G&R News Huntingwood Issue 3 JUNE 2015 by Gilbert & Roach Huntingwood

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NEWS Huntingwood

Dealer Licence No: 13965 MVRL No: 29259

The Truck People

JUNE 2015

24th Annual

“OFF THE PALLET” Sale Day

D NSW 2148 8 HUNTINGWOOD DR. HUNTINGWOO FEBRUARY 2015 - 5:00pm SATURDAY 20th JUNE 2015 8:00am

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NEWS Hi there, As the dealer principal at G&R Huntingwood, I am very fortunate to head up a great team that individually and collectively has the right knowledge to help our customers make their final choice when it comes to vehicle purchase. I am particularly proud of the achievement of two of our sales personnel that have been recognised for their expertise by PACCAR Australia. Lloyd Moran received the Kenworth T3 Sales Achiever Award, recognising excellent development of niche markets for the Kenworth product in segments 3,4 and 5, continually growing incremental sales within each new market, and creating a vocational spec suitable for major fleets and owner/operators applications. Ray Casley has received the Top Gun Award recognising the DAF sales person that has delivered the most DAF Trucks in Australia throughout 2014, excluding any fleet business. The investment in our facility, with superb workshops, excellent parts stocking and availability, rest facilities for drivers and the expertise of our staff at all levels is an example of how much we value your business. Kind regards,

Gary Melrose Dealer Principal

Lloyd Moran 2

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Ray Casley

IT’S

time for some great bargains at Gilbert & Roach Huntingwood as we head towards the second half of the year with the annual pallet sale. The G&R pallet sale was originally developed many years ago and has since grown into an opportunity for us to open up our stock inventory to provide our customers with real cost savings. With up to 600 customers joining us throughout the day, the pallet sale provides an opportunity to stock up your own parts inventory or buy the accessories that you’ve been thinking about but not got around to purchasing. It’s also a great day for catching up with friends in the industry and to talk with our experts about new developments and product upgrades. Join us for a sausage sizzle through the day and take the opportunity to talk to representatives from the engine and transmission suppliers as well as our own team of professionals. Everything is on sale, and with some discounts reaching 15 percent we guarantee that everyone will find something that tempts them and at the same time saves them dollars. “The pallet sale has always been a huge success at G&R and we put in a tremendous amount of work beforehand to make sure we have the right levels of stock to make it a success,” said Peter Davies, Gilbert and Roach’s parts manager at Huntingwood.

E L A S T E L L A P A YEAR G&R 5] 1 0 2 _ H T 0 2 _ E N U J ,_ Y A [SATURD

Gilbert and Roach Huntingwood itself holds $6.2 million of parts stock, covering the brands of Kenworth, DAF, Isuzu Trucks and Isuzu Utes. With 58,000 separate products lines held in the G&R parts warehouse, Peter has a team of 42 personnel to make sure that when a part is required it’s ready and waiting for the customer or their vehicle. “In the past two years our parts warehousing capability has expanded by over 30 percent. To match that growth in business has resulted in an increase of racking and storage options from 300 pallet spaces out to 700 pallet spaces stored on five different levels,” said Peter. “Our target at last year’s pallet sale was $500,000 of parts and accessories, and we exceeded our targets with total sales of $640,000. I’d love to reach $750,000 this year as it represents such good savings for our customers.

“That’s an amazing target, and it also brings a huge demand for subsequent delivery. Some guys might order $35,000 of filters and that changes the delivery structures. Customers can collect their purchases on the day or we can deliver to their door. We deliver anything and everything from five litres of oil upwards, with savings on some items as high as 15 percent.

TAX CHANGES FOR SMALL BUSINESS The Australian Government announced a new measure for small businesses with immediate deductibility for assets less than $20,000 in the 2015 Budget on 12th May 2015. The measure will require legislation and applies to assets acquired from 7:30 p.m. on 12th May 2015.

ACCELERATED DEPRECIATION All small businesses will get an immediate tax deduction for any individual assets they buy costing less than $20,000. Currently, the threshold sits at $1,000. This $20,000 limit applies to each individual item. Small businesses can apply this $20,000 rule to as many individual items as they wish. These arrangements start from Budget night and continue until the end of June 2017. Further information on accelerated depreciation is available on the ATO website at www.ato.gov.au.

