|
Isuzu Trucks
|
|
Sunday, 08 February 2009 22:52 |
 The Isuzu Reward's 14-foot chassis with standard
cab, 4.3-litre engine and straight four-to-five speed
transmission rolls out at $3.3 million.Isuzu Showcases its 2009 N-Series LCF Truck
ON THURSDAY, January 29, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America announced its 2009 N-Series line-up of low cab forward trucks with new features to increase driver productivity, enhance fuel economy and reduce emissions. All Isuzu diesel trucks are now 50-state “Clean Idle Certified.” Wheelbase choices from 109 to 212 inches handle bodies from 10 to 24 feet in length. GVWR offerings range from 12,000 lbs. to 19,500 lbs. Gasoline engine, NPR, NPR HD and their crew cab models are also available with a Vortec 6.0L V-8 engine with 325 horsepower and 360 lb.-ft. of torque. These models come with a Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic with lockup torque converter and overdrive. Called the 'Reward', the new Isuzu offering emphasises crew comfort and chassis adaptability with a slew of work configurations that make this truck a workhorse.
Reward can come in any of 12 configurations, from refrigerated van to a vehicle wrecker config; three different cab styles - standard, wide and crew. Two four-cylinder engines are available, a 3.0 litre turbo charged and a 4.3 litre normally aspirated. Both of them are equipped with engine braking, with a five-litre common rail diesel being available later this year.
Sales manager Shana Stewart-Hall says that the intake system for the engine is sealed against the elements, and its air filter is designed not to ingest water. Chassis lengths range from 14 to 24 feet, payload ratings start at two tonnes, go up to eight and are available with both single and double rear axles. A bare 14-foot chassis with 4.3 litre engine, five speed transmission/standard cab rolls out the door for $3.3 million. A three 'dropside' body would add $500K to that price, a box body, $700,000 (for the 14-foot chassis).
Bodies are built locally. The cab is impressive, with lots of room and ergonomics. The external door pull is vertical, instead of horizontal, which makes it easier to grab, and its recess is deep, so it can accommodate a thickly gloved hand. Now, the old NPR/NQR had fore and aft adjustments for the seats, but the new N-series seats can actually tilt backwards appreciably because the cab was designed with a hump to accommodate this feature.
Designed around what Isuzu calls a 'hexapod' design (hexapod is market speak for, uh, cube) the new cab does seem strong. Controls are within easy reach; access is easy as the door swings out almost 90 degrees.
Many concessions to crew comfort abound, but the pièce de résistance is this - how many trucks do you know come standard with a CD stereo? |
