Isuzu has launched the new N Series model in 2022, but while looking at all of the technological smarts now available on this latest light duty truck from the Japanese truck maker, PowerTorque tries to see a little further down the track to the next stage in the development of Australia’s number one truck brand.
We can expect the next stage in the development, sometime down the track, to include the fruits of Isuzu’s relationship with the Volvo Group, which is part of its purchase of UD Trucks from Volvo. It will be at this point that the Japanese truck maker will have some leverage against the global development dollars of the big four global truck making groups, Traton, Paccar, Daimler and Volvo.
Other upgrades from the previous model are cosmetic, with new interior design tweaks. There are changes to the turn lamp cluster, a speed limiter option is now available and an increased towing capacity available across a selection of models.
Every new truck launch from Isuzu now comes with an extension of the ready to work range with updates and additions. One notable addition is the inclusion of an all wheel drive Tradepack.
The various ‘..Packs’ are becoming an increasing proportion of overall sales for the truck maker, around 50 per cent of N Series sales. There are now 35 different models on tap for customers looking for a turn-key solution, they can buy and take away.
Not a Complete Upgrade
Although the launch of the latest N Series is a significant one for Isuzu and the Australian truck market, major aspects of the truck specifications remain the same. The engine and transmissions fitted will continue from before, the same specs and the same ratings. The timing for a new engine offering is likely to be dependent on the long planned, but slow to appear, changes to emissions regulations coming through from federal government.
The significance of this latest release from Isuzu sees the market leader closing the technology gap with its fierce rivals. Fuso and Hino have already brought in a raft of the latest electronic safety systems and light duty trucks now come close to matching the most advanced heavy duty trucks available on the market.
Isuzu needs to keep its brand in the running, it has dominated the light duty for more than 30 years and plans to keep doing so. It certainly has made a significant upgrade in the level of sophisticated safety systems which come as part of the deal with the truck. The new N Series does tick many of the new technology boxes which buyers have been taught to ask for.
The new Isuzu models are close enough to the competition to be in the conversation with customers who require these extremely high levels of safety technology. The rest of the organisation, with its comprehensive dealer network, professional sales and after sales teams and an impressive reputation is likely to keep Isuzu in that number one slot, but the offerings from the competition may just close the gap on the leaders.
