By Xolile Hopa

Isuzu Motors South Africa has introduced its next-generation N-Series light and medium-duty trucks, the seventh generation of the range. The model change is built on a new platform called the Isuzu Modular Architecture and Component System (I-MACS), designed to accommodate more powertrain options in future.

For now, Isuzu’s focus in South Africa is on clean diesel technology. The company is also testing compressed natural gas (CNG) and battery-electric versions while bio-CNG is being assessed as a possible fuel for the future.

“The launch of the new N-Series is a statement of intent,” said Mpho Nkhumeleni, Department Executive for CV Sales, Revenue Generation SACU at Isuzu Motors South Africa. According to Nkhumeleni, Isuzu took customer feedback on board and developed a truck that puts performance, efficiency and safety first.

The line-up

• NMR 250 AMT: Available in short wheelbase and crew cab, aimed at urban deliveries.
• NPS 300 AMT: Offered in single and crew cab with a new automated manual transmission built for off-road work with warnings and smoother control logic to guide the driver.
• NPR 400 CNG: The gas-powered model, in manual or AMT arrives a year after launch and moves from Euro 4 to Euro 5.
• NQR 550: A new model at the top of the medium-duty range with more payload capacity. It is Euro 2 compliant.

No AdBlue needed

The Euro 5 engines use a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) after-treatment system. Isuzu says this removes the need for costly AdBlue. The company adds that several Euro 5 models are already available in the current N-Series and the new generation simply adds more including the NMR 250 single cab and the NPS 300 AMT.

Safety and comfort

The cab meets the ECE-R29 safety standard. Standard equipment includes Bi-LED headlamps with daytime running lights, LED fog lamps and a new “wet wiper” system. The front panel has energy-absorbing space to reduce injury to pedestrians in low-speed impacts.

Inside, drivers get improved air conditioning, a smaller steering wheel, a suspended accelerator pedal and a new mechanical suspension seat. The instrument cluster display shows fuel economy and has a built-in engine hour meter removing the need for aftermarket units.

Fleet tech and chassis

Every truck comes with a two-year subscription to the Isuzu Insight telematics portal, which offers business dashboards, servicing reminders and proactive alerts. The chassis frame is stronger yet lightweight, 850 mm wide with increased height on models from the NPR 275 upwards. The power-assisted brakes have also been improved.