Fuso FJ 2528R

The overall layout of the cabin of the Fuso FJ 2528R resembles completely to that of the Fuso FJ 2528C.  There are two smooth layers on the dashboard, which flow towards the center console and merge with it, giving a good sense of width to the cabin.

While the instrument console with its comprehensive layout looks impressive, the design for the four-spoke steering wheel certainly does not. However, with its ergonomic placement as well as tilt and telescopic adjustability, the steering wheel actually looks and feels purposeful.

The center console of the dashboard here looks well finished, with the unit having an arrangement of rectangular AC vents, controls for AC and a stack for music system placed in a vertical manner, one over the other.

Apart from the design of the cabin, the equipment list too has been shared with the Fuso FJ 2528C, which includes tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel, height-adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control and power windows and door locks.

When it comes to the overall design, the Fuso FJ 2528R has the exact design as that of the smaller Fuso FJ 2528C and Fuso FJ 2528C, which somehow makes it look so common and not so individualistic. However, thanks to the longer wheelbase (almost 2100mm over the Fuso FJ 2528C on which it is based) gives it a more commanding road presence. 

As in the Fuso FJ 2528C, the large and slightly curved front windscreen of the Fuso FJ 2528R gets curved upper edges and vertical lower edges, with the vertical A-pillars besides the windscreen having mounts for the dual rearview mirrors on both the sides. The mounts for the front windscreen are there on a long horizontal black panel which is placed just below the windscreen. In addition, this panel also houses two grab handles.

Below the large front windscreen, the lower portion of the front fascia comes with bold ‘FUSO’ lettering spread across the width, and below it, there is a large grille. This wide looking front grille, which gets honeycomb mesh pattern within a huge T-shaped black garnish in it, makes the front end look slightly aggressive and wide. The headlamps, which do incorporate sleek L-shaped daytime running LEDs on its inner boundaries, are mounted on the extreme corners of the front bumper.

Barring the long wheelbase, which makes it look very long, the Fuso FJ 2528R shares the side profile of the passenger cabin with the Fuso FJ 2528C. The rather smaller window panels, which have curved edges on all the outer corners and get a simple design, along with beefy looking cladding over the trapezoidal wheel arches complete the side look of the truck. 

When it comes to suspension setup, the Fuso FJ 2528R has been equipped with parabolic leaf spring with shock absorber and anti-roll bar and reverse Elliot axle at the front and Tandem Bogie and anti-roll bar and fully floating axle at the back. Fuso has also equipped the FJ 2528R with pneumatically operated spring actuator with hand brake valve acting on the rear axle, for stopping duties.

The engine and gearbox combination of the Fuso FJ 2528CR is the same as that in the smaller Fuso FJ 2528C – a 6.4-litre inline-six diesel engine with the smaller FJ 1823R, which is married to a 6-speed manual gearbox and churns out 285 PS of peak power and 1120 Nm of peak torque.

The only prominent safety feature in the Fuso FJ 2528R is the dual-channel ABS, with other auxiliary safety features like cruise control, collapsible steering column, side-impact beams and three-point seat belts also on offer.

Leaving beside the identical styling in and out as well as the equipment list, which could have seen a few advancements, the Fuso FJ 2528R justifies its premium flagship positioning. The powerful engine, sturdy mechanicals and long chassis combine to make it a very capable vehicle for heavy load carrying duties.