G & R News Gilbert & Roach Huntingwood October 2014

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NEWS GILBERT&ROACH Huntingwood The Truck People

OCTOBER 2014

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NEWS Hi there, Welcome to our first edition of G&R News, and the opportunity for our dealership to highlight all the great things that are happening at Huntingwood.

The brands we represent are all market leaders, but, to provide peace of mind, an operator needs to know that the product they select is backed 100 percent by the very best levels of customer service.

The investment in our facility, with superb workshops, excellent parts stocking and availability, and driver facilities, is backed by our major asset, our team that represents the brands of Kenworth, DAF, Isuzu Trucks and Isuzu Utes.

We know that we have great products to suit every type of transport task, but we also know that transport is a people-oriented business where relationships matter.

At Gilbert & Roach our team of professionals wants to work with you to help you grow your business in the months and years ahead. It’s a partnership that every member of our team values highly as we strive to provide you with the very best levels of customer service and support.

Thank you for joining us.

Kind regards,

Gary Melrose Dealer Principal

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west of Sydney has become the trucking hub of the city, and, with our Huntingwood facility on the Great Western Highway, Gilbert & Roach is ideally located to service all your transport requirements.

For our premium truck brands Huntingwood is the home of DAF and Kenworth, blending the best of European and North American technologies to find the perfect solution to your transport requirements.

As well as offering such a wide choice for our customers, there’s also the commonality in specification of each of the brands sharing the latest PACCAR MX 13-litre engine.

For those looking for heavier-duty applications at higher weights, Kenworth fits the bill with the latest engines from leading North American manufacturer Cummins.

The next step takes the buyer into Isuzu Truck territory, Australia’s leading truck manufacturer for 25 consecutive years. Isuzu Trucks offer one of the largest light truck, medium-duty and heavy truck ranges on the market. With the right specification for any local or intrastate operation, there’s an Isuzu solution that’s right on the money.

We also have an extensive range of low mileage, well maintained used vehicles. These provide further choices for operators looking for a lower cost alternative to new vehicles, or where specific transport tasks do not justify the move to a new vehicle.

Every transport operation needs a pick-up or delivery fleet, and that’s where Isuzu Ute really delivers. The Isuzu D-MAX Ute is recognised for its tough workmanlike ability, and, with a heritage that comes from Isuzu Trucks, it has the reputation that’s backed up with the expectation of long life and hard work.

The latest addition to the brand is the MU-X. This sevenseat SUV has all the toughness of the D-Max, sharing the same engine and driveline. It features a full chassis for strength, but adds a Multilink rear coil spring suspension to iron out the bumps.

Our philosophy at G&R Huntingwood is that irrespective of which truck make and model you choose, the reason you return to us is based on customer service.

Our service department features 33 service bays, 4 wash bays and 3 detailing shops. It was the first in NSW to incorporate a SuperFlow full-chassis dynamometer capable of handling small rigids of any kind as well as Cummins, Detroit, Caterpillar and Paccar engines. Also included is an RTA approved shaker brake test unit that simulates road conditions and highlights movement or wear present in shackles and joints etc.

Service appointments may be made in person, by phone or on-line, removing waiting time and minimising any interruption of your working day. Our mobile service units are also available 24/7, providing roadside assistance.

We know how downtime impacts on your efficiency and profitability, and to keep your trucks on the road our workshop can offer a 90-minute turnaround time from the commencement of the job. This covers all standard service requirements for a prime mover and both trailers of a B-double combination or a rigid truck and dog trailer. Check out our fixed-price service and maintenance contracts to provide peace of mind to your business.

For those customers that prefer to take control of their own service requirements we provide a simple and efficient on-line parts ordering system backed by our regular three times per day delivery service to your own depot. Check out our regular specials for those cost-effective bargains.

