Isuzu Malaysia launches all-new F-Series FVR mid-sized commercial truck
Isuzu Malaysia has introduced a new range of light and medium-duty commercial trucks for business operators in the country. Models introduced today include the new turbocharged N-Series Road King Hi-Power light truck and the all-new sixth-generation F-Series FVR medium duty truck.
For now, the 18-tonne F-Series FVR will be sold alongside the predecessor model in the F-Series, namely the FTR, which Isuzu believes will continue to appeal to cost-conscious short and medium haul business owners. The new 700P FVR is available in two variants with differing wheelbases – FVR34SU-MD (4,650mm) and FVR34SU-SD (6,050mm).
Powering them is a new Euro 2-compliant 7.8-litre turbocharged straight six featuring an overhead camshaft and common-rail direct injection to make 237hp @ 2,400rpm and 706Nm @ 1,450rpm. Drive goes to the rear, and it is facilitated by a new 6-speed manual transmission engineered to be significantly tougher, lighter, and quieter than its predecessor.
Isuzu prides itself for making trucks that are durable and painless to maintain. As such, significant thought has been given to make life easy for the aftersales guys to keep the new F-Series in tip-top shape. Like all trucks, access to the engine bay requires tilting of its cab, but in the new F-Series, fluid levels, air-condition valves and cabin filters can be checked from either aft of the cabin or a front access panel ‘bonnet’.
Meanwhile, the N-Series light truck range has been expanded to include the Road King Hi-Power NKR and NPR models offering new turbocharged Euro 2 engines going on sale alongside the existing NKR 55 and NPR 66 variants. The Hi-Power Road King NKR 55 model gets a 2.7-litre OHV engine that makes 99hp and 206hp, whilst the NPR 71 model gets a more advanced 4.6-litre overhead cam engine good for 123hp and 325Nm.
According to Isuzu Malaysia CEO Kimitoshi Kurokawa, Isuzu’s line-up of products are able to meet the complex needs of Malaysian customers who demand not only dependable performance, but also lower vehicle operating costs. Kurokawa further states the company’s belief that its products are able to provide an extraordinary balance between performance, durability, and efficiency.
Since expanding its portfolio to include commercial trucks at the end of 2010, Isuzu Malaysia has managed to sell 3,268 units in its first full year of sales, commanding a 25% market share of the light-duty truck segment. With the newly expanded Isuzu N-Series range and the F-Series FVR in its line-up, Isuzu Malaysia expects to sell 6,350 commercial vehicles this year, 45% of which will be made up by the N-Series.