TAX CUTS

“The pallet sale takes place in the parts department and also in the warehouse. Everything, all the stock they can see in the warehouse is priced for customers to see. “The sale covers all brands – Kenworth, DAF, Isuzu and Isuzu Ute – with general service items, brake drums, brake shoes, oil filters, air filters, and even gearboxes. Last year we sold 18 steering boxes. We get the stock in and we are ready for anything. We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, June 20th,” said Peter.

The government is reducing the tax rate for more than 90 percent of incorporated businesses with annual turnover less than $2 million. The company tax rate for these businesses will be reduced by 1.5 percentage points to 28.5 percent. To help all Australian small businesses grow, the government will also provide a 5 percent tax discount to unincorporated businesses with annual turnover less than $2 million from 1st July 2015. This delivers a tax cut of $1.8 billion over the next four years. Further information on tax cuts for small business is available on the ATO website at www.ato.gov.au GILBERT & ROACH JUNE 2015

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CLASS WITH

When it comes to safety, Kenworth is class leading with Electronic Brake Safety Systems (EBSS) including Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Automatic Traction Control (ATC), Drag Torque Control (DTC) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP), as well as 12-volt Trailer Response Management (TRM).

Brisbane Truck Show Special Report

Making cabin entry and egress on the K200 easier is the optional Active Cab Entry (ACE) system. This is an automated step system whereby a set of wide, non-slip steps deploys out beneath the door, and LED lights illuminate the cab foot wells. Full-length grab rails also make it safer to enter and exit the vehicle, by enabling three-point contact to be maintained at all times.

KENWORTH The Kenworth brand is always striving for improvement, and the latest innovations provide drivers with exciting upgrades such as the new ‘Business Class’ interiors and the innovative Active Cab Entry (ACE) system on the K200.

he K200 cab now boasts the Business Class interior with the luxurious ‘King Suite’ sleeper bunk.

Available as an option in the 2.8 m Aerodyne cab, the King Suite sleeper bunk features a 1,070 mm wide sleeper mattress and over 48 litres of increased storage space. When designing the King Suite bunk, Kenworth’s engineers were able to cleverly enhance liveability, convenience and function by introducing an optional illuminated tri-storage compartment at the rear of the cab, and an additional under-bunk storage compartment, whilst also increasing toolbox volume. The K200 prime mover on display at the Brisbane Truck Show was rated to 90 tonnes GCM and featured the Cummins 15-litre ISXe5 SCR engine, producing 525 hp (391 kW) and 1,850 lb-ft (2,500 Nm) of torque. The driveline included the Eaton UltraShift Plus FO-20E318B-MXP Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) coupled to Meritor RT46-160 rear axles.

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The new Business Class interior in Kenworth’s conventional model range heralds a major interior upgrade – both inside and out – and includes a host of innovations that greatly improve driver comfort, safety and productivity. There is now an identical cab across the conventional range, not only in look and feel but also dimension. The interior features a luxurious, high-quality finish that is available in a broad range of contemporary colour and trim choices. The new conventional model Business Class interior includes Kenworth’s ‘Smart Wheel’ steering wheel with fingertip controls, a reconfigured curved dash, overhead console and privacy curtains – all of which make a roomier, safer, more functional driver environment.

CLEAN LIVING The T359 cab has a higher ceiling and more depth. This provides more head space and room for seat adjustment, which will benefit larger drivers. The T659 and the C509 cabs also have more seat room and a curved windscreen for enhanced forward visibility, both of which are now standard across the conventional truck range. Entering the cab, the first thing you notice is the ergonomically-designed dash that curves around the driver, and the convenient overhead console. This improves visibility and provides easier access to all instruments and information displays. The entire layout has been redesigned, repositioning frequently-used equipment closer to the driver and less-used items further away. Radios and auxiliary switches have also been moved from the overhead console to the main console, so that they are easier to reach. This has resulted in more storage areas in the overhead console, but, most importantly, it reduces the opportunities for driver distraction and improves the driver’s field of vision. Kenworth kept to its traditional values at the Brisbane Truck Show with the display of the classically-styled T659 road train, a favoured prime mover particularly for multitrailer livestock transportation. Developed for extreme applications, the T659 combines proven reliability with comfort and performance no matter what the conditions. The range is available in a variety of engine, transmission and axle choices, allowing the customer to tailor a package to best suit the intended application. The display truck featured an ISXe5 engine with 550 hp (410 kW) and 1,850 lb-ft (2,508 Nm) of torque. The driveline featured an Eaton RTLO22918B 18-speed manual transmission, one of five variants of the Roadranger available in the T659 range. Completing the high-quality driveline offerings are Dana D52-190 axles and Kenworth 21-tonne multi-leaf rear suspension.