We also respect your employees, and if your drivers need a base while they are waiting for their truck to be serviced they are welcome to relax and enjoy our onsite individual motel-style accommodation. With shower facilities, comfortable seating, TV area, kitchenette, and personal laundry and dryer, each driver can rest or sleep before heading back on the road.

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t’s great to have choice, and that’s exactly what buyers of the Kenworth T-Series have with the availability of the PACCAR MX 13-litre under the bonnet and matched to an Eaton Roadranger, either in manual shift form or as the UltraShift Plus.

The PACCAR MX-13 has made its reputation on our shores under the cab of the DAF XF and CF models, and over that time has proven to be both reliable and fuel efficient. The availability of this engine with the Kenworth T-Series offers operators a new solution, supported by the confidence that only comes from proven components.

The T409 and T409SAR are well regarded for their strength, durability and versatility. Suitable for many tasks, from truck and dog to 26-metre B-double duties, the T4 platform is well proven and well accepted by both the drivers and the operators who buy them.

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The PACCAR MX-13 is a 12.9-litre, in-line six that uses a single-stage turbocharger and high-pressure (2,000 bar) fuel injection to achieve a maximum power output of 510 hp (375 kW) and 1850 lb-ft (2500 Nm) of torque (equal to the optional 15-litre ISXe5). A lower rating of 460 hp (340 kW) and 1700 lb-ft (2300 Nm) of torque is also available for those who prefer to save on their horsepower, offering possible fuel savings on single trailer or light-duty tasks.

Both the block and the head are built using Compact Graphite Iron (CGI), a stronger but lighter material than cast iron, providing significant weight savings over the Cummins options. The combustion process is optimised to reduce particulate emissions, and combined with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR, or AdBlue) brings the MX-13 into line with Euro 5 emission regulations.

CLEAN LIVING While it would seem a simple process to install a 13-litre Euro engine under the bonnet of an American truck, the engineering was actually a difficult task. Not so much the fitment of the engine, but the integration of the 24-volt electrics required to operate all of the ancillary equipment.

To make this simpler, Kenworth engineers have converted the whole electrical system throughout the truck to 24 volts, with voltage reducers enabling fitment of standard radios and operation of other 12-volt equipment.

The change will be barely noticeable to operators and drivers, and the increase in availability of multi-volt electrical equipment, including lights and in-cab gadgets, should mean there will be very few electrical-related issues.

The actual positioning of the engine is low in the chassis, keeping the centre of gravity low and providing for good handling characteristics. There is certainly plenty of room around the engine for access, though some components that are positioned low on the side of the block may be difficult to get to. The oil filler cap is way back under the cab, but a replacement filler line is positioned for easy access to top up the sump.

INCREASING APPEAL KENWORTH T-SERIES ADDS THE PACCAR MX 13-LITRE TO ITS PORTFOLIO

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The PACCAR MX-13, a great alternative for the T-Series.

The good news for the traditionalists is that you can still have external air intakes and twin stacks up the side of the cab, while, for those looking for aero advantage, a low-mounted exhaust can be directed out under the chassis.

To evaluate the ability of the MX in the T409, G&R News took to the road to drive with different trailer combinations and weights, and a mixture of manual and AMT Eaton transmissions.

Upon start up, the sound was obviously very different from the usual Cummins.

At idle the MX-13 was smooth and quiet, and under acceleration it was obvious from the noise levels inside the cab that something had changed.

With the window down, noise levels were still low, even while negotiating steep climbs under load. At one stage, in the T409SAR towing a B-double loaded to 62 tonnes, we had to stop part way through a steep climb due a slow vehicle ahead. With the trailers still tracking around the corner, and a fairly steep grade underneath, the MX13 pulled away without the need for crawler gear, and continued to accelerate up the grade, albeit using half gear steps but maintaining good progress.

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CLEAN LIVING

The performance of the 13-litre MX will surprise a lot of operators.

