Isuzu F Series detailed ahead of Q2 2024 launch

ISUZU Australia Limited has announced details of its forthcoming F Series truck range, the medium-duty line-up due to arrive in local showrooms from the second half of 2024.

Fresh from the Japan Mobility Show, the news of Isuzu’s new four-cylinder F Series range showcases significantly revised looks, ergonomics, safety and connectivity, each designed around the Japanese manufacturers new I-MACS modular architecture and component standard.

Powering the range is two versions of Isuzu’s four-cylinder turbocharged diesel N-4HK1 series engine developing 177kW and 765Nm in FFR/D and FSR/D models and 154kW and 726Nm in FSS four-wheel drive guise. The unit is available with the choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

“Our new four-cylinder F Series models cover the key 9000 to 12,000 kg GVM sub-segment of the medium-duty market, a category where we’ve been fortunate to enjoy over 50 per cent market share year to date,” said IAL medium- and heavy-duty product manager, Simon Humphries.

“These all-new models deliver on the design premise, with best-in-class safety features, new cab design and improved ergonomics, the latest exhaust emissions treatment and new cabin and engine combinations.

“We’ve retained and further enhanced our highly regarded, low displacement, high-torque four cylinder, turbocharged and intercooled N-4HK1 engine, with lower exhaust emissions courtesy of the new selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system for lower NOx output.”

The 2024 Isuzu F Series range is characterised by what IAL describes as a “full transformation” with new aerodynamically sculpted panels and bi-LED headlight assemblies, a new grille featuring the brand’s updated logo, and distinctive daytime running lights with combination positioning lamp and indicator in the same unit.

“This new headlamp is both a well-executed design element on the truck, and it performs effectively with the multitude of standard functions, plus the new adaptive driving beam,” said Mr Humphries.

“This is reflective of the smart thinking that is evident throughout these new models, provided with both excellent form and function.

“From the conceptual approach with the modular engineering design and I-MACS, to the visual design and the integration and performance of the various components of the truck, I can see that we have a product that will enhance the transport operations of our customers in a variety of ways.”

Inside the cabin, an all-new interior with new instrumentation, dashboard, lighting, storage, seating and steering componentry offers improved style and ergonomics Isuzu says aims to further reduce driver fatigue.

All essential operator information is provided via a sharp, 7.0-inch digital display located between the (analogue) tachometer and speedometer.

An ISRI-sourced driver’s seat and redesigned steering wheel are also included, the latter featuring buttons for infotainment control, cruise control, and the instrument panel’s multifunction display.

Isuzu will also offer an updated safety suite, with many details announced from the floor in Tokyo.

“We’ve upped the ante with our safety features in the new models, with the four-cylinder variants featuring the introduction of three new safety systems on top of what was already a class-leading package,” added Mr Humphries.

“We now have adaptive driving beam (ADB), full-speed adaptive cruise control (ACC) and traffic sign recognition (TSR), all features that contribute greatly to the experience of driving the vehicle and for others in the environment.”

The FRR/D, FSR/D variants will also benefit from the inclusion of automatic lights and wipers, while FSS 4x4 models will see the introduction of advanced emergency braking (AEB) and electronic stability control (ESC) – a first for Japanese vehicles in this category.

FRR and FRD models also receive full air braking system with EBS, while further enhancements to the vehicle include advanced CAN electronic architecture for better integration and control of ancillary and body builder equipment.

“For our Australian owners and operators, we’re excited to be able to confirm that we’ll see the first of this impressive new product from the second half of next year, in the form of the four-cylinder medium-duty F Series models,” said IAL director and chief operating officer, Andrew Harbison.

“The launch and release of an entirely new product line-up, from our driver’s licence N Series models all the way through to our FY heavy-duty trucks represents a significant undertaking, and so staging the various range releases in Australia made best sense.

“This, combined with the production timelines from the factory in Japan, mean that we’ll see our full model line-up progressively rolled out leading into the ADR 80/04 heavy vehicle exhaust emissions in late 2025.”

The new four-cylinder Isuzu F Series Isuzu range will be launched in Australia in the second half of 2024.