There’s no doubt the 50” Aero Modular sleeper is one of the most comfortable available. And, from behind the driver’s seat, visibility through the large, curved windscreen is excellent down the T659’s gently-sloped bonnet. Further upgrades for the T659 include Kenworth’s Smart Wheel steering wheel, providing fingertip access for engine brake, high beam headlights and cruise functions. The cabin also offers convenient storage compartments, privacy curtain and a range of seating options designed to maximise comfort and minimise fatigue. Standing proud alongside the T659 was the traditionalstyle, long-bonneted T909, complete with an Aero 50inch sleeper. This is one truck that excels in almost any application, from logging to livestock, pulling a single trailer or a triple road train, where the front axle weight is critical. GILBERT & ROACH JUNE 2015

GILBERT & ROACH Rated to a GCM of 115-tonne, the 6x4 prime mover featured a Cummins ISXe5 engine producing 550 hp (410 kW) and 1,850 lb-ft (2,508 Nm) of torque. The driveline included an Eaton Roadranger RTLO22918B 18-speed manual gearbox, and Meritor RT50-160GP rear axles riding on Kenworth 21-tonne multi-leaf rear suspension. Kenworth’s premium aerodynamic conventional prime mover, the T609, was also on display at the show, offering an ideal solution for multiple-trailer combinations, including B-double and road trains. Fitted with Kenworth’s 36-inch integrated sleeper, Aero Flat Back, and rated to 90 tonnes, the T609 featured a Cummins ISXe5 SCR 525 hp (391 kW) engine producing 1,850 lb-ft (2,508 Nm) of torque. The driveline for this example featured Eaton’s RTLO20918B 18-speed manual gearbox, Meritor RT46-160 rear axles and Airglide 460 rear suspension. Representing the T4 Series were a T409 and T409SAR. Both these models featured the PACCAR MX-13 engine producing 510 hp (375 kW) and 1,850 lb-ft (2,500 Nm) of torque. The T409 is ideal for maximum payload single trailer and 26-metre B-double combinations, and very suitable for general freight or tanker operations.

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Its T409SAR stablemate is well suited to provide maximum payload under Australian regulations for 19-metre B-double and most quad-dog applications, whilst also providing extra versatility to fit the 26-metre B-double envelope with the 36” sleeper. The T409 features the Eaton’s UltraShift Plus Automated Manual Transmission that’s been specifically optimised to the PACCAR MX-13 engine, while the T409SAR uses the more traditional RTLO22918B 18-speed manual gearbox. Both vehicles share the same Dana D46-170 rear axles and rear suspension base, Kenworth’s Airglide 460 for the T409SAR and Airglide 400 in the T409. The T409 on display at the Brisbane Truck Show was equipped with the 36” Aero Roof Recessed Back sleeper while the T409SAR featured a 36” sleeper but with a mid-roof. Such is PACCAR’s confidence in the MX-13 package, that it’s offering a standard three-year/750,000 km driveline warranty on all T409 and T409SAR models powered by the PACCAR MX-13 engine. This warranty also covers the Eaton UltraShift Plus transmission. Completing the line-up was the T359A, which offers exceptional manoeuvrability and visibility in a conventional truck. The T359A is the ideal solution for high-volume concrete agitator tasks where it can deliver maximum loads and maximum productivity. Rated to a GVM of 28.5 tonnes, the T359A on display was powered by a Cummins ISLe5 SCR engine, producing 360 hp (269 kW) and 1,180 lb-ft (1,600 Nm) of torque. The spec included a six-speed Allison 3200P automatic gearbox, Dana DSH40P rear axles including 2x DCDL (driver controlled differential lock) and Airglide 400 rear suspension. GILBERT & ROACH JUNE 2015

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) (Brisbane_Truck_Sh)ow (Special_Report

DAF s stunning new T It was all action on the DAF stand at the Brisbane Truck Show as the company profiled its latest model for Australia, the 2015 DAF LF, as well as portraying a strong five-truck display of other DAF products.

LF Euro 5 range

he new Euro 5 LF range features a stunning new exterior and interior cab design, coupled with a powerful-yet-efficient PACCAR PR 6.7-litre Euro 5 engine, in a choice of two output ratings.

