Isuzu NNR 45-150 Vanpack

The Isuzu NNR 45-150 Vanpack is a light-duty truck designed for urban freight and delivery tasks. With a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 4,500 kg, it can be driven on a standard car license in Australia, making it accessible to a wider range of drivers. This review delves into its key features, provides usage examples, and offers an overall assessment.

Key Features:

  • Engine: Powered by Isuzu’s 4JJ1-TCS 3.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine, producing 110 kW (150 HP) at 2,800 rpm and 375 Nm of torque between 1,600 and 2,800 rpm. This engine is Euro V / ADR 80/03 compliant and meets EEV emissions standards, utilizing both Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and a Diesel Particulate Diffuser (DPD) for emission control.
  • Transmission: Equipped with an Isuzu MYY-6E 6-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) with both a torque converter and a clutch. The torque converter ensures smooth launches and enhances the engine’s responsiveness. The AMT offers both automatic and manual modes for driver control.
  • Van Body: The Australian-designed and assembled van body measures 4.27 m (L) x 2.185 m (W) x 2.085 m (H), offering a substantial 18.5 cubic meters of load space.
    • Constructed with fibreglass honeycomb front, side, and rear door panels and an aluminum roof panel for durability and weight efficiency.
    • Features rear barn doors with camlocks for secure and easy access.
    • Includes internal tie-down rails to secure cargo during transit.
    • A 200 mm high protective aluminum internal kick panel protects the van’s interior.
    • Rear grab handles and a non-slip rear step enhance safety and convenience during loading and unloading.
    • Provision for a rear tailgate loader allows for easy installation of lifting equipment.
    • LED interior lighting ensures good visibility inside the van.
  • Cabin: The single cab design accommodates three occupants with a driver’s bucket seat (featuring mechanical suspension and weight adjustment) and a two-person front passenger bench seat.
    • Offers a tilt and telescopic adjustable steering column for optimal driver comfort.
    • Equipped with electric windows and central locking with remote keyless entry and immobilizer for security and convenience.
    • Provides practical storage solutions, including an overhead shelf, twin cup holders, a front center console box with a storage tray, and front door pockets.
    • Features manual air conditioning for cabin comfort.
    • Includes a MyIsuzu Co-Pilot multimedia system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, satellite navigation (with free updates), AM/FM/DAB+ radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto). It also supports up to four camera inputs.
  • Safety: Comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features:
    • Dual front airbags with seatbelt pretensioners.
    • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
    • Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) including Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Distance Warning System (DWS), Lane Departure Warning 1 (LDW), and Traffic Movement Warning (TMW).
    • Automatic Lighting System (front & rear) and Cab Tilt Warning (CTW).
    • Reverse alarm and Isuzu low light capable reversing camera.
    • ECE-R29 compliant cab with side anti-intrusion beams for enhanced occupant safety.
  • Chassis & Suspension:
    • Front suspension: Independent with coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers.
    • Rear suspension: Multi-leaf springs with hydraulic shock absorbers.
    • Ventilated disc brakes on both front and rear axles provide reliable stopping power.
  • Other Features:
    • 100-litre lockable fuel tank.
    • Power-assisted steering.
    • Heated and powered exterior mirrors with additional convex spot mirrors.
    • 6-year/250,000 km warranty and 6-year roadside assist.

Usage Examples:

The Isuzu NNR 45-150 Vanpack’s features make it suitable for a wide range of applications, particularly in urban and metropolitan environments:

  • Last-Mile Delivery: Its car license requirement and maneuverability make it ideal for navigating city streets and delivering goods directly to consumers or businesses. This includes e-commerce deliveries, courier services, and local freight distribution.
  • Trades and Services: Businesses requiring secure and spacious transport for tools, equipment, and materials can utilize the Vanpack. Examples include electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and maintenance services.
  • Catering and Event Management: The large, enclosed cargo area can be used to transport food, beverages, and event supplies while keeping them protected from the elements.
  • Pharmaceutical and Medical Supplies: The secure and clean environment of the van body is suitable for transporting sensitive medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.
  • Rental Fleets: The ease of driving and standard car license requirement make it a popular choice for rental companies catering to businesses with short-term transport needs.

Review:

The Isuzu NNR 45-150 Vanpack presents a compelling package for businesses needing a versatile and driver-friendly light commercial vehicle. Its key strengths lie in its:

  • Accessibility: The 4,500 kg GVM allowing operation on a standard car license broadens the pool of potential drivers.
  • Maneuverability: Its relatively compact size and good turning circle (11.8m) make it well-suited for navigating tight urban spaces.
  • Safety Features: The inclusion of advanced safety systems like AEB, FCW, LDW, and ESC provides peace of mind and helps prevent accidents.
  • Load Capacity: The 18.5 cubic meter van body offers significant space for transporting goods.
  • Driver Comfort and Technology: The well-equipped cabin with a suspension seat, air conditioning, and the MyIsuzu Co-Pilot infotainment system enhances the driving experience.
  • Reliability and Support: Isuzu’s reputation for building durable trucks, coupled with a comprehensive warranty and roadside assistance, adds to its appeal.

However, some considerations include:

  • The AMT, while smooth for launches, can sometimes be a little slow in gear changes, which might affect momentum on hilly terrain. The manual mode can mitigate this.
  • While the cabin is practical, some reviews suggest the interior design is showing its age and could benefit from more modern features like integrated steering wheel controls for audio and phone.

Overall, the Isuzu NNR 45-150 Vanpack is a well-engineered and practical light-duty truck that effectively balances payload capacity, driver comfort, safety, and ease of operation. Its ability to be driven on a car license makes it a valuable asset for a wide range of businesses operating in urban and regional areas.