It's hard to believe that the last time the Isuzu Elf (also called the N-Series) received a full-model change was way back in 2007. That means that the sixth generation has been on sale for 16 years.
Fast forward to 2023, and Isuzu has revealed the all-new seventh-generation Elf with a complete overhaul inside and out. Moreover, the new-generation light-duty truck is now available as an electric vehicle (EV).
Starting with its design, the 2023 N-Series gets a more aggressive look thanks to a new front grille that resembles the one used on the D-Max. It also comes with a pair of new eye-catching LED daytime running lights (DRLs) that give the N-Series a more discerning appearance than the outgoing sixth generation.
While the inside may be all about the business, Isuzu actually made some key changes to give drivers added comfort. For starters, Isuzu claims the cabin has been greatly expanded to give the driver more space. It also has larger door openings that provide easier ingress/egress. Even the position of the pedals has been adjusted to ensure that drivers can easily get to their preferred position before hitting the road.
In front of the driver is a new 7-inch multi-info display that can show vital operations like current speed, average fuel consumption, and many more. Perhaps the most important aspect of this is that it can also display the available intelligent driver aids.
That's right, the new Elf comes available with the following smart safety systems; pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, driver status monitor, emergency driving stop system, adaptive headlights, traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed limiter, and a front blind-spot monitor.
Helping the N-Series achieve better fuel economy while maximizing payload capacity is a new 9-speed dual-clutch transmission. Dubbed the “Isuzu Smooth Intelligent Transmission” (ISIM), the new gearbox offers improved fuel economy in tandem with the 4JZ1 turbo-diesel. Isuzu says the ISIM is capable of keeping RPMS low while also alleviating driver fatigue by reducing engine noise and vibration. In addition, the dual-clutch setup enables quicker gear changes to reduce torque loss and shift shock.
As mentioned earlier, the 2023 Isuzu N-Series is now available with an all-electric powertrain. The zero-emissions version is available in various configurations; 40 kWh (dual-battery setup), 60 kWh (triple battery setup), and 100 kWh (five batteries). No exact output figures or EV range were revealed but they did say that standard cab models of the EV can move 3.5 tons in gross vehicle weight (GVW) while the wide-body cab versions can carry up to 7.5 tons GVW.
Isuzu plans to sell around 40,000 units of the all-new N-Series per year in Japan. Other markets, on the other hand, will get it later this year or the next. That means we can expect Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) to bring in the seventh generation N-Series (or Elf) soon.
