The new Isuzu trucks, which would be available from the third quarter of 2019 at all the 43 authorised Isuzu truck outlets.
Isuzu New Elf and Forward Truck Variants
Isuzu Malaysia is poised to retain its position as Malaysia’s top truck brand following the recent showcase of its latest dependable and efficient Elf and Forward truck variants.
The new trucks, which would be available from the third quarter of 2019 at all the 43 authorised Isuzu truck outlets, are expected to increase the brand’s appeal, particularly in the light-duty segment where the Isuzu Elf models have been Malaysia’s top-selling truck range for the last nine consecutive years.
Globally acknowledged by truck operators for its ‘highly dependable’ performance with low running costs, the Isuzu Elf range is also one of the most versatile in the market with 11 variants of various tonnage and drivetrains to suit individual requirements.
Once the new 2019 line-up comes on stream, Isuzu Malaysia would offer 19 variants of the Elf covering 4-wheeler, 6-wheeler, 4×4 and Crew-Cab versions, giving it the widest range of light duty truck options in the market.
“With the wider selection of variants, truck operators could select the most appropriate Isuzu vehicle for their operations rather than to buy a truck that is not perfectly configured to their transportation needs,” said Koji Nakamura, CEO of Isuzu Malaysia, at the media launch.
Of particular interest to businesses that operate their vehicles in frequent stop-start and congested urban environments are the selected truck models fitted with ‘Smoother’, a 6-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), as factory variants.
Offering the full benefits of an automatic transmission but with the reliability and low running cost akin to manual transmissions, ‘Smoother’ offers a significant advantage as the gears are directly coupled; thus it does not suffer from energy loss through hydraulic slippage.
Furthermore, Isuzu’s ‘Smoother’ selects the most appropriate gear for a given driving condition. This ensures that the engine revolutions remain within the optimal range, thus extending the life of the engine and drivetrain. There is also a secondary ECONO Mode that the driver could select to automatically change gears at low engine revolutions, providing even greater fuel savings.
Although the initial purchase price of the ‘Smoother’ models is higher, business owners could enjoy lower running costs as fluid coupling doesn’t cause wear and tear. It is also easier to employ drivers as the pool of drivers who could handle manual transmissions is shrinking. Drivers too would find the ‘Smoother’ models a boon and less of a fatigue, enabling them to better retain concentration throughout their workday.
With the proliferation of E-commerce, the new Isuzu Elf variants are said to offer the perfect solution to the rising demand for dependable and efficient deliveries. The engines for ‘Smoother’ models comply with Euro 3 emission standards, ensuring the Elf remains efficient and environmentally friendly.
Isuzu Malaysia is also introducing three new crew cab variants to its 2019 line-up. With a total of four models in that segment, those in the service industry would find more flexibility to transport their manpower and goods efficiently and safely.
Unlike some retro-fitted after-market crew cabs that are prone to ill-fitment, Isuzu’s crew cabs are designed at Isuzu’s R&D centre employing the latest technology. Built and outfitted completely in the Isuzu factory, Isuzu says they come with full compliance with the highest ECE safety standards and enjoy full warranty.
Bigger and mightier Forward
The Isuzu Forward range, an acclaimed favourite among long-haulers for its ‘exemplary’ low-running cost, ‘impressive’ manoeuvrability and highly-accommodating cabin, is improved with a beefier chassis and higher performance.
The FVR34 model comes with a GVW of 19 tonnes, up from the current 18-tonne capacity. This upgraded payload capacity not only allows owners to maximise each load to reduce their transportation costs, the manoeuvrability of the Forward range makes it ideal for intra-city hauling, eliminating the need to break bulk for urban pick-up and deliveries. The front axle capacity too is significantly increased to 7,500kg contributing to its superior carrying capacity.
As complement to the increased payload, the 6HK1-TC powerplant is tweaked to develop a very respectable 300PS of power with 986Nm of torque for the FVR300 model, giving it superior performance over all Malaysian road conditions, particularly hilly terrain.
To capitalise on the improved performance, the range is paired to a new Eaton transmission. Using nine forward speeds, including a ‘crawler’ gear for severe terrain, Isuzu says the new transmission ratios better match the engine’s improved performance characteristics, giving the FVR more flexible performance while engine revolutions remain more frequently in the optimal zone.
Isuzu Malaysia has chosen to retain the ever-popular FVR240 model for those who require the large cargo capacity but haul less weighty bulk such as foodstuff or furniture or perform duties as council vehicles.
To retain a high level of safety, the FVR34 range now comes standard with full air brakes and Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). Braking performance is significantly improved while the ABS system greatly assists in maintaining braking stability particularly on slippery surfaces.
Further upgrades to the Forward line-up include a larger capacity alternator that could better meet the power demands of high-amperage equipment.
大马五十铃扩大卡车阵容
马来西亚五十铃蓄势待发，随着近日其最新，可靠及高效的Elf与Forward卡车的推出，显示它做好了保持其国内顶级卡车品牌地位的准备。
这些全新的卡车预计会在2019年第三季在五十铃国内的43家授权卡车门店出售，并预期将进一步提高五十铃品牌的吸引力，特别是在轻卡领域，因为五十铃Elf已连续9年成为马来西亚最畅销的轻卡。
五十铃凭借着其高可靠性和低运行成本，获得了全球的认可。五十铃 Elf系列也是市场上最通用的轻卡之一，它有多达11种不同吨位和动力传动系统的车型，能够满足不同的客户需求。
在2019的新车型投入产品线后，五十铃将提供19种Elf车型，涵盖4轮卡车，6轮卡车，4X4以及乘员驾驶室（Crew Cab）版本，为市场提供最为广泛的轻型卡车选择。
五十铃首席执行员中村幸滋(Koji Nakamura)在发布会上表示：“有了更广泛的车款，卡车营运者就可以按他们的业务特性，选择最适合他们的五十铃卡车，而不是购买一辆无法满足自己业务需求的卡车。”
对那些需要在拥挤的城市环境中频繁停止和启动的卡车，五十铃推出工厂原装配备“Smoother”，6 速自手排变速箱（AMS）的特选卡车。
自手排卡车在具备自排变速箱所有优点的同时，又具有如手排变速箱的可靠性及低运行成本。“Smoother”带来巨大优势，因为其直接耦合的齿轮，在液压滑动时不会导致动力流失。
此外，五十铃的“Smoother”会按照路况自动换档。这确保引擎转速保持在最佳范围，延长引擎和动力传动系统的使用寿命。再来就是它还有一个二级ECONO模式，让驾驶员选择在引擎转速较低时自动切换档位，实现节省燃油的目的。
虽然自手排的版本最初的价格可能略高一些，但因为液力耦合器不会造成磨损，业者的运作成本较低。在精于驾驶手排的驾驶员日益减少下，手自排版本也让业主更容易聘请到驾驶员。驾驶员也会发现配备“Smoother”的车型驾驶起来更为轻松且能减少疲劳，让他们在整个工作日能够更好地保持注意力。
据悉，随着电子商务的普及，新的五十铃Elf车型为日益提高的交货量提供了完美的解决方案，而配备“Smoother”的卡车引擎符合欧 3排放标准，确保Elf的引擎效能与环保。
