The Isuzu N-Series

The N-Series is one of Isuzu's bestselling vehicles in the Philippines. Combining safety, environment responsibility, and economy, it boasts not only of power and durability, but also good fuel-efficiency as well. This medium-duty truck series has been in the market since 1959, and is used not only as trucks, but also as microbuses by local car makers in the Philippines.

Last year, Isuzu unveiled a new range of Isuzu N-Series, which are powered by the Blue Power range of engines: the 106-hp 3.0-liter 4JH1-TC CRDi, the 124-hp 3.0-liter 4JJ1-TCC DOHC CRDi, and the 155-hp 5.2-liter 4HK1-TCN CRDi--all fitted with turbo-intercoolers.

The N-Series is available in four versions:

• four-wheel-units: QKR77, NLR77, and NLR85 with 2.3, 2.5, and 2.6 ton capacities, respectively
• six-wheel-units: NMR85 with a 2.4 ton capacity
• NPR85 with a 4.1 ton capacity
• NQR with a 5.8 ton capacity

All four variants can be customized with an extensive range of body configurations, such as aluminum delivery vans, drop side, fire trucks, crane cargo, dump truck, tanker, and passenger van.

Some of its best features include:

• Lockable fuel tanks
• Front disc brakes on selected models
• Safety belts on all models
• Key Transponder Immobiliser
• Multitude of storage facilities
• Power steering
• AMT (Automated Manual Transmission / 6 speed)
• Common Rail Diesel Engine technology with Multi Valve Coniguration
• Turbocharged & Intercooled engines
• New spacious interior for improved driver comfort
• Improved ride comfort
• Door beams as standard
• Euro II compliant

Here’s an interesting thing to know about the name of these trucks: Understanding the name of an N-Series is easy--if you know what they mean. For instance, the first letter, N, is a given already. The second letter gives the weight rating, while the letters H and K are used for the regular cab, M for high cab, and P, Q, R for the Wide Cab model. The third letter, on the other hand, is the drivetrain’s layout: R indicates rear-wheel drive, while S pertains to four-wheel drive.