Available with GVM ratings of 12, 16 and 18 tonnes and featuring low tare weights, the LF range is well suited to urban, metro and intra-city distribution work. Standard safety features include front and rear ventilated disc brakes, Electronic Braking System (EBS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Anti-slip Control (ASR), Hill Start aid and front and rear under-run protection (FUPS). A driver’s airbag and seatbelt pre-tensioners are available as an option, together with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), tyre pressure indicator and side-view camera system. The new DAF LF Euro 5 is available in two different cab variants: a 160 cm Day Cab and a 200 cm Sleeper Cab, which includes a single bunk.

This LF 280 4x2 rigid with a 6,250 mm wheelbase is fitted with a 12-pallet curtainsider body and has a GVM of 18 tonnes. Powered by the PACCAR GR engine rated at 286 hp, the driveline includes a sixspeed ZF-AS Tronic 6AS1000 Automated Manual Transmission, with a DAF air suspended SR 1132 rear axle, front and rear disc brakes with EBS and ABS, a 430-litre fuel tank and a 70-litre AdBlue tank. 8

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Both cabins share a compact width of 213 cm, which aids manoeuvrability, plus the added advantage of the LF ’s exceptionally tight turning circle, achieved by 53° wheel cut angles (50° on LF 280 18t). Cabin entry and egress is easy via the 90° opening doors as well as large illuminated steps and convenientlypositioned grab handles.

CLEAN LIVING The LF’s new revised chassis provides maximum stiffness with reduced weight, and components such as air reservoirs and the electronic brake control system are now fitted inside the chassis. This provides more space on the outside of the rails for easier fitment of toolboxes, support stands and spare wheel. Another showstopper on the Brisbane DAF stand was the flagship FTT XF105 Super Space Cab 6x4 prime mover, the winner of a variety of international awards and boasting the most spacious sleeper cab in its class. Rated to 70-tonne GCM, the FTT XF105 is powered by a PACCAR MX-13 engine, producing 510 hp (375 kW) and 1,850 lb-ft (2,500 Nm) of torque. The driveline includes the ZF-AS Tronic 16AS2630 16-speed overdrive automated gearbox, Meritor MT23-165 rear axles and Airglide 400 rear suspension. Fitted with EBS, the standard specification includes ABS, Anti-slip Control (ASR), Brake Assist, drag torque control and hill-start aid. Further optional safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), as well as a side-view camera system. For operators running 8x4 rigid trucks the FAD XF105 is a new addition to DAF’s Australian line-up. Sharing the same engine and transmission as the XF105 Super Space Cab prime mover, it features Meritor MT23-165 tandem rear axles with Airglide 400 suspension and a wheelbase of 7,100 mm. The spacious interior of the XF105 is one of the best workplaces in the long haul cabover market.

As well as the new exterior styling, the interior sports a new dashboard that features the Driver Performance Assistant (DPA) with its central 12.7 cm bright colour screen display. The DPA unit provides the driver with detailed information on all vital vehicle and engine functions, including fuel consumption and braking performance. The DPA can also improve driver efficiency by recommending the best time for gear shifts as well as providing advice on correct tyre pressure and roof spoiler settings. The steering wheel is fully adjustable and integrates a wide range of operating buttons for the infotainment system (radio and telephone) as well as speed-related functions, such as cruise control, speed limiter setting and exhaust brake. As well as providing a perfect ergonomic position for the driver, this ease of controls is also a valuable safety benefit, as the driver’s hands don’t have to leave the steering wheel to operate the various functions. Another safety benefit are the headlights that can include integrated LED daytime running lights for increased on-road visibility. Bumper-integrated cornering lights are another option. The bumper is made from galvanised steel, reducing susceptibility to damage, while the new headlight units are made from impact resistance Lexan. GILBERT & ROACH JUNE 2015

GILBERT & ROACH Another member of the DAF family on display was the FAP CF75 6x2. This low tare weight rigid truck chassis was fitted with a DAF SR 1347 air-lift pusher axle mounted in front of the drive rear axle. This alternative to a more traditional rear-mounted lifting “lazy axle” can be lifted off the ground whenever the truck is empty or carrying light loads, without affecting overall length or overhang requirements. This option reduces fuel consumption, maintenance The fuel efficient PACCAR engine costs and tyre wear, range provides a and improves weight comprehensive distribution, traction and choice of handling when carrying horsepower and heavier loads. torque ratings.

Alongside the eight-wheeler was the FTT CF85 6x4 prime mover. The CF85 has a wheelbase of 3,900 mm and is powered by PACCAR’s MX-13 engine rated to 460 hp (340 kW) and with a torque rating of 1,700 ft-lb (2,300 Nm). Transmission is again the 12-speed ZF-AS Tronic AMT and the Meritor MT23-165 tandem rear axles.

