– By Rob Wilson –
Fleet Auto News recently had the opportunity to drive the new Isuzu F series medium truck range. The drive day around Brisbane and surrounds gave us the chance to put eight variants (there are some 87 in the F series range) through their paces.
We drove all eight, from the big end of town FYJ 2000 8×4, with 9.8 litre engine, Allison HD4430 6 speed auto and a manufacturers GVM of 30,000 kg, to the more compact FRR 107-210 with the new 4HKI engine, Isuzu’s 3rd generation automated manual transmission and a manufacturers GVM of 10,700 kg.
New engine delivers
The 4HKI engine punches well above its weight and with the rigs loaded, managed the varying grades and conditions on the drive well. The new design 4 cylinder is a small displacement, high torque engine that incorporates a two stage turbocharger and intercooling. Coming in two ratings of 154kw / 726Nm and 177kw / 765Nm the design incorporates a range of improvements such as modified piston shape, increased injection pressure, improved EGR valve control and larger intercooler, all aimed at improving fuel economy and reducing PM and NOx emissions.
The 4HKI meets Japan’s Post New Long Term (PNLT) emission standard which is similar to Euro VI. The 4 cylinder power plant is aimed at pick-up and delivery applications in an urban environment whereas the 6 cylinder version is squarely aimed at vocational applications such as tilt tray and agitator.
The new generation Isuzu automated manual transmission (TC AMT) made the drive easy. The TC AMT comes with a full torque converter providing a high level of sophistication which moves the AMT option closer to the feel of a full auto and helps address the growing driver skills gap and the needs of the infrequent driver.
The addition of an Idle Stop System (ISS) is also a great efficiency and environmental enhancement. ISS cuts the engine when stationary and re-starts when you release the foot brake. This happened throughout the drive in urban conditions and apart from the first stop (and an automatic reaction to think the engine had stalled) becomes a seamless part of the drive.
Comfortable interior with car like features
Spending a day behind the wheel was no problem with an Isri seat fitted to the driver position across the F Series range. Isri seats are also fitted to the passenger position in the FTR Crew Cab and all models in the FTS range.
The rear seats of the crew cab have also had a make-over. In-cabin audio is provided by DAVE (Digital Audio Visual Entertainment unit) and includes a two speaker radio / CD / DVD unit with 6.2” LCD touch screen, digital radio, Bluetooth, 4GB internal storage and USB/SD/Aux connections plus standard Sat Nav with 3 years of free updates.
DAVE can be extended to provide additional functionality such as telematics, camera inputs and interfaces to other audio visual devices. The availability of Isuzu telematics provides an OEM option to better monitor and manage the fleet with significant benefits already being reported in some Isuzu fleets.
Plenty of options
Isuzu aren’t resting on their laurels and the developments in the F Series will continue to support their already strong position in the medium truck market. The number of configurations in the F Series range provides an opportunity to meet most vocational, transport or service roles. For the Fleet Manager needing a medium truck the new F series really does provide plenty of options.
