Isuzu Trucks New Zealand has completed the rollout of its expanded MY26 N Series 4×4 range, with the arrival of the new NMS Crew Cab variant broadening the brand’s light-duty all-wheel-drive offering. Where the line-up previously consisted of two variants of the NPS 450 4×4, customers can now choose from seven models spanning the NMS, NPS, and NQS ranges, opening up applications including apiculture, off-highway work, and service vehicles supporting the civil construction sector.
David Ballantyne, General Manager of Isuzu Trucks New Zealand, says the expansion responds directly to customer demand for more capable, better-equipped light-duty 4×4 trucks. “Where we previously offered two variants of the highly successful NPS 450 4×4, customers can now choose from seven variants across the NMS, NPS, and NQS model range. These models provide a broader selection of transmission options, GVM ratings, and cab configurations to suit a wide variety of applications, including apiculture and, in particular, service vehicles supporting the civil construction sector.”
GVM, transmissions, and cab choices
Across the expanded range, GVM ratings run from 5,995kg to 8,000kg depending on model, with a choice of manual or Isuzu’s 9-speed Dual Clutch Automated Manual Transmission on NMS and NQS models. Both Day Cab and Crew Cab configurations are available depending on model, and Electronic Stability Control and Electric Park Brake are fitted as standard across the range.
The 9-speed Dual Clutch AMT
Ballantyne says the new 9-speed Dual Clutch AMT, now available on NMS and NQS models, delivers tangible benefits for operators. “The new 9-speed Dual Clutch AMT delivers smoother operation and performance, particularly during full-power upshifts, while the spread of gear ratios keeps the engine operating in its most efficient RPM band.” For context, the outgoing NPS 450 4×4 that the range builds on runs a 114kW output at 419Nm of torque, paired with a manual transmission and an 11,000kg GCM rating.
A Crew Cab for people and equipment
With the addition of NMS and NPS Crew Cab variants, Ballantyne expects strong interest from operators needing to move people and equipment safely and efficiently. “We expect the new NMS and NPS Crew Cab models to be particularly popular with customers seeking an all-wheel-drive light-duty truck equipped with advanced safety features. These models can transport a crew of workers, be driven on a Class 1 licence, and offer greater payload capacity than a traditional ute.”
