Isuzu NQR 88-190 Freightpack MY25 Review

How does a truckmaker remain at the top of the light-duty sales ladder for 36 years? They make a bulletproof truck that operators love to drive, which is exactly what Isuzu Trucks has always done with its N Series models.

The last time the manufacturer rolled out an all-new range of N Series trucks – though, was 2008 back when Facebook was only a few years old. Now, after a phenomenal 17-year run, Isuzu has updated its entire range of N Series models, and on paper they look even better again.

Isuzu’s MY25 N Series line-up is Euro 6 clean, brimming with car-like safety technology, and the exterior has been completely reimagined, setting a new benchmark for light-duty innovation. As trucksales discovered, the models are more comfortable and easier than ever to drive.

While trucksales was given a brief drive of the new N Series back in April, specifically the pint-sized 4500kg GVM NLR 45-150 Traypack, this time we were handed the keys to the biggest of the N Series models – the NQR 88-190.

We’d have liked to test the entire N Series lineup, but Isuzu Trucks is rolling the models out in stages, with the NQR being first truck off the rank, followed by the lighter GVM models – which at the time of writing has just hit the market.

The NQR 88-190 represents the top end of the N Series line-up, with an 8800kg GVM (up 100kg on the outgoing NQR) and 12,300kg GCM, offering a bridging solution between the lighter N Series models and heavier F Series medium-duty range.

This particular NQR 88-190 is also a prototype Freightpack 8-pallet curtainsider which is the first time the Ready-To-Work body option has been offered outside of the larger F Series range.

The plan was to drive the NQR from Isuzu Trucks’ headquarters at Truganina, down to Torquay, before heading back the long way. Before we get into the on-road evaluation, let’s take a closer look at the new NQR 88-190.

Truck makers are notoriously sheepish about sticker price, and there’s a valid reason for it: they offer so many variants and specifications.

Take the new N Series range, which is already made up of 39 configurable models across eight sub-series, with an array of cab-chassis and Ready-To-Work models in various cabin configurations.

However, after some probing we were able to ascertain an as-tested price for the NQR 88-190 Frieghtpack prototype, at $133,141 (including GST) plus on-road costs (ORCs). It’s worth noting that a cab-chassis equivalent will be considerably cheaper, because this is a factory-ready curtainsider that’s able to be put straight to work.

All N Series models are covered by a six-year/250,000km warranty, with six years of roadside assist also offered, and all genuine parts and accessories carry a three-year standard warranty when installed by an approved dealer.

Services will come up every 25,000km or 12 months (whichever comes first), but Isuzu also offers an array of service agreements across its Isuzu Essentials, Isuzu Essentials Plus, and Isuzu Total packages.

The new N Series models are loaded with technology, featuring all the advanced driver systems you’d find in most modern passenger cars, as well as scoring exterior improvements like an array of cameras and radars to keep you safe out on the road.

There are also subtle updates, like a smaller diameter steering wheel (reduced from 460mm to 440mm) which is positioned to be more upright for a car-like driving experience. The dash is also lower, which offers improved visibility and all of the key controls fall within arm’s reach.

The seats are also new, adding to that improved driving position and offering more comfort than ever before in an N Series cabin. From the moment you plonk down yourself into the driver’s seat, it’s clear the new N Series has been designed to feel more car-like than ever.

This model, being a Freightpack, scores an eight-pallet curtainsider body that is backed by a three-year warranty.

The body itself features easy-glide curtain with quick release latches, lightweight side gates and LED strip lighting inside.

Visually, the N Series scores a new three-piece grille and the new bi-LED headlights have daytime running lamps, modernising the appearance of the much-loved model while still offering a recognisable aesthetic.

It’s very much still an N Series from every angle.

Very safe, to put it simply.

While the N Series did get active safety as part of its 2021 update, the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) is now a lot smarter, with a new dual-lens stereo camera and radars that mean the truck sees more of what’s going on ahead.

The result is 15 active and passive safety functions that include full-speed adaptive cruise control, intelligent speed limiter, traffic sign recognition, intersection warning system, and lane departure warning.

A built-in distance warning system displays how far you are from the vehicle in front – in metres – along with its speed. This is incredibly useful and proved to be our favourite safety feature for a city truck like this one.

We’ve touched on the safety technology, but what else does the new N Series score? Well, quite a lot.

Inside, the N Series now gets a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with wired smartphone mirroring and in-built navigation, as well as a 7.0-inch digital information display that sits between the speedo and tacho, which is controlled using buttons on the steering wheel.

The digital information display offers a range of safety functions featuring critical vehicle information.

Then there’s the bi-LED headlights, which throw more light and also offer the added safety benefit of daytime running lamps. You obviously don’t see the daytime runners from the cabin, but it’s nice to know they’re alerting other road users to your presence.

Other thoughtful inclusions include a climate control system that is set and forget – choose your desired temperature and the system will do the rest.

