Australia's Favourite Truck Brand Just Reinvented its Best Seller

For 36 consecutive years, Isuzu Trucks has held the mantle of Australia’s best-selling truck brand and a huge influence in that enduring success has been its vast, ever-popular light-duty cab chassis range – the N Series.

At the heart of a recently launched second stage of Isuzu’s all-new MY25 model range, N Series 4x2 NLR, NNR, NPR and NMR cab-chassis variants are now officially on sale across the country. ​

From breadth-of-range and class-leading engine and driveline componentry, through to improved cabin appointments, safety enhancements and Isuzu’s famous aftersales support – the all-new Isuzu N Series positions one of the brand’s core products as the consummate leader for Australia’s light-duty trade, construction and last mile delivery road transport needs.

Celebrating the milestone, IAL’s Head of Sales, Craig White, said the all-new platform, combined with Isuzu’s famed aftersales support, made for a compelling offer.

“Australia’s light-duty truck market is arguably one of the toughest automotive sales segments in the country.

“This equipment is specialised and it must perform its task safely, efficiently and with minimum fuss – these are tools of trade,” he noted.

“In 2025, we’ve put together our safest, most efficient, most driver friendly and future-proofed N Series ever, and we’re extremely confident we’ve got the mix right.”

Key 4x2 N Series highlights

N Series range

The latest stage-two rollout significantly expands the N Series range, with the extensive line-up providing a versatile solution for a wide spectrum of applications across Australian industry.

The 4x2 models cover the full light truck market segment, beginning with the driver's licence-friendly 4,500 kg GVM rating, a category that includes multiple variations of the NLR, NMR, NNR and NPR models. The range extends to heavier-duty applications, with the newly added models joining the already available NQR line-up and topping the N Series GVM band at 8,800 kg.

Further enhancing this versatility is the availability of different vehicle types, including Crew cab variants and a selection of pre-built Ready-to-Work models. Combined with multiple wheelbase options, the N Series offers true flexibility and a fit-for-purpose solution for businesses nationwide.

N Series engines

Engine options include two tried and tested Japanese-made, ADR 80/04 compliant diesel power-plants with three power outputs that provide the horsepower behind the N Series range…

At the lighter end of the spectrum, various N Series models are equipped with Isuzu’s high torque, fuel efficient, turbo charged and intercooled light weight 4JZ1 engine, available with two power ratings, the TCS, which produces 110 kW (150 PS) at 2,800 RPM, and the TCH as found in some NPR models outputting 129 kilowatts or 175 PS.

Rounding-out engine options in the N Series range is the higher output 4HK1-TCC engine rated at 140 kilowatts at 2,600 RPM.

Engineered for consistent reliability throughout the model range, these three powerplants exemplify a specification philosophy where efficiency, performance, and emissions control are treated as interconnected priorities. This ensures every variant is not only powerful and economical to run but also aligns with the latest standards for environmental stewardship.

N Series transmissions

A standout feature of the MY25 N Series change-over, the advanced MYR9S 9-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DT), is a drivetrain solution engineered to harmonise performance, driver comfort, and operational efficiency.

Found on NLR, NKR, NMR, NNR and NPR variants powered by the 4JZ1 engine, this transmission represents a significant leap forward from conventional designs. By keeping engine RPM low, the MYR9S directly enhances fuel economy and reduces cabin noise.

Its patented dual-clutch structure is the core of its performance, enabling full-power, milli-second upshifts that drastically reduce torque loss for seamless acceleration and even incorporates intelligent skip-shifting for faster acceleration when conditions allow.

Enhancing drivability further, features like a ‘creep’ function simplify low-speed manoeuvring and hill starts, while selectable Power, Economy, and Manual modes empower the driver to match the transmission's character to the load and road conditions.

Beyond the immediate benefits of reduced fatigue and enhanced control, this sophisticated transmission translates into tangible operational advantages. The precise, consistent shifts minimise drivetrain shock and wear, extending clutch life and reducing maintenance costs.

Furthermore, the simplified driving interface helps lower the skill barrier for recruitment and shortens training timelines.

Building upon Isuzu's heritage of robust in-house transmission design, the MYR9S promises superior strength and reliability, all while delivering enhanced comfort and measurable efficiency gains.

Also fitted to selected 4x2 N Series is Isuzu’s two-pedal automated manual transmission (MZZ6), designed and engineered specifically for trucking applications, while manual transmissions can also be specified across designated models.

N Series safety

A central pillar of the 2025 range update, and a key focus of its global launch, is the introduction of a significantly enhanced, industry-leading safety suite.

This comprehensive system, now featuring up-to 15 individual safety aids, establishes the N Series as the safest light-duty vehicle Isuzu Trucks has ever developed for Australia.

Enabled by a second-generation stereo camera system within Isuzu’s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), the suite incorporates both active and passive safety technologies fitted as standard across all 4x2 N Series models.

The latest additions headlining this upgrade include Miss Acceleration Mitigation (MAM), Intersection Warning System (IWS), Full Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (F-ACC), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), and Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA) as standard on 2-pedal variants, among other advanced features.

Like Voltron

Encapsulating the comprehensive nature of the release, Mr White said it was Isuzu’s vast customer base that stands to benefit the most.

“When you consider the breadth of this change-over, from all-new cabins, new powertrain technology and advanced safety tech, through to innovative new componentry such as the new 9-speed transmission, customers really are investing in their future with these new models.

“You’re looking at a once-in-a-generation technology jump here that has the potential to serve all manner of applications safely, reliably and importantly, efficiently, for many years to come,” he said.

Complementing this product reliability is Isuzu’s unmatched aftersales and customer support systems, including its six-year factory warranty across the N Series line-up, 6-year, 24/7 roadside assist and access to Isuzu’s popular Service Agreement packages.

“These days we hear a lot about the total cost of ownership equation when it comes to procuring trucks, but rarely does it actually stack-up.

“It’s the totality of the Isuzu offer – the product, the proven operational efficiencies, the aftersales support and access to the largest dealer footprint in the truck market. Like Voltron, all of these attributes come together to create an undeniable package that’s quite simply unmatched.”

ends