In a market where 15-litre engines are the norm, this step back from a big-bore engine proves the engine is more than capable. With equally impressive engine braking from the combination exhaust and engine brake setup, there is no reason to doubt the MX-13’s ability or suitability for the B-double market.

Undoubtedly, some prospective buyers will wonder how a 13-litre, as opposed to 15-litre, can produce the same torque, over a wider rev range, and with less noise. Reduced weight and promises of good fuel efficiency are impressive, and it’s well worth noting that back in the Kenworth heartland of North America the MX13 engine is found under the bonnets of almost half of the new trucks that roll out of PACCAR plants proudly wearing the Kenworth and Peterbilt badges on their bonnets.

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BUSINESS CLASS GILBERT & ROACH

Kenworth smartens up its interior design for its conventional range

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advantages of maintaining a local engineering, research and development base in the Australian market has paid dividends for Kenworth, as highlighted by the company’s ability to develop and introduce the PACCAR MX 13-litre engine through its T409 range.

But recent activity down at the company’s Bayswater, Victoria, head office and factory has not just been confined to engine installation. The interior of the conventional cab has also come under the spotlight and the result is a major upgrade to appearance, look and feel, with the intention of greatly improving driver comfort, safety and productivity.

The new Business Class interior is decked out in fresh, contemporary colour schemes and styling.

It includes Kenworth’s Smart Wheel steering wheel with fingertip controls, a curved dash and overhead console, and a privacy curtain – all of which make a more roomy, functional driver environment.

Full-length grab rails provide safer entry and exit from the vehicle, by enabling three-point contact to be maintained at all times.

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Andrew Hadjikakou, PACCAR Australia’s director of sales and marketing, said the new conventional cab and Business Class interior is the result of two years research and development, and takes cues from the redesign and upgrade to Kenworth’s K200 cab-over interior.

“We were overwhelmed by the positive response to the K200’s new interior. Operators were impressed with the driver-friendly innovations and overall spaciousness and comfort. That feedback inspired us to go one step further with the cabs in our conventional trucks.”

CLEAN LIVING

A uniform dashboard layout and improved ergonomics ensure familiarity with controls and make it easier for drivers to move from one model to another.

“The T659 and the C509 cabs also have more seat room and a curved windscreen, which is now standard across the conventional truck range,” said Andrew.

There are tangible benefits for the driver, with the dashboard appearance improved from an ergonomic standpoint to improve functionality and simplify switch control. The dash itself and overhead console now curves around the driver. This improves visibility and provides easier access to all instruments and information displays.

The redesign has repositioned frequently-used equipment closer to the driver and less-used items further away. Radios and auxiliary switches have been moved from the overhead console to improve driver safety.

Andrew said the first challenge was developing an identical cab across the conventional range, not only in look and feel but also dimension.

“The end result provided a bonus for customers of the T359, T659 and C509 models with the new cab being larger than their previous cabs.

“The new T359 cab has a higher ceiling and more depth. This provides more head space and room for seat adjustment, which will benefit larger drivers.

“We have relocated items from the console, so that they are easier to reach. This has allowed us to make room for more storage areas in the console, but, most importantly, it reduced distraction and improved the field of vision,” said Andrew.

The fully functional Smart Wheel features button controls to operate vital functions such as the engine brake, cruise control and high-beam headlights. All electronic service components, HVAC and electrical circuitry have been relocated behind a new panel in front of the passenger seat. This provides better access, and makes repairs and maintenance easier.

Another benefit for drivers heading for a good night’s sleep is that the interior privacy curtain now wraps around the entire windscreen and both door windows. Made from heavy-duty vinyl, the curtain provides complete privacy for changing or sleeping. It also enhances the cab’s living space by visually separating it from the outside world.

This makes it more comfortable for relaxing, watching TV or attending to paperwork.

Kenworth’s new Business Class interior comes complete with bright, contemporary colours, which open up the driver environment, making it feel more spacious.

The trim is durable vinyl that is easy to clean and maintain.

