Isuzu's N-Series range dominates the Australian light-duty truck market, its sales delivering a market share in 2014 of 37.5 per cent (TIC T-Mark data). Within that segment its NPR family rules supreme, accounting for over half of the manufacturer's light-duty sales.
While the 4x4 NPS range led the way for Isuzu during the mining boom, sales of those models receded last year in line with the general slowing of the mining sector. That means the NPR is now king, finding favour with everyone from landscape gardeners and delivery drivers to all manner of tradies stepping up from an LCV.
SPOILT FOR CHOICE
While the N-Series range is comprised of eight basic model lines, the NPR accounts for the greatest number of the scores of individual variants available, with GVMs spanning 4500kg to 7500kg. The NPR 300 reviewed here – or NPR 300 Medium, to give it its official title – sits in the middle of Isuzu's N-Series range, with a GVM of 6500kg and a GCM of 10,000kg. Together with its NPR 250 twin, it sits in second place on the Isuzu sales chart, behind the NPR 200 / 275.
The NPR 300 is mechanically identical to the NPR 250, the only difference being the latter is specified with a 4500kg GVM and so can be driven on a standard car licence.
trucksales.com.au sampled Isuzu's NPR 300 Medium in 'Premium Pack' trim, with six-speed automated manual transmission (instead of the standard six-speed synchromesh transmission), trip computer, cruise control, climate control, front foglamps and a chrome front grille.
Our single-cab test vehicle was fitted with optional LED daytime running lights and kitted out with a steel drop-side tray; a lighter aluminium tray is available with Isuzu's optional Trade Pack while the NPR 300 can also be ordered as a tipper or a bare cab/chassis ready for custom fit-out.
A crew-cab variant sees second-row seating thrown into the equation, with a corresponding increase in wheelbase from 3365mm to 4175mm.
We spent the best part of a week and 700 kilometres in the NPR, covering a return run from Melbourne to Shepparton and plenty of tripping around town. With the concrete weight in the tray the truck is travelling at around five tonnes – a fairly typical load for this model and about 1.5 tonnes shy of its GVM.
EASY ACCESS
Climbing into the cab is easy thanks to remote central locking, well-placed grab handles, doors that open to 90 degrees and a grippy metal footplate, and from behind the wheel the NPR's broad appeal is immediately evident. The cab is generally spacious while the wheel is adjustable for tilt and reach; the spring suspension seat also offers plenty of adjustment, although the seatbelt isn't integrated into the seat itself.
The seating is comfy enough for a workhorse like this, with fixed headrests for driver and outboard passenger, but the centre seat is a cut-down affair with just a lap belt. Its seat back does, however, fold forward to provide a handy tray/workspace.
Cab storage isn't massive. We like the large holder behind the seating and appreciate the twin overhead shelves and twin pull-out cup-holders, but the door pockets are really only of use for clipboards and other documents and there are no bottle holders. A concealed but easily accessed space to throw valuables like a phone, wallet, keys etc would be a welcome addition.
With that said, the NPR is a workhorse first and foremost and we can't criticise it for its sheer utility, or for its list of creature comforts. The cruise control is easy to use, there's a large overhead fluoro light, the trip computer is comprehensive and the climate control is really effective – it was 35 degrees C on our run to Shepparton and the cab was a haven from the heat.
The fit and finish of the cab's plastics is pretty good too, while the PVC flooring and the mix of hard surfaces should prove hard-wearing and easy to clean.
Isuzu's DAVE (Digital Audio Visual Equipment) unit brings a new level of amenity, offering a twin-speaker stereo with AM/FM/CD/MP3 input and Bluetooth connectivity. The DAB digital radio is a welcome touch and it's super easy to connect a phone.
Our test vehicle was fitted with Isuzu's optional and easy-to-use sat-nav, integrated with the DAVE multimedia unit.
Our truck was also fitted with Isuzu Telematics, meaning every second of our progress was monitored. While drivers unaccustomed to this might take some acclimatising, telemetry is a powerful tool which gives fleet operators the opportunity to unlock ever-higher levels of efficiency. Click here to read the full trucksales review from the October 2014 media launch of the technology.
STRONG PERFORMER
Isuzu's SITEC III 155 engine is a gutsy performer, the 5.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel offering a broad spread of useable torque and a good level of power. Isuzu quotes peak power of 114kW at 2600rpm and 419Nm of torque from 1600-2600rpm.
