Isuzu F-Series

On the inside, the Isuzu F-Series has been designed keeping basicity in mind, with the complete interior cabin having no signs of premium appeal and is purely functional to the core.

The driver’s cockpit looks very staid and simple with a two-spoke large steering wheel with a large instrument console behind it. The console comes with rounded analog dials for speedometer and tachometer, with a rectangular panel in between encasing an orange backlit MID shoeing digital readouts for the odometer and other details and analog dials for the fuel gauge and temperature gauge below it.

The all-black dashboard has a simple layout for the centre console, which has opened cases for storing one’s small knick-knacks and bits, making the cabin feel utilitarian. However, the driver’s cabin has three seats adjacent to each other and includes basic functions like power windows and tilt steering. The omission of even a basic music system is a glaring miss.

Given its size, the Isuzu F-Series commands attention over the regular entry-level compact trucks, with a good size imparting a nice road presence. However, the design can be best termed as simple, as it lacks the flair and style factor of modern trucks.

At the front, the windshield of the Isuzu F-Series is slightly curved towards its upper edges and has tapered edges at its bottom. Both the windshield wipers wipe out in opposite directions, making it more useful to clean the windshield in rainy conditions.

The grille on the front of the Isuzu F-Series is made up of the blackened plastic panel and shares its dual slat theme segmented into three parts from the entry-level N-Series of trucks. The trapezoidal headlamps too have been lifted off from the N-Series, which is divided into two parts – the upper case housing the clear lens turn indicators and the lower one having the main headlamp.

The large front bumper too is finished in black and also incorporates small rectangular fog lamps. The side profile of the Isuzu F-Series has the side windows with their lower edges tapering upwards, as well as vertically placed door handles and side body cladding.

The multi-lead suspension setup at both the ends of the Isuzu F-Series does the job of bearing the maximum possible load for a medium-sized truck. Also, the air brakes available at all the four wheels feel progressive and decent when applied.

Isuzu has made the F-Series available in two engine options. The most basic variant of the Isuzu F-Series is offered with a 5.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine from the top-spec variant of the N-Series compact truck, which here delivers 190 PS of maximum power and 510 Nm of maximum torque.

The other four variants are powered by a 7.8-litre six-cylinder diesel engine, which is available in two states of tune – 240 PS of power and 706 Nm of torque in the lower two variants and 280 PS of power and 882 Nm of torque in higher two variants. All these engines are paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard.

The basic appeal of the Isuzu F-Series is felt even more when one sees the almost non-existent list of safety features, which has only a manual central locking to boast of.

For a medium-sized truck, the Isuzu F-Series looks the part and performs with great prowess, thanks to the potent engine options on offer as well as a sturdy chassis beneath its skin. However, it would have been appreciated if Isuzu made the truck feel slightly more contemporary with features onboard, and not resort to mere basicity for a truck of this size and price.