The new Business Class cab interior enables fleet owners, with more than one Kenworth model, to have a uniform look and feel to the cabs. This allows them to standardise their workshop processes and practices, making servicing and repairs more efficient. For the driver, it means that familiarity is maintained for controls and equipment even through vehicle changes, thanks to all essential equipment being placed in a similar position.

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THE PERFECT DAF AND POWERCRETE MAKE FOR POWERFUL PUMPING PARTNERS

PUMPER IN

the world of concrete the questions everyone ask always relate to capacity and length. What is the maximum length of the boom extension?

How many sections? How manoeuvrable is it?

What are the axle ratings? What is the tare weight?

There’s good reasoning behind the precise inquiries, as, in the world of concrete, efficiency is dictated by the level of equipment used and of course the weather. Undoubtedly the average concreter has a direct line upstairs to check on rain, squalls, sunshine and heatwaves, all of which significantly affect the possibility of the perfect pour.

The infrastructure necessary to complete a major concrete pour is an impressive event, with fleets of agitators lining up to discharge before heading back to base to replenish their loads. At the same time, teams of men with biceps the average bloke can’t jump over are wading knee deep in the product, making sure it sets at the right pace, neither too fast nor too slow.

Fred Sadek has to be Australia’s proudest concrete pump operator, due largely to having taken delivery of the first version of a new design that offers greater efficiency and versatility for Australian concreting.

We’ll start with the base unit, a DAF CF85 with a 460 hp PACCAR turbocharged diesel and 16-speed synchromesh manual transmission. With a GVM of 40 tonnes, this 8x4 features twin 9-tonne-rated front axles and 26-tonne-rated bogie drive featuring hub reduction axles.

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CLEAN LIVING Tyre matching for the weight rating sees the front axles using Continental 315/80R22.5 sizes on the drive axles and 385/65R22.5 sizing on both steer axles.

G & R News caught up with Alex Piccioni, managing director of POWERCRETE, the Sydney company responsible for completing the installation of the pumping system imported from Italy.

“This DAF is absolutely class leading,” said Alex.

“With a 6.7-metre wheelbase and a capacity of 18 tonnes for the front axles and 26 tonnes for the drive axles, the machine actually comes in with a tare weight of 37.2 tonnes, under the GVM for the unit of 40 tonnes.

“It’s unbelievable in this industry that we are able to complete this installation to create a 51-metre boom extension with a 12-metre overall vehicle length. It’s very compact and is easy to manoeuvre in tight city streets, and complies with the road rules in all states.

“It’s about a three-month turn around for fitment.

Pumping capacity is 150 cubic metres per hour with pressures of up to 76 bar. With this equipment we can reach a full height of 51 metres using five stages with a roll fold RZ unit. The first, second and third stages all use a roll fold while the fourth stage works on the Z principle,” added Alex Piccioni.

The DAF CF85-460 is one of the few heavy-duty chassis capable of accepting this level of equipment.

The DAF CF85 was supplied by Huntingwood-based DAF dealership Gilbert & Roach, where sales manager Glenn Jewell echoed the enthusiasm of Alex Piccioni and Fred Sadek.

“The DAF CF85-460 is one of the few heavy-duty chassis capable of accepting this level of equipment.

The efficiency this unit can offer to the concrete business is a unique first for the industry,” said Glenn.

“As well as providing an ideal base for the equipment, the DAF comes complete with EBS and a host of safety features, making it a class-leading result for this industry sector,” added Glenn.

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STRENGTH BY

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ISUZU’S CONTINUING MARKET LEADERSHIP FOR 25 YEARS IS UNDERPINNED BY A GREAT DEPTH OF ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE he 25 years in which Isuzu has occupied the top spot is nothing short of remarkable.

This is where the strength in the brand lies – the customer knows what to expect from their purchase. The current NLR, NQR and NPR models may have plenty of new technology on board, but the basic driving experience still has that familiarity that comes with all Isuzu trucks.