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CLEAN LIVING The FAP CF75 with sleeper cab is rated to a GCM of 38 tonnes and is powered by a PACCAR 9.2-litre PR 265 engine, producing 360 hp (265 kW) and with a torque rating of 1,070 lb-ft (1,450 Nm). The driveline features the ZF-AS Tronic 12AS1630 12-speed overdrive AMT gearbox, with ECAS rear air suspension, enabling perfect matching to varying loading dock heights.

Below: The FAD XF105 8x4 is a new variant of the XF105 range in the Australian market.

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NEW ISUZU June marks the introduction of significant upgrades to the award-winning Isuzu Trucks range that has maintained its leading position as the top-selling brand in the Australian market for 26 consecutive years.

he new Isuzu N-Series range benefits from a new look and nomenclature, increased power and torque in several models, an impressive selection of enhanced safety equipment and greater choice in key driver’s licence models.

Isuzu Trucks chose the Brisbane Truck Show to showcase these latest developments, exhibiting an NLR 45-150 AMT MWB Traypack and a NPR 45-155 Premium Tradepack, demonstrating the advantage of pre-bodied vehicles in the range that are ready to work from day one. 12 GILBERT & ROACH JUNE 2015

With the new N-Series range for 2015 comes additional safety features such as Isuzu Electronic Stability Control or IESC. Applying to all NLR, NNR and NPR models the on-board technology gathers information from a range of sensors to detect and help correct an unexpected loss of control. In a driving situation, IESC works by constantly monitoring speed, brake performance, steering angle, suspension geometry, and rotation angle. Data from sensors throughout the truck is continually fed to an electronic hydraulic control unit, or EHCU, to determine possible loss of control, automatically controlling the vehicle if necessary by adjusting engine torque and braking individual wheels. The EHCU is essentially the ‘brains’ behind IESC and also works to control a long list of complementary preventative safety aids on board the clever new 2015 N-Series.

These include anti-lock braking, electronic brake force distribution system, anti-slip regulator systems, Isuzu Electronic Stability Control and boost assist when fitted, and Hill Start Assist. The 2015 N-Series now has a sleeker new look, with new grille design in paint colour for NLR, NLS, NNR and NPS models and chrome on all NPR and NQR.

CLEAN LIVING NPR and NQR models also benefit from the premium specification level and – in addition to the chrome grille – receive fog lamps and automatic climate control (except for tippers). There’s also a change in how the new models are identified, with a new model code replacing the previous naming system that had been in use for 20 years. The familiar N-Series codes of NLR, NLS, NPR, NQR and NPS remain, now joined by a two number reference that details the GVM in hundreds of kilograms.

For the N-Series range, the two-digit GVM references are 45, 55, 65, 75 and 87, representing the GVM ratings ranging from 4.5 to 8.7 tonnes. Following the GVM denomination is the power rating of the model, such as 150, 155, and 190 (PS). Wheelbase options are also detailed in the extended model name using self-explanatory acronyms including SWB, MWB and LWB. Inside the new N-Series cab, drivers will find a new steering-wheel design and seat trim, with an upgraded driver’s seat that features a vibration-absorbing support pad, torsion bar and optimised weight ratio for up to 130 kilograms.

Driveability is also improved, thanks to a revision of the ratios in the manual gearbox fitted to the NNR and NPR 45 and 55 models that sees third and fourth gear ratios now having a shorter step from second to third gear. Making full advantage of the closer ratio gearbox is the introduction of the 190 PS (140 kW) 5.2-litre 4HK1 engine to more models, such as the NPR 65 and NPR 75 models.

In the case of the popular NPR 65-190 model, the engine uprate delivers 27 percent more power than competitor automaticequipped models. For NPR 65 and NPR 75, the 2015 engine rating equates to a 23 percent power boost and 22 percent torque boost, when compared to the previous Isuzu SiTEC 155 engine. Isuzu now also offers more choice in the car licence segment, with four variants of the N-Series available rated at 4.5-tonne GVM. In other general range updates, the new N-Series range will now offer greater data capacity with more information from CANbus stored on board. This enables technicians to readily access more operational data to diagnose and rectify any issues that may occur. Finally, all models, except the NQR, will also feature a new alternator, which increases output from 80 to 90 amps. GILBERT & ROACH JUNE 2015

