Building Connection Summer 2016

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Australia’s market-leading truck brand Isuzu has introduced
a significant update for its light-duty N Series, offering new
model variants, extra equipment and the introduction of its
third-generation automated manual transmission with torque
converter (TC-AMT).
Electronic stability control also becomes available on the
4x2 NQR model for the first time – completing its rollout across
the full 4x2 range – while the entire on-road N Series range is
now fitted standard with a variety of safety equipment including
an anti-slip regulator, hill-start assist and ABS brakes with
electronic brake-force distribution.
There is also broader application of its 3.0L ‘4JJ1’ four-cylinder
diesel engine which, as the industry moves towards lower-
displacement engines, will now power models up to 6.5t GVM
across the N Series range.
Fitted to all AMT models with the 150PS (110kW) 3.0L 4JJ1
engine, the new TC-AMT gearbox was calibrated to suit Australian
driving conditions and, according to Isuzu, offers including
improved shift quality, lower fuel consumption, a kick-down
feature (to assist when exiting roundabouts, for example) and
a more ‘car-like’ experience with a P-position shift level which
engages a new park pawl and gear at the rear of the transmission.
This car-like feel extends to other areas in the cabin, such as
extra amenities including a new overhead console security net.
Six new variants join the N Series ranks, including an
NNR 65-150 MWB in manual and AMT guise, both powered by
the 4JJ1 engine and rated at 6500kg GVM, as well as an NNR
55/45-150. The latter is rated at 5500kg GVM but has the option
to lower to 4500kg for compatibility with a car licence. It also has
larger rear disc brakes than the lesser-rated models and the new
TC-AMT gearbox.
Isuzu
Isuzu N Series & Hino 300 Series
HINO 300 SERIES
Hino has created a significant point of difference to its
competitors by offering a reversing camera across its 300 Series
range – a move it claims has made it the first light-duty truck
series with the important safety feature fitted standard.
The Japanese brand says the factory approved camera
is fully compliant with all Australian Design Rules, is
waterproof and offers wide-view high-definition vision. It is
also enabled for infrared night vision and has the added benefit
of a built-in microphone.
This enables the driver to reverse “with confidence and
safety”, Hino says, with the live video and sound feed displayed
on the touch screen multimedia unit. A “near 360-degree view”
of the vehicles surroundings is now provided, adding to the
forward field of vision (aided by narrow front pillars) and large
exterior mirrors with integrated convex spotter mirrors.
A vast range of variants make up the 300 Series – 67 at last
count – spanning various wheelbase lengths, single and crew
cab body styles, standard and wide cab configurations, 4.0L and
5.0L turbo-diesel drivetrains (including hybrid) and ‘built-to-go’
models such as TradeAce, WorkAce, SteelAce and Tipper.
Hino