The Isuzu NLR is powered by a 3.0-litre four-cylinder engine that provides 110 kW (147 Hp) and 375 Nm (275 lb-ft) of torque. While it’s only a small engine, it does still use some of the technology more commonly attributed to larger diesel engines, most notable being the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF).

The power output is quite adequate for the 4.5 tonnes GVM, making it easy to keep up with traffic with the five-speed manual gearbox providing a good spread of ratios, whether you are in the city traffic or on the highway. The urban environment is where the NLR seems to shine brightest, with an easy moving gear shift and good acceleration providing a pleasant driving experience around town. An automated manual (AMT) option is available.

There is no mistaking the Japanese influence on the inside of the cab.

The dashboard is low set, with all controls in easy reach, and easily identified.

The big mirrors on the NLR have all the features you could ask for, with electrically adjusted main mirrors and spotter mirrors on each side, and the added bonus of being heated.

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CLEAN LIVING With a good load on board the NLR ride is smoothed out, and any driver will find that after each successive pick up, the ride quality improves as the load gets heavier.

The NQR is a couple of steps up in the Isuzu range, with a GVM of 8.7 tonnes. This truck has a 5.0-litre engine, which puts out 139 kW (186 hp) and 510 Nm (376 lb-ft), and drives through the six-speed AMT transmission. The AMT makes great use of the available power, making quick and clean shifts to keep the engine working in the best rev range for power and economy.

The cab is larger than the NLR, providing plenty of room for three adults to fit comfortably. The interior fitment is typical of the functional Japanese truck style. Again, all the controls are placed logically, and are easy to spot when you need them. There is a little more storage room in the NQR, but basically the interior is the same across the Isuzu range. This is another reason fleet owners are loyal to the brand, as they can send a driver out in different sized trucks, but they will all be set out the same. This means the driver will be more familiar with the controls, and immediately more comfortable behind the wheel.

The display in the centre of the dash contains a touchscreen that is used for many functions including radio operation, Bluetooth connection and the rearward camera when reversing. The radio unit also incorporates digital radio, providing many more stations when driving in the city.

The reversing camera is really a valuable safety feature. Reversing into a tight driveway between units and trees, a driver can rely on the camera to give an accurate view with good perspective, making the manoeuvre much safer.

As most drivers will discover, it’s not just the technology that sells trucks. Isuzu has maintained the position in the market because its customers appreciate the basics of practicality and performance.

While the fleet customers might be concerned with environmental performance and fuel efficiency, the average tradie just wants something that will start first time every time and do the job with comfort.

Isuzu engineers have done a great job of integrating technology for the benefit of all drivers, without the driver even having to know that technology exists. The simple, no-fuss driveability of these trucks hides the smarts that are working throughout the truck, and this makes life easy for the operator.

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EIGHT-WHEELED ABILITY ISUZU’S FYJ 2000 8X4 COMBINES A HIGH PAYLOAD WITH A LOW TARE WEIGHT

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t always pays to listen to your customers, and Isuzu did just that when it came to optimising its FY twin steer for agitator and hook-lift and drilling work.

There’s been a significant shift away from conventional trucks in the agitator market, and many traditional operators in the concrete business are coming to appreciate some of the recent changes made by Isuzu to its FYJ 2000 8x4 unit.

Automatic transmissions have always been popular in the concrete agitator segment, and Isuzu has teamed the six-speed automatic Allison HD 4430 series with Hendrickson HAS461 airbag rear suspension within a shorter wheelbase, shaving off 713 mm of length when compared to the medium-wheelbase model to achieve 5,087 mm.

The reduction in wheelbase and overall length has been achieved by repositioning chassis-mounted components such as air tanks and batteries.

This enables the fully-bodied unit to offer a turning circle of under 17.5 metres.

