Isuzu Motors Limited has just debuted the next-generation N-Series truck, which is also known as the Isuzu Elf N-Series in its home country of Japan. It promises plenty of improvements like a new exterior design, an advanced safety kit, and a more comfortable interior. Plus, a new battery electric vehicle (BEV) was added as well.
The 2023 Isuzu Elf (N-Series)
Starting with the exterior design, the brand says that its new look combines an atmosphere of toughness with an innovative but also flamboyant feel. The front of this new truck likewise features a large, black-colored trapezoidal shape. This encompasses the grille and extends upwards to the middle of the cab face.
The topmost portion of this decorative shape is then filled with blade-like trim pieces to further enhance its appearance. This makes the new Elf N-Series look similar to the currently available Isuzu D-Max pickup truck. For added style and visibility, both models also get LED daytime running lamps as well.
Step inside the cabin of the next-generation Elf N-Series, and you’ll find a redesigned cabin that was built to be robust but comfortable.
Most surfaces are now black-colored and are made out of scratch-proof material ensuring durability. Meanwhile, other surfaces then use what Isuzu describes as “neutral” tones. These, in turn, help the cabin look more modern and more pleasing to the eye.
A peek inside the Elf's cabin
Driver-centric features were also added to the new Elf N-Series. The seats for instance now come with a heater function. Headspace for the cabin was also increased, and entry to the high-riding cabin was improved with the addition of a semi-grip-type door handle.
Also present on the dash of the next-generation Isuzu truck is a 7-inch instrument cluster. The gauges themselves are still analog, but a color digital screen was added in the middle. This functions as the trip meter and odometer. It can also display the status of the truck’s advanced driver assist system (ADAS).
Speaking of which, the next-gen Elf N-Series now comes with ADAS. Chief among these is a pre-collision braking system that’s designed for use whenever the truck is making a turn. These can help reduce the chances of collisions in intersections.
The next-gen Elf now has ADAS
An adaptive cruise control system is also made available. On the all-new Elf N-Series, this feature can maintain a safe distance from other vehicles on the road and reduce driver fatigue. A driver status monitor likewise keeps tabs on drowsiness and inattentiveness.
Other advanced safety features present in the model include a traffic sign recognition system, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, etc.
The next-gen Isuzu Elf N-Series was likewise fitted with a fleet management service software called Mimamori. It also gets the Preism connectivity technology, which seamlessly provides information regarding the truck’s rear cabin and safety. Via Preism, a driver can likewise connect his or her smartphone to the truck.
Powering the next-generation Elf N-Series is the 148-horsepower 4JZ1-TCS turbodiesel engine paired with a new Isuzu Smooth Intelligent Transmission (ISIM) 9-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). According to Isuzu, this combination offers an improved fuel economy.
As with most commercial trucks, the next-gen Elf will come in various configurations
This is achieved by the said transmission’s ability to keep low RPMs. The brand also says that this can reduce driver fatigue by reducing noise. Furthermore, the new ISIM DCT gearbox is capable of quick gearshifts to reduce torque loss.
One of the biggest changes for the next-generation Isuzu-made commercial vehicle is that it's also getting a BEV variant. This will be fitted on a variant known in Japan as the Elf EV, and depending on the cab type, it uses 2 to 5 battery packs. However, the range, engine output, and other detailed specifications for the Elf EV are yet to be released by Isuzu.
The F-Series meanwhile, will then be released for the Japanese market as the Forward F-Series in the summer (June to August). No exact dates were provided, but the brand promises that it will come with a totally new interior and exterior. Like the Elf N-Series, the F-Series is likewise getting an expansion for its safety assist systems.
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