ISUZU GRAFTER NKR-S
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Like the Mitsubishi, the Isuzu is the 3.5-tonne baby of a much heavier duty range, extending to 7.5 tonnes, whereas apart from the relatively rare big Transits and Sprinters, all of the others are at or near the top of their respective ranges. The Grafter was introduced as recently as the last NEC CV Show, and is Isuzu's first serious assault on the offthe-shelf market. The chosen tipper body is from the comparatively unheard of Randon lberica, sourced from near its assembly home in Portugal, but seems very well-built with nice features.
At 129hp, its engine is the most powerful on offer here, *though not the torquiest. Our test panel universally preferred to have fifth as the dog-leg gear of the five fitted to all of our test vehicles, and Isuzu has even recognised the tendency to bypass first with a notice on the windscreen warning not to start in second. There were some thoughtful bits in the Isuzu's spec, including a neat roof vent which can be opened front or rear, but the sooner Isuzu leaves the shrinking minority that put its indicator stalks on the right the better.