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CLEAN LIVING Weight savings have also been achieved by fitting Alcoa alloy wheels and specially selected 11R22.5 Yokohama tyres that individually also represent weight reductions when compared with other brands.

The result is a compact yet capable agitator with great manoeuvrability around the inner city and within building sites that are tight for space. When working in more open areas with low traction levels, such as on mud and wet ground, the standard driver-controlled differential cross locks are a major asset in maintaining traction.

The fuel tank has been downsized from the standard 400-litre unit and Isuzu has implemented a vertical exhaust stack to save space on the chassis. The loadsharing front suspension features single-stage alloy taper leaf springs. Meritor Q-Plus dual circuit, full air S-Cam drum brakes with automatic slack adjusters are fitted to all axles.

The FYJ’s Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) exhaust system resists the move as taken by other manufacturers into SCR technology, and this is matched to Isuzu’s sixcylinder, 24-valve, 9.3-litre diesel that produces 345 hp (257 kW) at 2,000 rpm. Peak torque of 1,422 Nm is rated at 1,400 rpm. The engine uses a variable nozzle turbocharger together with an air-to-air intercooler, and the emissions levels are fully Euro V compliant.

Although now very compact in terms of overall dimensions, there’s nothing lacking for the driver when it comes to cab comfort and safety.

The Isuzu cab stacks up very well against European competition and is coil-sprung to reduce road shocks from affecting comfort levels inside the cab. Driver safety is looked after by the fitment of a driver’s SRS airbag, and, with a cab construction that conforms to ECE-R29 crash resistance compliance, the unit comes with full under-run protection (FUPS), anti-lock braking, cruise control and an ISRI 6860 driver suspension seat as standard.

The FYJ 8x4 cabin features the now standard Digital Audio Visual Entertainment (DAVE) system with 15.7cm touchscreen, CD/DVD player, digital radio, AM/FM tuner, Bluetooth phone connection and audio streaming, combined with voice commands. The same unit can also incorporate optional satellite navigation, tyre pressure monitoring system and up to four video cameras to allow the driver to monitor vehicle operation.

Thanks to the load-sharing front suspension system with its unique damped mechanical equalising rocker connecting the end of the lead spring with the leading end of the second spring, it’s a real winning combination.

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TOUGH

NUT ISUZU UTE’S D-MAX GETS THE THUMBS UP FOR GETTING THE TOUGH JOB DONE EASILY

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suzu Ute Australia has experienced unrivalled success since launching the first D-Max Ute in 2002. With a growth rate in the market close to averaging 20 percent, the D-Max enforces its core values of strength and practicality combined with the highest levels of durability and customer satisfaction.

Far from being a male dominated domain, the buyer profile of the D-Max in the Australian market is shown as being 53 percent female, of which 35 percent are aged 35-49, and 30 percent are aged 50-64 years.

Chassis rails are stronger, bearings and bushes reinforced and even sheet metal is thicker than that used by some of the Isuzu Ute competition. But the heart of the D-Max reputation is its engine, and the 3.0-litre diesel is one of the best available in this market segment.

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Just in the same way as the suspension has to cope with a major overload situation almost on a daily basis in some developing countries, the engine has to provide sufficient power and torque to cater for every requirement.

All D-Max Utes are built in Thailand. To get a real indication of the ability of Isuzu as an engine builder, G & R News headed for Isuzu Ute’s 4x4 Land, the company’s official off-road driver training centre, about two hours drive outside Bangkok. Here, we could assess power, performance and general off-road ability under controlled circumstances.

Isuzu does have some unique abilities built in to the D-Max, which make it particularly capable when climbing very steep hills. With its computer-controlled, engine idle-up management included in every D-Max, it’s possible to drive a D-Max up a 40-degree slope without any involvement by the driver in touching the throttle pedal.

