The Isuzu i-Van is the Japanese brand’s entry to the commuter van segment in the Philippines. It boasts of the performance and toughness that Isuzu is known for, coupled with more passenger-friendly cabin features and flex-ride suspension that makes the ride more comfortable. The full-size van may serve as an efficient people and cargo transport vehicle that is currently offered in both a 16-seater or an 18-seater configuration. The i-Van is based on a model that's being sold by Isuzu in Indonesia, but modified together with Centro Manufacturing Corporation. Locally, it has been designed with a flat roof for it to be classified as a Class-1 vehicle in Philippine highways. Under the hood is a 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Launch
The Isuzu i-Van was officially introduced in the Philippine market in July 2011. It is a full-size van may serve as an efficient people and cargo transport vehicle. Locally, it is manufactured by Isuzu in collaboration with Centro Manufacturing Corporation.
Exterior
The i-Van sports a typically boxy and massive exterior that is usual for fleet cargo or passenger vehicles. Isuzu once again procured the services of Centro Manufacturing Corporation, the country's first ISO-certified truck body builder, to fabricate and assemble the truck’s bodies. This 12-year partnership between Isuzu Philippines and Centro in building and designing durable trucks adds credibility to the i-Van’s quality. Because of its flat roof, the vehicle has been classified as a Class-1 vehicle on expressways, much to the convenience of corporate fleet requirements. It rides on 15-inch alloys as standard.
Interior
Despite being a large vehicle, the Isuzu i-Van’s interior was created to provide decent conveniences for passengers starting with large side doors that open to an almost 90-degree angle for easy ingress and egress. The seats are well-padded and wrapped in fabric with assist grips and utility pockets. It also comes with dual air conditioning for enough ventilation in all rows of the vehicle. The i-Van can be had in either a 16-seater or 18-seater configuration. It can also be transformed into a full cargo-loading vehicle.
Technology & Safety Features
The Isuzu i-Van is equipped with the complete safety necessities for a vehicle of its segment. Among these include power steering, power windows, three-point emergency locking retractor seat belts, anti-slip aluminum steps, and all-around visibility that provides extra convenience for the driver.
Platform & Chassis
The Isuzu i-Van is based on the NHR light-truck platform which was modified for a passenger-oriented vehicle. It now features a combined cabin and chassis to suit its segment’s needs. The truck also comes with a ladder frame chassis, rugged undercarriage, and anti-corrosion treatment adding another layer of durability and functionality. It is also equipped with the Japanese brand’s trademark flex-ride suspension that makes the truck friendlier for passengers. Stopping power comes from disc brakes all around.
Engine & Drivetrain
Powering both variants of the Isuzu i-Van is a Euro 2-compliant 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine that is capable of delivering 91 hp and 196 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 5-Speed MSB-55 manual transmission with an overdrive function. Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels as standard.