Isuzu's highly anticipated, all-new F Series medium duty truck range has been released into the Australian truck market, providing truck buyers with significant enhancements in power, safety, and efficiency, while also offering large reductions in exhaust emissions across its 50 plus model variants.
The new range features powerful yet efficient ADR80/02-compliant engines that are rated to stringent Euro4 emissions standards, the cleanest of all its Japanese-sourced competitors which only comply with the more lax US EPA 04 ratings.
The all-new Isuzu SiTEC SERIES II engines produce as little as one sixth the particulate matter (PM) of engines in competing trucks, while still providing considerable increases in power of up to 15.7 per cent, and improvements in torque of up to 31.5 per cent over preceding engines.
All engines in the F Series range are turbocharged, air to air intercooled, and feature high-pressure common rail injection, advanced cooled EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) systems, variable geometry system (VGS) turbochargers and a Diesel Particulate Diffuser (DPD) exhaust after treatment.
The engine range begins with the 4-cylinder, 5.2 litre SiTEC SERIES II 205, fitted to FRR 500 models and develops 154 kW @ 2,600 rpm and torque of 637 Nm @ 1,600 rpm.
Providing power for FRR 600, FSR and FTS models is the 6-cylinder 7.8 litre SiTEC SERIES II 235 producing 176 kW of power @ 2,400 rpm and torque of 706 Nm @ 1,450 rpm.
The SiTEC SERIES II 255 develops 191 kW of power @ 2,400 rpm and 761 Nm of torque @ 1,450 rpm and is used to power all FTR models along with FRR and FSR high power models.
Powering FV and FVR 9-speed models is the top of the range SiTEC SERIES II 295 producing 221 kW of power @ 2,400 rpm and torque of 980 Nm @ 1,450 rpm.
For the first time, Isuzu's highly regarded Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) is being made available in the F Series, minimising driver fatigue while extending clutch life.
Replacing the traditional clutch pedal and employing a wet clutch and fluid coupling, the unique Isuzu AMT can operate in automatic mode or manually by selecting the gears via the +/- gear slot.
The AMT was first introduced to the N Series in late 2005, and quickly became a favourite with truck buyers; from owner-drivers looking for a more comfortable driving experience, to rental fleet operators keen on minimising the maintenance costs of replacing clutches caused by novice drivers.
Performance aside, the latest F Series also places a high level of emphasis on safety, both for the driver and other road users.
All F Series models (except 4x4) are now equipped with ABS brakes, Hill Start Aid (HSA) and a spring park brake operating on the rear wheels. To complement these upgraded brake system features, Anti-Skid Regulator (ASR) is standard on FRR and FSR models.
ABS is critical to maintain accurate steering under heavy braking while ASR reduces engine torque as soon as wheel spin is detected, helping to maintain traction when operating in slippery or wet conditions.
For added safety and ease of use, HSA maintains brake pressure until the clutch is engaged, minimising vehicle roll back during hill starts, particularly under loaded conditions.
The computer aided engineering (CAE) - designed cabs also provide best-in-class crashworthiness performance and provide pillar hinge, frame and door-beam reinforcement, along with a closed section side sill step and front mounting rail.
In developing the new F Series, Isuzu engineers have paid particular attention to driver comfort and cab ergonomics. There are now two cab widths on offer: 2,120 mm for FRR, FSR & FSS models and 2,320 mm for FTR, FTS & FV models, while the FTR and FV models also receive an ADR42-compliant sleeper mattress.
The modular cab design shares many components and features with the N Series, including improved ingress and egress through larger 90-degree-opening doors and long grab handles.
It also provides a streamlined manufacturing process to maximise efficiency and availability, whilst reducing costs through improved economies of scale.
The striking new aerodynamic cabs have been developed using an innovative 'Hexa Pod' design concept and offer increased interior space with reduced wind resistance.
Making a driver's life easier on the road are new conveniences including a newly designed infotainment system, and optional technology including an iPOD drawer, Bluetooth phone connection, NAVTEQ embedded Satellite Navigation and up to two reversing cameras.
A security engine immobiliser is standard on all models, while remote keyless entry is standard on all except crew cab 4x4s.
Every F Series model also now comes standard with the best driver’s seat available: the top of the line ISRI 6860 driver's seat with integrated seatbelt.
According to Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) Director of Sales and Marketing, Phil Taylor, Isuzu's new F Series will be an extremely attractive buying proposition and provide truck buyers with a high specification and technology level as standard.
"The all-new F Series sets new standards in medium duty trucks, not only among the high volume Japanese entrants, but also among many of the more expensive European offerings," Mr Taylor said.
"And in the area of exhaust emissions, our new trucks are market-leading, providing hefty reductions in all exhaust pollutants, but especially in PM, where our engine produces as little as one sixth the levels of all mainstream competitors that have chosen to comply with the US EPA 04 standard.
"Isuzu has also upped the safety ante in the latest range with the introduction of a host of new features such as driver's SRS airbag and ABS brakes as standard. There is an increasing expectation among drivers, fleet operators and road users that modern trucks are safe, and the new F Series comes to the fore in this regard.
"The introduction of the AMT to selected F Series models will also be warmly received by those looking for a more relaxed, hassle-free driving experience while still providing the flexibility of an automatic mode or tiptronic-style, clutchless manual selection.
"Of course the all-new F Series also builds on the many strengths of previous models, including outstanding reliability and an expansive model range suitable for a variety of applications and conditions.
"During the range's development phase, IAL's product planning and engineering department undertook extensive local testing and provided feedback to ensure excellent performance in demanding Australian conditions.
"IAL is confident that Isuzu's latest F Series range will satisfy the needs of truck buyers and exceed all expectations."