CLEAN LIVING UTE

In low range, first gear, the computer controlling the engine management system monitors power and torque demand and keeps the engine operating above stall speed. Provided the vehicle maintains traction through each tyre, it will climb the hill unaided. Similarly, it will also descend the same gradient relying totally on engine compression braking, without the driver introducing any auxiliary braking.

At Isuzu’s 4x4 Land, the chief instructor and a percentage of his team of instructors also work within the marketing department, bringing their own expertise to the design and ability of current and future products.

It’s this involvement in the end use of the Isuzu Ute range that supplies the fundamental difference to this company’s style and substance of operation. It’s one thing to have good designers and engineers; it’s a substantial benefit to know the team also has a deep understanding of vehicle application.

Knowing that families also need the strength and versatility of a typical Isuzu D-Max resulted in the company developing the MU-X. This seven-seat SUV shares the same strong 3.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel with five-speed manual and automatic transmissions, but teams these with an independent coil sprung front suspension and five-link coil-sprung, live axle rear design.

The reputation of Isuzu Ute in the Australian market (IUA) has always centred on the strength and durability of the product. With the MU-X, buyers can choose between 2WD and 4WD models at prices a family can afford, from the entry-level LS-M, to the top spec’ LS-T. Isuzu has not held back from offering a high-end list of inclusions, such as leather trim, climate control air conditioning, touchscreen navigation with reverse camera, and roof-mounted DVD entertainment system for rear seat passengers.

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GILBERT & ROACH The Australian version of the MU-X continues to use the highly respected 3.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged and intercooled diesel that produces 130 kW at 3,600 rpm with peak torque of 380 Nm rated from 1,800 to 2,800 rpm.

There’s an obvious common design look between the D-Max and the MU-X, although the only identical components are in fact the bonnet and front doors.

The ladder-frame chassis is basically similar, except for the pick-up points of the rear suspension where traditional leaf springs used on the D-Max now switch to being coil springs on the MU-X. There’s a plethora of product competing for attention in the Australian SUV crossover segment, but where the MU-X scores is in its ability to combine excellent axle articulation with the class-leading engine in this category.

This is a crossover SUV that will go where others won’t, while providing excellent ride and handling characteristics when on-road.

Whether you choose the versatile D-Max crew cab, the hardworking D-Max cab chassis or go for the family option of the MU-X, you know they all come with the Isuzu ute reputation for strength and ability.

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CLEAN LIVING UTE

First impressions confirm the good on-road ride and handling ability with very low interior noise levels and very good matching between the 3.0-litre diesel engine and its five-speed Aisin automatic transmission. Compared with other SUVs, access into the third-row seating is much easier, and the overall package is much more appealing.

Considering the reputation of the chassis, suspension, engine and driveline comes with such a high pedigree, this new opportunity could really bring the company forwards towards its goal of supplying 10 percent market share by 2015.

The MU-X features six SRS airbags, traction control, vehicle stability control and four-channel ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist, four wheel disc brakes, reverse camera and rear park assist sensors.

At the same time as the launch of the MU-X, Isuzu also released a series of upgrades for the D-Max Ute range.

These include a rise on permitted maximum tow limits for braked trailers to 3,500 kg (with a towball downforce of 300 kg), a climate-controlled air conditioning system, improved infotainment, and GPS navigation system. Pricing remains similar to the previous model level.

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GILBERT&ROACH Huntingwood The Truck People

02 8825 1000

OUR CONTACTS Address

8 Huntingwood Dr. cnr Great Western H’way, Huntingwood NSW

Phone: (02) 8825 1000 FAX: (02) 8825 1079

MAP WHERE TO FIND US

Emergency / After Hours H’wood Breakdown: 0407 064 775 H’wood Parts: 0418 640 006

Operating Hours Mon-Fri Sales: 8am - 5pm Service: 7.30am - 10pm Parts: 7.30am - 10pm Sat Sales: 8am - 5pm Service by apt: 8am - 12pm Parts: 8am - 5pm

www.gilbertandroachsydney.com.au