New car sales price Isuzu N Series

Complacency can be a dangerous, and no one is more aware of this than the chiefs at Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL). With the company approaching an astonishing 25 years at the head of its market segment in Australia, Isuzu knows that competitors have them in their sights.

So IAL has launched several new models that, combined with upgrades to existing ones, have the intention of keeping others in the sales race as far back as possible.

Isuzu has just outdone Heinz by introducing new variants so that it’s now offering Australian buyers no fewer than 58 varieties of its N Series light commercial vehicles.

The light- and medium-duty N Series Isuzus operate in a market area where customisation is the norm, so IAL provides a large range of standard models; as well as working closely with companies that carry out modifications.

IAL director and chief operating officer, Phil Taylor, explains, “Isuzu has been particularly successful over many years at identifying niches in the market and introducing models with specifications that go hand-in-hand with customer requirements.”

Major new models are the Isuzu NLR 200 AMT Tipper, the NPR 400 Tipper and the NPR 400 Crew. These can be driven by holders of car licences.

All new N Series trucks now have cornering lamps. These are located in the same position as the indicator repeater lamp on the side of the cab doors and shine light into the turning area once the turn indicators are used.

Isuzu NPR, NQR and NPS standard cab models are now fitted with Isuzu’s driver suspension seat which has previously only been available in the Premium models.

Though Isuzu has made its reputation on building no-nonsense trucks it has recently moved strongly into the latest in in-vehicle communication and entertainment systems. Indeed, some of these systems put it in line with the newest luxury cars. This makes sense – after all drivers of light commercials spend a lot more time in their truck than do owners travelling in their prestige German machines.

The latest N Series introduces what the company cutely calls Dave (Digital Audio Visual Entertainment). This includes digital radio, a blessing for those covering long distances as it not only provides higher quality sound, but also gives access to a much wider choice of stations. An added benefit of the DAVE is that there is no need to tune-in to stations or change frequency to keep listening to your favourite stations, the radio automatically seeks and latches onto the strongest signal.

The main visible change is a much bigger 6.1-inch touchscreen. Many of the system’s functions can also be controlled using voice recognition. The unit retains key features of the earlier system including Bluetooth, iPod and MP3 compatibility, USB inputs and front jack. Steering wheel remote controls are an option.

Satellite navigation is also an optional extra and comes with three years of mapping updates upon purchase.

As well, the appearance of the cabin has been lifted by a new design of matte chrome finish to the door handles, power window switches and to the rings around the speedo and tacho.

Engines are unchanged as they are still bang up to date in performance and economy, but the latest Isuzu NNR and NPR 200 models move up from a five to six speed manual transmission. The existing six-speed automated manual remains as before.

Rear disc brakes are now fitted to the Isuzu NLR medium wheelbase and all NNR models for improved braking performance.

A useful safety fitment across the N Series range is a cab-tilt warning lamp, to alert the operator if the cabin is not properly secured after being tilted.

With the exception of the improvements to the braking system, none of the aforementioned changes are major, but all make sense in that they improve comfort and convenience for the driver. That sort of thinking makes us feel that Isuzu Australia Limited is likely to remain at the head of the game for many years to come.

There are 58 models in the Isuzu N and F Series range. A selection of models and prices is:
NLR 200 4x2 SWB: $49,729
NNR 200 4x2 SWB: $54,478
NPR 250/300 4x2 MWB: $63,672
NPR 400 4x2 Tipper: $81,035
NLS 200 4x4 SWB: $64,661
FRR 500 4x2 SWB Tipper: $107,366
FRR 600 4x2 MWB Premium: $107,501
FSR 700/850 4x2 LWB: $123,434
FXR 1000 4x4 LWB: $160,254