Isuzu Malaysia has just launched new 2019 variants of their popular Isuzu Elf light duty truck and Forward medium duty truck variants. These are expected to be available 3rd quarter 2019.
These latest variants will be made available for sale from the third quarter of 2019 onwards and are expected to further increase the brand’s appeal, particularly in the light-duty commercial vehicle segment. Adding to this, some variants can be had with the 'Smoother' 6 speed automated manual transmission (AMT), like those used in large European prime movers, to make driving in traffic packed urban areas less of a chore.
The 2019 Isuzu ELF Light Duty Trucks
Isuzu Malaysia will ultimately offer 19 variants of the Elf covering 4-wheeler, 6-wheeler, 4x4 and Crew-Cab versions of the ELF and Forward trucks, giving it the widest range of light duty truck options for the Malaysian market. The Isuzu Elf truck is a light duty truck which is designed for low operating costs and could be one of the more versatile trucks sold here today. There will be 11 variants of the Elf which will be offered with various tonnage and drivetrains (manual and the AMT) to suit customers.
“With the wider selection of variants available, truck operators will be able to 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.
It is quite an interesting time as more and more commercial vehicle manufacturers have decided to bring in automated gearboxes for their trucks. Isuzu Malaysia believes that the AMT variants of the Isuzu ELF trucks would be of particular interest to businesses that operate their vehicles in frequent stop-start and congested urban environments. So by end 2019, the ELF will be the available on selected truck models with the “Smoother”, a 6-speed Automated Manual Transmissions (AMTs) direct from Isuzu Malaysia.
We here at Motoring Malaysia actually believe in the benefits of operating automatic transmissions on commercial vehicles. It makes life so much easier and actually decreases drive fatigue to a large extent as well as actually SAVING fuel (diesel) by some percentage as automatics actually shift more efficiently in heavy traffic compared to their human counterparts which may like to hold a gear too long before upshifting.
In terms of operating costs, Isuzu Malaysia also states that their new AMT system offers 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 do not suffer from energy loss through hydraulic slippage. Essentially an AMT is a hydaulically controlled arm which does the clutch changing for the driver in full automatic mode.
Furthermore, Isuzu’s “Smoother” selects the most appropriate gear for the given driving condition. This ensures that the engine revolutions remain within its optimal range thus extending the life of the engine and drivetrain. On the “Smoother” models, there is even a secondary ECONO Mode that the driver can select to automatically change gears at lower engine revolutions, providing even greater fuel savings.
Isuzu Malaysia also states that although the initial purchase price of the “Smoother” models is higher, business owners are able to enjoy lower running costs as the fluid coupling of the AMT doesn’t cause wear and tear. It will also be easier to employ drivers as the pool of drivers who can handle manual transmissions is shrinking. Drivers too will find the “Smoother” models a boon and less fatiguing, enabling them to better retain concentration throughout their workday.
Furthermore, the company also is of the opinion that with the proliferation of E-commerce, the new Isuzu Elf variants offer the perfect solution to the rising demand for dependable and efficient deliveries. The engines for “Smoother” models comply with the Euro 3 emission standards, ensuring the Elf remains efficient and environmentally friendly. It does make sense especially for last mile delivery in urban areas where the traffic is pretty bad.
Aside from the new AMT gearbox, Isuzu Malaysia is also introducing three new crew cab variants to its 2019 ELF line-up. With a total of four models in that segment, those in the service industry will 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 technologies, built and outfitted completely in the Isuzu factory thus come with full compliance to the highest ECE safety standards and enjoy the full Isuzu warranty.
(from left to right) Mr. Koji Nakamura - Chief Executive Officer, Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Mr. Hirokazu Okubo - Executive Officer, Sales Division, Isuzu Motors Limited, Mr. Ken Ueda - Chief Engineer for Light Duty and Medium Duty, Isuzu Global CV Engineering Center Co., LTD & Mr. Atsunori Murata - Chief Operating Officer, Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd
The 2019 Isuzu Forward Medium Duty Trucks
Aside from the Elf, Isuzu Malaysia also mentioned on Isuzu Forward range of medium duty trucks (the main focus are the new ELF trucks). This medium duty truck is designed with low-running cost in mind, better maneuverability and highly-accommodating cabin which will be further improved for 2019 with a beefier chassis and higher performance. The new variants will be out by the 3rd quarter of 2019 if all goes as planned.
The FVR34 model has been upgraded to have a GVW of 19 tons, up from the current 18-ton capacity. This upgraded payload capacity not only allows owners to maximize each load thereby reducing their transportation costs. The Forward truck range is ideal for intra-city hauling, eliminating the need to break bulk for urban pick-up and deliveries. The front axle capacity too has been significantly increased to 7,500kg contributing to its superior carrying capacity.
As complement to the increased payload, the nimble and flexible 6HK1-TC powerplant has now been 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 over hilly terrain. This is up from 285PS and 883Nm torque, which should make it nicer to drive in terms of power delivery. This is mainly for the new Forward FVR300 variant.
The new FVR300 will be fitted with a new Eaton transmission. Using nine forward speeds including a ‘crawler’ gear for severe terrain or for heavier loads which the engine can now help transport. The new transmission’s ratios better match the engine’s improved performance characteristics, giving the FVR more flexible performance while the engine revolutions remain more frequently in its optimal zone.
Aside from the high performance FVR300, Isuzu Malaysia has chosen to retain the ever-popular FVR240 variant in the line-up for those who require the large cargo capacity but haul less weighty bulk such as foodstuff or furniture or perform duties as council vehicles. This is powered by a 7,790cc turbodiesel commonrail engine which should make 245Ps and 706Nm torque.
To retain a high level of safety, the FVR34 range of trucks (which includes both variants stated above) now comes standard with full air brakes and Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). Braking performance is stated to be significantly improved while the ABS system greatly assists in maintaining braking stability particularly on slippery surfaces.
Other notable upgrades to the Forward line-up include a larger capacity alternator that is able to better meet the power demands of high-amperage equipment.
As for an automatic transmission, the Forward already has the FVR Auto variant on sale. This transmission has already been fitted in the Isuzu Forward series of trucks here and if you are in Petaling Jaya, you could have seen it being used in the garbage trucks operating in the area. Very suitable for the crawling nature required for garbage collection.
The new 2019 range of Isuzu trucks will be available at all 43 authorised Isuzu truck outlets nationwide from third quarter of 2019. All in all, these are quite interesting times for the commercial vehicle industry with more automated transmission options as well as more driver oriented features coming into play.
Head over to isuzu.net.my for more information on the new trucks.
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