Isuzu joins ranks of the off-road brigade with the launch of its newest model, the NLS 200
January 25, 2010
Isuzu Australia is joining the ranks of the off-road brigade with the launch of its newest model the NLS 200.
With a full car licence capability, the NLS is bringing Isuzu dependency to those operators that spend time off-road in their work day.
Fitted with manual locking front hubs and a limited slip differential in the rear axle, the NLS 200 provides drivers with a secure driveline connection when the terrain calls for increased traction.
Colin White, Isuzu’s manager for product planning and engineering support says the NLS 200 should appeal to councils who tend to parks and gardens, rural fire authorities that access fire trails, and it will also see service in mines as a communications vehicle.
To add to the safety and level of grip available to the driver, the NLS 200 has been fitted with 205/85R16 G557 lug tyres, and to improve the vehicle’s abilities both on and off-road, it uses a torsion bar independent front suspension system.
Unlike its larger NPS 250 and NPS 300 stable mates, the NLS 200 makes use of a single speed transfer case incorporating a viscous coupling drive to the front wheels, allowing the driver to add front-wheel drive to the equation via a convenient dashboard mounted switch, once the locking front hubs have been engaged.
Rated at a maximum GVM of 4,500 kg, the NLS 200 offers an excellent balance of payload capability combined with car-like comfort and convenience features, including ABS and ASR traction control, integrated air conditioning, a contoured adjustable driver’s seat, driver’s airbag, central locking and electric windows.
Isuzu offer s the NLS 200 with the SiTEC Series II 150, 4-cylinder 2,999cc common rail diesel engine with an air-to-air intercooler and electronically controlled variable nozzle turbocharger.
Performance is enhanced thanks to a torque curve that reaches its peak just after 1,500 rpm and offers 375Nm through to 2,800 rpm, while the 110 kW power arrives at 2,800 rpm, all going to ground through Isuzu’s 5-speed overdrive manual transmission, incorporating full synchromesh on all forward gears.