The Isuzu ELF truck range will be completely powered by the latest Isuzu commonrail engines, making Isuzu Malaysia one of the first Japanese truck manufacturers to exclusively employ the use of these ultra-efficient engines in Asia.

With these new engines, truck users will not only gain from superior power and torque performance, they will also realize improved fuel efficiency by up to 7.5 percent over the already-efficient mechanical injection versions based on data compiled by Isuzu Malaysia. Coupled to this, the 2017 NPR models will benefit from new 6-speed gearboxes that feature optimized ratios to match the performance characteristics of the new engine, giving the new trucks better haulage power and higher fuel efficiency.

The Isuzu ELF has already established itself as one of Malaysia’s favourite trucks by being the best-selling truck range for the last seven consecutive years with sales of 5,548 Isuzu ELF trucks in 2016 alone.

Together with the latest updates and a host of new safety features, Isuzu Malaysia expects to maintain its domination of the light-duty truck segment with a sales target of 6,000 units, giving the company a dominant 40% of the market share.

Revealing the new 2017 model year Isuzu ELF trucks to dealers, CEO of Isuzu Malaysia Kenji Matsuoka said that the improvements to the trucks were in line with the company’s commitment towards providing Malaysians with a total trucking experience.

“Our aim to make Malaysia the best place to own and operate an Isuzu vehicle remains priority No.1. This means that through the Kaizen principal, we will constantly improve and innovate, both in our products and in our operations to ensure total customer satisfaction,” said Matsuoka.

Apart from the efficient commonrail engines, the entire new 2017 Isuzu ELF range will also employ the use of tubeless tyres. These tyres not only offer a higher load capacity, its improved rolling resistance generates less heat leading to longer tread life and lower operation costs. Drivers will also find the tyres providing more consistent grip and therefore better handling and stopping performance.

Through a re-design of the air intake system, the size of the air filter has been reduced and moved to a higher position, allowing the vehicle to traverse more confidently through flooded roads or dusty conditions without sacrificing cabin or cargo space nor reduce filtration or air flow capacity.

Isuzu engineers have also been mindful of our ever-increasing dependence on energy. They addressed this issue by increasing the alternator size to provide higher amperage to the battery. These alternators are not retro-fits but are designed and matched to the vehicle’s requirements therefore come with the original manufacturer warranties.

In effort to ensure customers enjoy the best use of their Isuzu vehicles, the 6-wheeler Isuzu ELF models will continue to be offered with the widest chassis in its class. At 850mm, the wider design allows the trucks to be fitted with a larger cargo body while remaining sure-footed and stable. The Isuzu NQR also gets a new front axle design that allows for higher load capacity of up to 3,300kg, an increase from the previous 3,100kg allowing for a more balanced load spread to the front wheels.

In compliance with the latest JPJ safety regulations, the new Isuzu ELF trucks come with a headlamp levelling switch mounted on the dashboard. This switch allows the driver to adjust the throw of the powerful headlight beam according to the truck’s load situation.

Other features of the new 2017 Isuzu ELF include the incorporation of a rear fog lamp, roof marker lamp (for 6-wheeler models and above), a new wide convex mirror and an electronically-governed speed limiter. With the implementation of these new regulatory features, the new 2017 Isuzu ELF range will be subject to a marginal five percent price increase across the model range.