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News - IsuzuQuick Drive: New-generation Isuzu trucksGoAuto gets a sneak peek and brief steer of Isuzu’s new N- and F-Series truck models14 Apr 2025 ISUZU Australia Limited teased its all-new range of N- and F-Series trucks in November last year, but GoAuto was recently offered a drive of a few pre-production models ahead of their official launch at Brisbane Truck Show in May.
The truck-maker has topped the light-duty sales ladder for the last 36 years despite not releasing an all-new range since 2008, making this update a significant one for the brand.
At its core, the range coincides with incoming ADR 80/04 regulations (equivalent to Euro 6 emissions standards) later this year, but Isuzu has made it clear it intends to stay ahead of the curve rather than simply meeting the requirements.
“For the list of features we are proposing with the new generation, only 10 per cent of them are to comply with new ADRs – so we are basically exceeding the regulations,” IAL chief of product and executive officer Matt Sakhaie told GoAuto.
The new models have been redeveloped from the ground up, built atop the new Isuzu Modular Architecture and Component Standard (I-MACS) platform, which allows powertrains and other components to be interchanged between models – be they diesel engines, transmissions or even batteries.
In the flesh, the new models resemble the current runners, however feature heavily modernised exteriors with revised grilles, LED lighting and a sleek profile to take them into the future.
Safety is a clear focus across the new models, for both N- and F-Series, with a full suite of ADAS features as standard, fed information by advanced dual-lens cameras and long-range millimetre-wave radars.
Among the usual ADAS options, like lane departure warning and auto emergency braking, are features particularly handy in a truck, like full-speed adaptive cruise control that can even be used in stop-start traffic, intersection warning system, distance warning system and traffic sign recognition with an intelligent speed limiter.
The 15 active and passive safety features on the new N-Series range, and 12 features on the F-Series range, aim to boost safety for all road users, from the driver, to other motorists, and of course pedestrians.
Inside the cabin, both models now feature a centre-mounted 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, while a smaller 7.0-inch digital display between the analogue dials provides driving data.
The steering wheel now features a range of buttons that control various infotainment and driving functions, and wired smartphone mirroring is included.
N-Series models also receive a smaller 440mm steering wheel, which has also been repositioned to offer a more car-like driving experience, adding to how refined the new cabin is compared to the outgoing models.
The F-Series also scores an ISRI air-suspended seat, with in-built ventilation, which is a first for the medium-duty truck model.
New engine and transmission options are also offered across both models, now Euro 6 compliant and cleaner than ever – although they now feature a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system that uses AdBlue.
The N-Series range features revised versions of its proven 3.0- and 5.2-litre turbocharged diesel engines, with a range of outputs depending on the model – and there is no shortage of models, with a total of 153 possible options based on the various configurations available.
In essence, smaller 4500kg GVM models make use of the 3.0-litre engine in 110kW/375Nm guise, while a new 129kW/430Nm rating is used in middle-of-the-line NPR models, and the 8800kg GVM NQR uses the 5.2-litre engine producing 140kW/513Nm.
Significantly, Isuzu Trucks now offers a dual-clutch nine-speed transmission, but unlike other DCT units it features a torque converter for improved off-the-line performance. The six-speed automated manual transmission remains, but the nine-speed promises greatly improved performance.
The medium-duty F-Series will be offered with either a 5.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine producing 177kW/765Nm, or a new 6.7-litre six-cylinder diesel engine co-developed with Cummins which produces either 191kW or 221kW and up to 1081Nm of torque.
Transmission options for the F-Series will include a six-speed automated manual or a six-speed manual for four-cylinder models, while trucks equipped with the new six-cylinder engine will exclusively use an Allison Gen 6 six-speed automatic transmission.
F-Series models also use a diesel particulate filter (DPF), alongside an SCR system, but Isuzu Trucks confirmed it does not feature exhaust gas recirculation (EGR).
The entire range will be offered with the Isuzu Care customer support package, made up of a six-year warranty and six years of 24/7 roadside assist.
Brief driveWe were handed the keys for a brief drive of both the N-Series and F-Series models around the Isuzu Trucks headquarters in Truganina in Victoria, which was enough to gauge just how promising the new models are.
Jumping into the little NLR 45-150, driveable on a regular licence, the car-like focus is evident from the driving position alone. Turn the wheel and its reduced diameter further adds to the feeling.
The technology offering is solid, without making this truck a phone-on-wheels like so many passenger cars have become. It’s got smartphone mirroring, driver aids and a digital display between the speedometer and tachometer, but it also still has physical buttons – rejoice.
While tech- and safety-rich, this N-Series isn’t going to be jarring for operators used to the current model, because everything is in the same place and it drives and steers like it should. It just does it all a little bit better.
The performance is top-shelf, somehow better than the outgoing model despite the same power and torque output. The engine mapping is clearly better, because it feels incredibly responsive, and quiet too.
Across our short drive, the star of the show was the new nine-speed transmission, which feels like it’s been lifted from a dual-cab ute. The torque converter eliminates the lag many DCT boxes seem to have and the up- and down-shifts are fast and never confused.
Sadly, we weren’t able to drive the new six-cylinder-equipped F-Series, but a one-hour loop in the four-cylinder model gave us an indication of just how much better the new models are.
The F-Series is comfortable, powerful and handles better than we remember of the current model, but it’s the car-like technology offering that takes it to another level.
Full-speed adaptive cruise in Melbourne traffic made the F-Series a seriously easy medium-duty truck to drive, while the rest of the ADAS features kept quiet. Buzzes and beeps in a truck make for a pretty stressful environment, but this system isn’t at all annoying, with no false alarms across our drive.
We’re left wanting to drive the range further, for longer, because the trucks we tested proved that Isuzu has taken an already great range and elevated it. But would you expect anything less from a marque that’s spent so many years ahead of the pack?  Read more |
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