Isuzu N-Series

The overall interior layout of the Isuzu N-Series looks very functional and outdated, which lowers down its appeal a bit. While the well-ergonomically placed controls and panels do create a positive impression, the design of the dashboard makes it look very old-school. The overall cabin, which is finished in a somber theme of black, looks decent with okay-ish fit and finish levels.

The two-spoke steering wheel of the Isuzu N-Series looks basic, and so does the rectangular instrument console behind it, which comes integrated with rounded analogue dials. The dashboard of the Isuzu N-Series has several switches and panels shaped in the form of a rectangle, such as vertical AC vents and the centre console which is a combination of two squares. While the left-handed square accommodates a 1-DIN music system in between an empty storage capacity above and manual AC dials below, the right-handed square is a combination of two open storage spaces. There is an additional bigger storage space in the form of a closed glove box on the passenger side of the dashboard.

The Isuzu N-Series has a traditional boxy design that looks proportionate for a truck of its size. The flat front profile and rectangular design for the side profile look perfect for its size.

At the front, the Isuzu N-Series gets a large windshield with rounded upper edges and tapered lower edges, with extended rearview mirrors mounted below the lower corners of the windshield. There is a large rectangular front fascia just below the windscreen, which accommodates a unique three-part grille at its lower portion.

The grille has two slates laid horizontally and parallel to each other, which are dissected into three parts. The vertically laid trapezoidal headlamps on either side of the grille are divided into two parts – while the upper one houses the clear lens turn indicators, the lower one has simple halogen headlights. The front bumper of the Isuzu N-Series looks sleek and gets rounded rectangular provisions for the fog lamps.

The side profile of the Isuzu N-Series looks decent, with a large side window panel with a steeply tapering down shoulder line in sync with the upper edge of the headlamps. There are no special creases or curves on the door panels, which get vertically laid black coloured door handles on the left lower edge and clear lens turn indicators on the right lower edge.

All the variants of the Isuzu N-Series are armed with multi-leaf springs, which though basic, are supremely rugged and promise immense load-hauling capacity. While the higher variants get 16-inch tyres, the lower variants ride on 15-inch tyres.

There are two engine options available for the Isuzu N-Series range. The range-topping NQR75 L is powered by a 5.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, which produces 155 PS of maximum power and 419 Nm of maximum torque and is coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The lower variants get a 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine available in two states of tune – 106 PS of maximum power and 230 Nm of maximum torque, and 124 PS of maximum power and 354 Nm of maximum torque. The gearbox options available for this 3.0-litre engine are 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, and 6-speed AMT exclusively for the Smoother variant.

The Isuzu N-Series is a basic entry-level light-duty truck, which misses out on a lot of modern safety features. However, it comes with basics like safety seat belts and central locking for the passenger deck.

The Isuzu N-Series might be a boring truck in terms of looks and basic equipment. However, the mechanicals under the skin, including its diesel engine options, are very reliable in the long run. The first-of-a-kind AMT gearbox ensures a smooth and hassle-free driving experience with two-pedal action.