Isuzu N-Series

N-Series Overview

One of the most affordable trucks available in the Philippines, the Isuzu N-Series caters to the needs and requirements people seek from a lightweight compact truck. The Isuzu N-Series is available in a total of seven variants and three engine-gearbox combinations to choose from.

Isuzu N-Series Interior & Features

The Isuzu N-Series has a very basic looking interior cabin which accentuates its basic and entry-level positioning even more. This basic appeal of the interior cabin makes it look drab and boring.

There is a two-spoke steering wheel behind which there is a trapezoidal all-analog instrument console, which consists of speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and temperature gauge. Besides the instrument console, there is a cluster of switches placed in the form of L on both sides, with vertical AC vents positioned along with them.

The rest of the dashboard has rectangular shaped open glove boxes at the centre as well as the passenger side, in which small items can be stored. In terms of features, the Isuzu N-Series is equipped with power windows, a basic music system with audio and USB and a tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel.

N-Series Exterior

The Isuzu N-Series has been positioned in the entry-level category, which makes it look a bit basic and too functional to look at on the outside.

The Isuzu N-Series has a large windscreen at the front which is slightly curved while going upwards, giving a slight aerodynamic appeal. The windscreen is slightly tapered towards its lower edges. There are small rounded mounts placed just below the edges of the windscreen, on which the rearview mirrors are mounted.

The front grille of the Isuzu N-Series has a horizontal dual grille setup, each of which is segmented into three parts, with the middle ones being much longer than the other two on its sides. The trapezoidal-shaped headlamp cluster is large and consists of two individual units placed adjacent to each other in a vertical manner. The front bumper is simple and comes with four rectangular housings, with the two inner ones hiding the hinges behind them, and the two outer ones for aftermarket fog lamps.

The side windows of the Isuzu N-Series are large and have a rising up waistline. The doors come with black coloured vertical door handles and clear lens turn indicators placed at the lower portion of the doors.

Isuzu N-Series Ride & Handling

While the range-topping variant of the Isuzu N-Series rides on 6-wheels, the other variants ride on 4-wheels. All the variants of the Isuzu N-Series do get leaf springs on both the front as well as rear, which feel sturdy and are the most sought out for solid load carrying capabilities. The drum brakes on all the wheels do the job quite well, with the auxiliary exhaust brake at the place as well.

N-Series Engine & Fuel Consumption

The Isuzu N-Series trucks are available with three engine and gearbox combinations. The first two variants of the N-Series have a 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, which produces 106 PS of power and 230 Nm of torque. The next four variants in the lineup are fitted with the same 3.0-litre four-cylinder engine, but in a different state of tune, and produces 124 PS of power and 354 Nm of torque.  Both these engines are paired to a common 5-speed manual gearbox.

The range-topping variant of the N-Series is available with a 5.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, which is coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox and churns out a maximum power output of 155 PS and a peak torque output of 419 Nm.

Isuzu N-Series Braking & Safety

Except manual central locking, there is no other noteworthy safety feature which does make the Isuzu N-Series feel like an outdated vehicle from this point of view.

N-Series Verdict

The Isuzu N-Series, being an entry-level truck, feels basic when it comes to features as well as interior and exterior styling. However, for its price, the N-Series feels very much mechanically sorted with potent diesel engine options. The chassis and cabin are basic to the core but feel very practical and functional for their respective purpose.