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The Japanese marque is moving into another market...
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Isuzu Truck is turning its attention to the 18-tonne market, which has traditionally been a stronghold for European manufacturers.
Words: Kevin Swaltow / Images Tom Lee JAPANESE-BUILT trucks have begun to worm their way into European-built marketplaces in the UK at 3.5 tonnes and 7.5 tonnes. Now, they are making their influence felt in the heavier twoaxle markets. And one such marque, lsuzu, is the latest company to launch a new vehicle range.
The introduction of four weight categories — 11, 12, 15 and 18 tonnes — means it is expanding its appeal to existing customers who run heavier products, as well as opening itself up to more new customer groups.
Isuzu Truck's main advantage is that it has been able to build itself up from the ground in the UK with 3.5 to 7.5-tonne lightweight chassis-cabs, as well as establishing its own network of dealers.
This is in contrast to one of its rivals, Hino, which has worked the other way round — going from the 8x4 market down towards the 7.5-tonne options. Similar to Hino. with its 26-tonne and 32-tonne offerings, lsuzu's entry into the 18-tonne market has a distinctly European feel to it.
Timing. though, is important, too. With the market struggling to lift itself off its knees at the moment, the introduction of a new product can be done with much lower expectations.
It only really has to hit the ground running and be ready when the market picks up.
Vehicle spec
The F180.260 does feel reasonably 'familiar: It has a six-speed Eaton overdrive gearbox, a Euro-4 EGR six-cylinder engine, which produces 256hp and 761Nm torque, and a standard rest-cab with a narrow bunk behind the seats.
The 5,348kg chassis-cab, without driver and full tanks, offers more than 12,652kg for body and payload, while the box body Fitted here offers a 10,198kg payload.The rest-cab has limited storage around the front end, but, that said, no-end of things can be stored on the bunk.
The truck has been specced well, with electric windows, a radio/CD player, keyless central locking and a suspension seat — options have yet to be confirmed.
Out on the road, it's a classic urban vehicle. Quick movements up towards fourth gear get you going, but this being an overdrive box with a tall 5.38:1 rearaxle ratio, it does make you wonder where the revs might be if it the truck had a direct drive transmission.
Broad appeal
It's smooth out on the dual carriageway, and the handling is impeccable. It does feel like a traditional European 18-tonne truck, but the power-biased engine does lack the refinement of some European offerings, although its in-cab noise levels are impressively low.
Its broader appeal to rental and home delivery services will be helped by EGR as a selling point, although Isuzu's rich history in the fields of waste recovery, construction and recycling should bode well for future sales.
Isuu offers a three-year, unlimitedmileage warranty and roadside assistance package to all new models up to 18 tonnes, and with more than 50 dealers and agents nationwide, it could also swing operators' opinions.
The retail price starts at £46,625 (exVAT) for the F180.260 chassis cab. •