Isuzu launches new N Series

Isuzu Australia Limited has unveiled its revamped range of N Series light trucks at the 2015 Brisbane Truck Show, with stability control, more powerful NPR models, greater comfort and fresh styling headlining a raft of improvements and refinements.

According to IAL's Chief Engineer, Simon Humphries (pictured, behind the wheel), the new N Series range will keep Australia's top-selling truck brand at the head of the light-duty truck market well into the future.

"I believe this is a significant evolution of the most popular light-duty truck in Australia," he said.

"It has more safety features, more comfort and convenience, more intelligence on-board and more choices (especially in the booming car licence segment), while it also sports a fresh new look."

Due to go on sale in July, the range now has a new naming convention, the fresh nomenclature taking over from a system that Isuzu says has served it well for over 20 years.

The new system retains the three-letter code but then adds two numbers, the first reflecting the vehicle's GVM, the second its power rating in PS (or metric horsepower). So, the entry-level NLR 200 Short now becomes the NLR 45-150 SWB. Identifiers for cab style, AMT transmission and packaging (ie 'Tradepack' or 'Traypack') are also included, where appropriate.

The brand's F Series trucks will also reflect the new convention as those models are updated over the coming 12 months.

A visual facelift sees a new grille and high-gloss chrome badging adopted across the range, while Isuzu has made a significant safety advance with the addition of Isuzu Electronic Stability Control, or IESC.

The IESC sees a number of sensors constantly monitoring data to predict any impending loss of control, the system then cutting output and independently braking wheels to prevent potential understeer, oversteer or rollover.

An enhanced traction control system now complements the antilock braking system, while a special workshop tool allows Isuzu technicians to recalibrate the IESC to allow for wheelbase modifications.

The NPR 45, 65 and 75 now benefit from the high-output engine previously restricted to the top-of-the-range NQR model, placing 140kW at their disposal. This means Isuzu now has a very powerful player in the car-licence truck segment – a category undergoing something of a sales boom in line with the continued growth of major cities.

"Power and torque are now around 22 per cent higher at this GVM range than in previous models," says Mr Humphries, who adds that these models now represent, "quite a substantial increase in performance compared to the opposition".

These models now receive Isuzu's heavier-duty transmission in both manual and AMT formats to handle the extra output, while models lower in the range now receive some altered gear ratios, effectively delivering a smaller gap between second and third gear.

Inside the N Series range, a new driver's seat has an improved suspension system to suit drivers up to 130kg (previously 100kg), while the seat cloth trim is new and the new steering wheel has a slightly smaller diameter.

All models bar the NQR receive a boosted 90-amp alternator, increasing the range's ability to handle a wide range of aftermarket accessories.

In order to help differentiate them from the NNR with smaller 3.0-litre engine, all NPR and NQR models also receive a general update to a premium specification, including chrome grille, fog lights and auto climate control (except on tipper models).

Manual models will receive a multi-info display and electronic cruise control in coming months, says Isuzu.

The Isuzu N Series range now has models spanning everything from a narrow-cab, 4500kg GVM variant to a wide-cab, 8700kg GVM variant, with two CNG models, the 4x4 NPS, all-wheel-drive NLS, tippers and several 'Ready To Work' models, including the Traypack and Tradepack examples unveiled at the Brisbane Truck Show by IAL Marketing Manager, Jeff Birdseye (pictured).

The range will be complemented by a suite of new factory service offerings under the banner of Isuzu Priority. Check back at trucksales.com.au soon for a full rundown on this three-tiered servicing contract arrangement.

Mr Humphries said the new-look range had all the bases covered.

"We think we really have upped the ante with several of our models and we have the specification advantage," he said.

"The N Series is essential to urban mobility. As more people move into cities there are more light trucks required, and the new N Series has significant upgrades in the areas of nomenclature, more choice in the growing car-licence segment, more safety through IESC, significant upgrades in power and torque for the NPR 46, 65 and 75, more premium features across the NPR and NQR range, and an upgraded suspension seat and alternator, all designed to keep the N-Series at the top of Australia's light-duty truck segment for a long time to come."