It's easy enough to tilt the cab for access to the engine (and dipstick), but the filler for the windscreen washer bottle – inside the cab on the nearside – is a particularly neat and thoughtful feature.
With its concrete test weight, the NPR never breaks into a sweat on the flat, also offering reasonable acceleration from a standing start. Steeper gradients require more consideration, but even so the truck claws its way over Victoria's Macedon Ranges well enough, the AMT dropping the 'box back to fourth and approximately 80km/h on the harshest inclines.
The AMT takes the strain out of city driving and it's smooth and decisive over flatter terrain. In hilly country we find ourselves generally switching to manual mode for a greater level of control. Hill start assist is offered as standard with the six-speed manual transmission.
The AMT also comes with an 'eco' mode, which generally drops a few revs and lowers shift points, along with a 'first gear' function. The NPR normally takes off in second, but pressing a button on the shifter drops the gearbox back to first when lower gearing is required.
We didn't fiddle with it, but the speed of the AMT's shifting can be tailored through selecting any of the nine available settings. Isuzu says around 40 per cent of its N-Series sales have the AMT.
At 100km/h in sixth the engine is spinning at around 2200rpm – relaxed enough and towards the middle of that broad band of peak torque.
Emissions are handled by a cooled EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system with self-cleaning diesel particulate filter – it automatically conducts a burn every 200 to 300 kilometres.
Fuel economy is impressive. With the weight in the back the NPR registered 5.1km/litre (or 19.6L/100km) over a mix of driving conditions. With the 140-litre fuel tank, that's a safe working range of around 650 kilometres.
SMOOTHING THE RIDE
Suspension is limited to a basic but dependable leaf-spring arrangement. It irons out the worst of the bumps and the ride is entirely adequate; the suspension driver's seat further softens progress. It's no passenger car, of course, but in general it's composed and its road manners are entirely satisfactory.
The ladder steel frame rolls on Isuzu axles and six-stud steel wheels shod with quality Michelin tyres. The power steering, meanwhile, requires only a light touch at the wheel and delivers excellent manoeuvrability given our test truck's overall length of 6.5 metres.
Up to four reversing cameras are available as factory options; reversing sensors are also available, while a reversing alarm is standard.
Vision is superb, with the broad windscreen and large side windows backed up by excellent side mirrors. These are a traditional standard/convex split mirror affair, with electric heating and adjustment.
While there's a little bit of wind noise at highway speeds, around town the cab is remarkably quiet, further aiding driver comfort.
The NPR now benefits from four-wheel disc brakes – the rear wheels' drums were upgraded in 2014 – and they're good and powerful, also providing a high level of feel. The exhaust brakes are a help on downhill gradients too; they don't offer a significant seat-of-the-pants effect but once activated the speedo needle does drop noticeably faster.
The brakes are backed up by an ABS system – one of several NPR safety features. The traction control is switchable and the all-steel cab is tested to ECE-R29 standards, while both driver and passenger get an airbag. There's no stability control as yet but surely its adoption can't be too far away.
Isuzu offers the NPR 300 with a three-year, 100,000km or 2000-hour warranty, with a three-year/unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance package. Isuzu's Extended Care warranty sees this coverage increase to five years, 250,000km or 4500 hours.
THE BOTTOM LINE
After our time behind the wheel, it's easy to see why Isuzu's NPR 300 is the success it is. A quality construction is complemented by dependable performance, numerous high-tech features and any number of practical touches – Isuzu's effort in meeting customers' needs is clearly evident. A rugged and reliable tool for a broad range of applications, the NPR 300's popularity looks set to continue for some time to come.
ISUZU NPR 300 MEDIUM SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE: Isuzu SITEC III 155 four-cylinder turbo-diesel
POWER: 114kW at 2600rpm
TORQUE: 419Nm at 1600-2600rpm
EMISSIONS: ADR 80/03 (Euro 5)
STD TRANSMISSION: Six-speed manual
OPT TRANSMISSION: Six-speed automated manual (Premium Pack)
CONFIGURATION: 4x2
TARE: 2670kg (with Premium Pack and 10 litres of fuel)
GVM: 6500kg
GCM: 10,000kg
WHEELBASE: 3365mm
BRAKES: Disc
CABS: Single cab (crew cab also available)
WEB: www.isuzu.com.au