ROAD TEST ISUZU GRAFTER


Isuzu Truck is offering a full automatic transmission in its popular Graſter 3.5-tonne truck, says Dan Gilkes.


kets. Isuzu Truck has offered an automated manual in its 3.5-tonne Grafter range be- fore, but has now adopted a full auto trans- mission for the first time.


A


Powertrain Though tackling a very different market sec- tor, the engine and transmission in the latest Grafter will be familiar to anyone that has driven the Isuzu D-Max pick-up. The heavier truck uses the same 1.9-litre Isuzu diesel en- gine, though tuned for the Grafter application. That means a reduction in power output,


to 118hp, but a boost in torque to 320Nm, to better suit the typical use of the truck. The Aisin six-speed auto transmission has like- wise been tailored to the typical duties of the Grafter truck.


The driveline combination is available in both short and long wheelbases and with sin- gle or twin rear wheels. It is expected to be- come a popular choice with customers.


Load carrying capacity Payload is one of the big reasons that custom- ers opt for a Grafter. The forward-control truck layout isn’t for everyone, but those companies that do go with an Isuzu tend to be looking for maximum load-carrying ability and ease of manoeuvrability.


This caged tipper is no exception to that


rule. The tipper body is available as a Drive- away product as part of Isuzu’s pre-bodied range, though the cage sides are an option that has been added to that.


The standard tipper with the auto box of-


fers a payload of 1,355kg, which certainly com- pares well with a conventional 3.5-tonne tip- per such as a Transit or a Sprinter. The only


Isuzu Graſter N35.125(SA) tipper


Basic price £28,325 Engine 1,898cc Power 118hp @ 3,200 Torque 320Nm @ 1,600rpm


Weights (kg) GVW 3,500 Kerb weight 2,145 Payload 1,355 Towing 2,500 (3,500kg with manual gearbox)


Dimensions (mm) Load space length 3,125 Load space width 1,740


Cost considerations Fuel tank capacity 68 litres AdBlue tank 10 litres Service interval 1 year/12,500 miles Warranty 3 years/unlimited miles


22 VANUSER • JUNE 2021 In the cab


While the engine and transmission are bang up to date, the Grafter’s interior is perhaps a little less so. Utilitarian would be the best de- scription for the hard grey plastics that make up much of the cab trim. That said, many Grafter users will appre- ciate that. If you are working in construction, tree surgery or grounds maintenance, then an easy to clean interior will be welcomed. The cab has electric windows and visibili- ty all around is excellent, helped by the com- pact dimensions and clear, large mirrors. The after-market ‘Max Power’ Kenwood DAB ste- reo could be easier to use though. Though not strictly ‘in the cab’, the fact that the cab tilts like a larger truck, provides com- plete access to the engine and transmission for service work.


Conclusion Very few Sprinter or Transit buyers are going to suddenly move across to the Isuzu Grafter, just because it now comes with an automatic transmission. Those vans are simply too dif- ferent in philosophy and in design. However, for the dedicated group of custom- ers that appreciate the compact dimensions, manoeuvrability and carrying capability of- fered by Grafter, the addition of an automat- ic transmission is likely to tick another box on the purchasing list.


The only thing likely to hold back some companies will be the reduction in towing ca- pacity. If you don’t need that, the auto mod- el is without doubt a big step forward for the compact Isuzu.


VanUser rating: 4.0


utomatic transmissions have be- come an increasingly popular option in both the van and light truck mar-


AUTOMATIC CHOICE


slight downside of the automatic transmission is a drop in towing capability, from 3.5-tonnes to 2.5-tonnes, which may be a deal-breaker for some of Isuzu’s customers that haul around mini excavators and arboricultural equipment.


On the road Unsurprisingly, for a compact truck with a 2.5m wheelbase and a 1,395mm track, things can get a little bouncy on rough roads. Hav- ing a bit of weight on the back helps though and the suspension seat soaks up most of the rough stuff.


The turning circle of this short wheelbase model would shame a London taxi though. Ma- noeuvrability really is second to none at this weight, which again will prove popular with the type of customers that the trucks attract. Not that the Grafter is limited to country roads or the urban crawl. If you need to tack- le dual carriageways and the odd motorway, the little truck is equally happy cruising at higher speeds.


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