Isuzu to introduce swathes of safety technology

At the announcement of its all-new 2025 truck range, Isuzu Australia revealed that active and passive safety, along with improved cabin ergonomics, will take the brand to the very forefront of the industry.

There are a few surprises in the raft of tech being adopted – much of it has been applied to passenger vehicles for several years, though making the systems suitable for trucks has required refinement.

Anti-lock and autonomous emergency braking, and electronic skid control have been increasingly common for decades, but adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring systems on the new Isuzu models will be bolstered by front and rear cameras, with recorders.

A notable introduction to all new automatic transmission N-series models is a full-speed adaptive cruise control, which maintains a safe distance from vehicles ahead.

Some – but not all – two-pedal models in the smaller trucks will get a miss-acceleration mitigation system, which reduces the chances of hitting objects in front or behind the vehicle if the accelerator is accidentally depressed while stationary.

Also available are bi-LED headlamps, which include DRL daytime lamps and adaptive driving beams.

N-Series fleet operators will also appreciate the stereo cameras which operate a traffic sign recognition system, combined with an intelligent speed limiter to assist drivers to stay within posted speed limits.

Improving both in-cabin and vehicle exterior post-impact safety in trucks presents extra considerations over the car industry, given the obvious differences in size and mass.

In-cabin safety is being strengthened by redesigned interiors, uprated cabin strength ratings and stronger door intrusion beams.

Exterior safety comes from a list of smaller changes, such as the shift to so-called wet wipers, which carry their spray nozzles on the wiper arm to eliminate protruding sprayers often fitted below the windscreen.

Softer and restyled resin bumper-bar panels are more bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly too, plus the bumpers themselves are now made in three parts to cut minor-collision repair costs.

In-cabin features aim to enhance driver comfort and alertness, and include climate control, distraction monitoring and improved and more intuitive driver messaging and communications systems.

Better ultraviolet and infra-red protecting glass windows, a more car-like pedal arrangement and driver’s seat variations all address driver fatigue and well-being.

Selected technology, such as blind spot and driver fatigue monitoring, will not be immediately available as they continue to undergo trials to fine-tune their suitability for Australian conditions.

The medium duty F-series trucks, including the 4x4 models, will have 12 active and passive safety systems, including automatic lighting. Full speed adaptive cruise control will appear on almost all automatic rear-wheel drive variants.

With the heavier FX-FY series, all models will have electronic stability control as per legislative requirements, as well as adaptive cruise control. Also added is a lane keep assist system to keep drivers, cargo and other road users safe on the road.