Isuzu has fitted an automatic parking brake with auto hill hold across the range, eliminating the need to touch the handbrake – which is now a button.

The N Series range technically uses the same 3.0-litre and 5.2-litre engines, but they now feature a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system that uses AdBlue, in line with ADR 80/04 (Euro 6 equivalent) emissions requirements.

Three power ratings are offered across the N Series models.

Outputs of 110kW/375Nm for models with a car-licence-friendly GVM of 4500kg and a new rating of 129kW/430Nm in the mid-range NPR are offered for the 3.0-litre 4JZ1-TCH engine.

The larger 5.2-litre 4HK1-TCC is offered with 140kW/513Nm in larger GVM models like the NQR we’re testing.

Probably the biggest change for the little N Series is a new nine-speed dual-clutch automatic ‘box which also features a torque converter. This is, without a doubt, the most impressive automatic gearbox offered in a light truck, as we discovered during our brief drive back in April.

However, that gearbox is only offered with the 3.0-litre engine based on its maximum torque rating, so the 5.2-litre models like the NQR 88-190 we’re driving get the same six-speed automated manual transmission as the old line-up – albeit tweaked to shift quicker and smoother.

The improved comfort of the MY25 NQR 88-190 was immediately apparent as we departed Isuzu’s headquarters in Truganina. This is likely due to the subtle changes in driver position such as, the smaller wheel and tweaked seating position providing a more upright driving experience.

It’s typical in light trucks to feel like you’re sitting over the wheel, as if driving a bus, but that wasn’t the case in the new N Series.

Once out on the highway, punching the little N Series up to the legal limit, the six-speed AMT is noticeably sharper. It still behaves like an AMT, so don’t expect it to feel like a true automatic, but it’s quicker now and almost pre-empts shifts.

Trucksales were told the AMT’s computerised brains were upgraded, which makes sense, and it’s a far cry from early automated manuals that took literal seconds to up-shift, often leaving you out in intersections for far too long.

The engine in the NQR also feels more lively, likely down to a revised tune, but this 5.2-litre unit has always been a torquey operator. It makes peak torque from as low as 1600rpm, and you feel it when getting up to speed. It’s happy to lug and never felt strained at the seven-or-so tonnes we ran around at.

Worth nothing too, is that reduced tailpipe emissions mean less diesel burnt. We didn’t spend long enough in the truck to get an accurate fuel use figure, and we also shared it with other lead-footed journalists (we had to test its performance, after all), notching up a few hundred kilometres at best.

We averaged around 16l/100km when loaded to around 70 per cent of the truck’s total GVM, for a mix of highway, country backroads, and inner-city stop-start, which is impressive.

The active safety doesn’t try to take over, either, which was a pleasant surprise. So many modern passenger cars, and some trucks too, have overbearing systems that act more like a backseat driver than an extra set of eyes.

The N Series doesn’t feature the active lane keep system that its bigger F Series sibling gets, so it isn’t trying to steer for you. Instead, it offers an audible warning when you kiss the white line on either side. Plus, the smart features like the distance warning, give you an accurate idea of what the vehicle in front is doing.

I’m not one to use adaptive cruise control around town, but the new N Series models feature an adaptive cruise right down to 0km/h, which effectively means you can use it in stop-start traffic. I did try it, but I think the system is best utilised on the highway.

Visibility is another area that has been improved and will benefit inner-city operators who frequently encounter pedestrians. The view from the cabin is immense and from a safety perspective, it’s another subtle but significant improvement.

Despite the upgrades, the NQR 88-190 retains the hallmark N Series driving character. However, it performs slightly better across almost every metric from acceleration, to steering, braking, and ride quality.

If you’re in the market for a light-duty truck with a proven reputation, the N Series is bound to be on your shortlist.

True to its heritage, the new range delivers more than ever – safer, more comfortable, and simpler to operate.

This limited-production run NQR 88-190 Freightpack model is a particularly enticing option if you’re wanting an out-of-the-box eight-pallet curtainsider option.

It’s the same proven Frieghtpack body that’s worked wonders for so many F Series owners, but in a smaller, city-friendly 8.8-tonne package.

Price: $133,141 (including GST) plus on-road costs.
Engine: 4HK1-TCC 5.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power: 140kW @ 2600rpm
Torque: 513Nm at 1600 to 2600rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automated manual transmission
GVM: 8800kg
GCM: 12300kg
Cab-Chassis Weight: 2945 to 3340kg (depending on model)
Suspension: Single stage steel taper leaf spring (front) and multi-leaf main, multi-leaf helper spring (rear)
Wheelbase: 3365 to 4475mm (depending on model)
Turning circle: 12.8 to 16.5m (kerb to kerb)
Fuel tank: 140L (diesel) and 16L (AdBlue)
Fuel: 16L/100km (as tested)