Climbing into the cabin of the latest Isuzu range to be released, there are four major changes in the new F Series models. The most obvious change is the new, large 10.1-inch touchscreen to the driver’s left on the dashboard. This is the interface with all of the entertainment, audio visual, satnav and cameras equipment now available.
This is an all-new product for Isuzu, branded as the Isuzu Co-Pilot, and designed and built by Blaupunkt Asia Pacific to suit the needs of truck maker. It includes 32GB of on-board storage, plus access to digital and internet radio, there’s also connectivity with Apple and Google devices for streaming etc.
“We are adding new technology where available including the advanced safety features,” says Simon Humphries, Isuzu Chief Engineer, Product Strategy. “We are also adding local content, including the new multi-media system, the Isuzu Co-Pilot, and it will include a number of other features which we will be introducing over the coming years.”
The satellite navigation in this package is also new to Isuzu, using the HERE mapping interface with functionality to ensure trucks only use suitable routes. The system is live online and is regularly updated, over the air, with the latest information, if a mobile phone is connected. The system looks functional and the size of the screen means it is something a driver can look at and interact with, relatively easily, even when driving.
The new F Series models are now all to be fitted with a low-light reversing camera. The feed from this camera will come up on the big screen whenever reverse is engaged. There is also the ability to add a further four cameras on the truck, to be viewed on the screen, when needed.
Being set up with an Android operating system this AV unit is also able to be programmed to include useful apps, one is available to function as a way to record a driver’s daily checks. The platform ’s design means other apps may be added later when required, like a tyre pressure monitoring system.
Other introductions fall under the ADAS heading. The larger and easier to read 4.2-inch screen directly in front of the driver shows many of the new functions, which can be set and controlled by the array of buttons on the steering wheel. It wouldn’t be a modern truck without a bewildering collection of buttons on the wheel.
The full suite, including the complete package, is only available on the lighter models in the F Series range, those fitted with the 240 hp four-cylinder N-4HK1 engine. These models in the 11 to 14 tonnes GVM segment do represent a significant proportion of the number of trucks sold under the F Series banner.
As part of the four major changes in the new F Series models and looking at the functions available on the ADAS, it includes a list which is becoming very familiar at every truck launch. There’s Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Distance Warning System (DWS) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW), all included as standard, on those lighter models. Adaptive Cruise Control is not included.
The 240hp trucks also include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), as do the FTR and FV models. FSR and FTR and FV also get the Electronic Braking System (EBS). As you go higher in the power and GVM scale, these newer systems are not available. Their introduction may have to wait for the next generation of Isuzu trucks with more powerful electronic architecture, as they come on stream in the next few years.
