nm (724lb.ft) from 1450rpm and peak power of 221kW (296hp) at 2400rpm, the resultant lower engine speeds further bettering the FVL’s fuel consumption and emissions outputs.

Matched to the optional push-button Allison auto with overdrive fifth and sixth ratios and 6.428:1 final drive we managed a return of 32.9L/100km (3.04km/litre) on our extended 1000km test.

In range terms, that’s a theoretical 820km from the frame-mounted 400-litre aluminium tank. Isuzu uses a cooled EGR with particulate filter to meet ADR 80/03 emissions regulations meaning there’s no need for AdBlue or similar additives at fill-up.

The transmission cooperates well around town and on flatter highway runs, holding higher gears longer in Normal mode to improve fuel consumption. Power mode – and occasionally the manual selection of a lower gear – becomes a necessity in hilly terrain, however, where the transmission’s retention of lower engine speeds (2160rpm at 100kmh) counteracts driver efforts to take a run-up at steep grades.

We also found Power mode useful in extracting more from the Isuzu’s engine brakes. Using Power mode means the gearbox is more proactive when downshifting off throttle, resulting in better downhill speed management. Again, the use of the transmission’s manual override feature is handy here, allowing comfortable speed management in difficult terrain, often without need for the brake pedal.

The Isuzu FVL 240-300 on test provides a sub-24,000kg GVM and a 14-pallet steel deck. GCM is listed at 32,000kg. The all leaf suspension is damped hydraulically up front and via air bags at the rear, Isuzu’s Meritor-sourced rear axle is listed with a total capacity of 20,000kg, the Hendrickson bags rated at 18,100kg.

Steering is hydraulically assisted and impressively accurate. The wheel provides communication well suited to navigating difficult country roads, allowing centimetre accurate placement of the wheels. Isuzu quotes a kerb-to-kerb turning circle of 22.6m, and we have to say it sounds on the money – we had no trouble turning the Isuzu at the end of an unsealed lane.

Braking duties fall to ABS-backed air-assisted drums all round. The pedal offers tremendously good feel allowing soft, positive stops. The range includes hill-start assist as standard. A locking differential is available optionally.

Inner peace
The Isuzu’s coil-sprung cab is accessed via wide opening doors, non-slip steps, and hand grips on the door pillars. The three-seat cabin includes lap-sash seatbelts on both outboard seats (the folding centre seat gets a lap belt only) and an ADR 42 compliant sleeper. The driver receives an ISRI 6860 air-suspended pew with pneumatic lumbar support while the steering column is adjustable for both tilt and reach.

The FVL 240-300 provides clear outward vision and well-sized mirrors adding confidence to progress on narrow country roads. The seat’s adjustment adds to an ergonomic package we found well suited to long-distance travel, though rougher roads certainly kept the air-sprung seat busy – a point noted by my not-so-fortunate passenger on his fixed chair.

The instrument panel is concise enough to gather information at a glance but provides enough detail so that you’re not caught short. Engine and road speed dials are electronic, as is the odometer and dual trip computer. Coolant, fuel and air pressure ancillary gauges are easy to comprehend, ditto the gear position indicator (on automatic models).

The multi-function display shows the expected fuel, DPD, hour and volt read-outs, as well as service interval information and over-speed warning.

Stowage includes a windscreen header shelf, door-mounted storage bins, lidded centre console bin, and a fold-down storage tray behind the centre seat backrest. There’s also a nifty take-away hook and a pair of cup-holders, as well as 24-volt power and USB charging outlets.

Keyless locking, power windows, cruise control, and heated mirrors are included as standard, as is an overhead fluorescent tube and supplementary candescent lighting. Automatic air-conditioning is likewise standard with outlets to demist both the windscreen and side glass in addition to face and floor-level vents. Unfortunately our test truck struggled to keep the cabin cool in 30-degree weather (perhaps a re-gas was in order).

The FVR offers two-speed wipers with intermittent function, but does not include a rain-sensing feature. The halogen headlights are likewise manually activated, and are complemented by basic marker lights, fixed cornering lights, and front fog-lights. Headlight performance is ample without being brilliant. The rear combination lights include a reversing alarm.

Daily maintenance is uncomplicated with easy access to more commonly accessed fluid reservoirs and dipsticks. The all-steel cabin is easily tilted through 45 degrees via an electro-hydraulic helper.

Over to you, DAVE
DAVE, or Digital Audio Visual Entertainment unit in Isuzu speak, provides optional telematic support, camera and microphone inputs, reversing sensor compatibility, tyre-pressure monitoring, and connectivity to mobile devices such as smartphones and digital music players.

The system arrives in addition to the standard infotainment array (detailed below), and can provide back-to-base operational data that includes live positioning via GPS, engine data, mechanical and service alerts, theft mitigation, and even fatigue management.

The latter is part of a technological push Isuzu Australia’s chief engineer of product strategy, Simon Humphries, insists will become a vital element of the transport industry over the next decade; and one that has the potential to ensure both drivers and vehicles are being utilised more efficiently – potentially even eliminating the pen-and-paper Work Diary as we know it.

The two DIN, twin-speaker audio system encompasses a 6.2-inch LCD display accessing Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming, AM/FM/DAB+ (digital) radio, CD, DVD, SD and USB playback, heavy vehicle-friendly satellite navigation, and up to 4GB of internal music-file storage. Sound quality is better than you’d expect from a simple unit, even at highway speeds.

Additional DIN-sized provision is made for a UHF radio or similar, or may simply be used as auxiliary storage, say for your smartphone or music player when connected to the audio system.

Strong on value
There’s a reason Isuzu has spent three decades at the top of the Aussie truck sales chart. Trucks like Isuzu’s FVL show the needs of the operator and the driver are equally well catered to, the efficient and competent nature of the package demonstrating not just an understanding of what’s required to get the job done, but ensure it’s done safely and economically.

The FVL 240-300 sits midway between the its nearest Japanese rivals (the Hino FL 2628 and UD Quon CD 25 390) where power and torque are concerned, but is arguably a stronger value proposition given the nationwide aftersales support Isuzu provides.

Whichever way you care to look at it, the Isuzu FVL 240-300 is a competent intrastate hauler, and one that doesn’t mind the rougher rural roads many of us encounter week-in, week-out. And in our eyes, that’s an important consideration for any buyer.

2018 Isuzu FVL 240-300 6x2 LWB specifications:
Price: $230,000 (approx. as tested)
Engine: 7.8-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 221kW / 981Nm (DIN-NET)
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 32.9L/100km (3.04 km/litre as tested)
Theoretical range: 820km (based on as tested figure and 400-litre tank)
Emissions standard: ADR 80/03
Suspension: Leaf and hydraulic damper (front) | Leaf and airbag (rear)
Brakes: Full air 419 x 127mm drum with ABS (front) | Full air 419 x 178mm drum with ABS (rear)
Tyres: 295/80R22.5 (steer) | 11R22.5 148/145L (lazy and drive)
GVM: 24,000kg
GCM: 32,000kg
Safety: Three-point seatbelts, driver and passenger airbags, traction control, ECE-R29 compliant cab
Warranty: Three years / 200,000km / 3000hrs (with 24hr roadside assist)