Isuzu ELF Truck Range Gets Updated And Refreshed
The Isuzu ELF truck range, Malaysia’s undisputed ‘king of cargo’ will be powered by the latest Isuzu common rail engines, making Isuzu Malaysia one of the first Japanese truck manufacturers to exclusively employ the use of these ultra-efficient engines in Asia.
The new engine gives truck users a gain in power and torque performance as well as improved fuel efficiency by up to 7.5% over the already-efficient mechanical injection versions based on data compiled by Isuzu Malaysia. Further, the 2017 NPR models in the ELF range will benefit from new 6-speed gearboxes that feature optimized ratios to match the performance characteristics of the new engine, giving the new trucks better haulage power and higher fuel efficiency.
The Isuzu ELF has been the best-selling truck range in Malaysia for the last 7 years; 5,548 Isuzu ELF trucks were sold in 2016. With the latest updates and a host of new safety features, Isuzu Malaysia expects to maintain its dominance in the light-duty truck segment with a sales target of 6,000 units, which would be a 40% share of the local market.
Revealing the new 2017 model year Isuzu ELF trucks to dealers, CEO of Isuzu Malaysia Kenji Matsuoka said that the improvements to the trucks were in line with the company’s commitment towards providing Malaysians with a total trucking experience.
“Our aim to make Malaysia the best place to own and operate an Isuzu vehicle remains priority No.1. This means that through the Kaizen principal, we will constantly improve and innovate, both in our products and in our operations to ensure total customer satisfaction,” said Matsuoka.
Apart from the efficient common rail engines, the entire new 2017 Isuzu ELF range will also employ the use of tubeless tires. These tires not only offer a higher load capacity, its improved rolling resistance generates less heat leading to longer tread life and lower operation costs. Drivers will also find the tires providing more consistent grip and therefore, better handling and stopping performance.
Through a re-design of the air intake system, the size of the air filter has been reduced and moved to a higher position, allowing the vehicle to traverse more confidently through flooded roads or dusty conditions without sacrificing cabin or cargo space nor reduce filtration or air flow capacity.
Isuzu engineers have also been mindful of our ever-increasing dependence on energy, addressing this issue by increasing the alternator size to provide higher amperage to the battery. These alternators are not retrofits but are designed and matched to the vehicle’s requirements therefore come with the original manufacturer warranties.
In an effort to ensure customers enjoy the best use of their Isuzu vehicles, the 6-wheeler Isuzu ELF models will continue to be offered with the widest chassis in its class. At 850 mm, the wider design allows the trucks to be fitted with a larger cargo body while remaining sure-footed and stable. The Isuzu NQR also gets a new front axle design that allows for higher load capacity of up to 3,300 kg, an increase from the previous 3,100 kg allowing for a more balanced load spread to the front wheels.
In compliance with the latest JPJ safety regulations, the new Isuzu ELF trucks come with a headlamp leveling switch mounted on the dashboard. This switch allows the driver to adjust the throw of the powerful headlight beam according to the truck’s load situation.
Other features of the new 2017 Isuzu ELF include the incorporation of a rear fog lamp, roof marker lamp (for 6-wheeler models and above), a new wide convex mirror and an electronically-governed speed limiter. With the implementation of these new regulatory features, the new 2017 Isuzu ELF range will see a marginal 5% price increase across the model range.
The new 2017 Isuzu ELF trucks are available for booking at all Isuzu Authorized Truck dealers nationwide. For a full list of dealers, call 1-300-88-1133 or visit www.isuzu.net.my