GILBERT & ROACH BACKGROUND TO A CHAMPION The first incarnation of the N-Series can be traced back to 1959 with the release of the ‘Elf’ model by Isuzu Motors Japan. Sporting a 1.5-litre engine, the Elf produced a modest 44 kilowatts. In 1972, General Motors Holden first began importing Isuzu trucks to Australia from Japan – initially marketed as ‘Bedford by Isuzu’. Australians were only just becoming familiar with the reliability and efficiency of the Isuzu product, but the beginnings of the N-Series range were already firmly in place, represented by the Elf 150, KA-40 and 41. In 1984, and in response to the Australian market, the N-Series, as we know it today, was introduced – replacing the KA, KS, KT, TLD, and TLG light truck models. The N-Series was significantly enhanced once again in 1994 with the introduction of all-new models featuring the modern ‘aero-cube’ cabin and substantial power upgrades. At the time, the aero-cube cab offered a streamlined, aerodynamic design that unequivocally set the precedent for future light-duty models in years to come.

The N-Series also achieved accessibility to a broader range of customers in 1996 with the introduction of the NKR 200 car-licence model. This combination proved widely popular, offering a well-performing 4.3-litre engine, nimble handling and competitive performance. In 1998, Isuzu continued to respond to industry demands with the release of the NQR 450 Turbo. The new model featured a 4.8-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder diesel engine that successfully rounded out the N-Series range. Offering strong performance for an 8.0-tonne GVM truck, the NQR 450 established a new category at the top-end of the light-duty range, which couldn’t be matched by competitors for years to come.

The new cabins offered spacious, superior comfort, enhanced visibility, 90-degree opening doors and improved ergonomics of the driver and passenger seat.

It’s the truck range with the solid steel reputation as market leader for 26 consecutive years. 14 GILBERT & ROACH JUNE 2015

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The N-Series underwent further development and innovation with the release of the new turbocharged and intercooled N-Series range in 2003, implemented to meet ADR80 compliance.

The results for both the customer and environment were good news, reducing exhaust emissions and increasing power and torque in some models by over 40 percent. By 2005, as well as offering more powerful engines across the range, and the inclusion of an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), the N-Series had officially become the best-selling Isuzu model in Australian history. Coupled with the significant advancement of AMT, 2005 saw a raft of safety additions added to the range, including intelligent features such as ABS, traction control, driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side airbag and anti-lock braking. Enhancements continued in 2008 with all-new models that offered car-like comfort and improved environmental efficiency that adhered to the more stringent Euro IV emissions standards. For 2015, the new MY15.5 N-Series range offers superior safety and intelligence with Isuzu Electronic Stability Control (IESC), and widespread improvements to power and torque.

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uying your new Isuzu D-MAX or MU-X from Gilbert and Roach is just the first step to finding a new freedom in your travelling. You now have the ability to head off the bitumen and experience some of the beautiful scenery in all parts of Australia. But, like all new experiences, it certainly helps if you have the knowledge to drive your new D-MAX or MU-X in the type of terrain you will now be driving. Isuzu UTE Australia has introduced a new initiative to help their owners to get the most out of their Isuzu vehicle in a safe and structured environment under expert instruction – The I-VENTURE CLUB. The I-VENTURE CLUB offers Isuzu owners the opportunity to join excursions to some of Australia’s most breathtaking — and challenging — off-road destinations, with the support of qualified 4x4 instructors to teach them the skills and techniques required to handle the toughest cross-country terrain.

“The development of the I-VENTURE CLUB was a result of enquiry we received from our customers who were searching for somewhere safe to learn the ins-andouts of off-road driving without damaging their vehicles, or embarrassing themselves by getting stuck somewhere at high tide!” he added. The I-VENTURE CLUB has ‘day-trip’ events planned across all states of Australia this year, with longer overnight and weekend journeys, as well as ‘special interest’ events also in the pipeline. “The I-VENTURE CLUB will offer different experiences to different customers – from the ‘first time out’ novice to the experienced hardcore off-roader. And via our dedicated website it will become a hub where our owners can get together to share their stories, pick up some professional advice and ultimately use their vehicles for what they were designed for – and that’s adventure,” Harding said.

“The I-VENTURE CLUB is a new way to experience four-wheel driving. It’s an exclusive Isuzu owners club that brings together like-minded people and encourages them to utilise the adventure that is inherent in all of our vehicles,” said Dave Harding, Isuzu UTE Australia’s Assistant General Manager – Marketing & PR.

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There are I-VENTURE day trips around Australia, so if you feel like travelling to other states you can have the full off-road experience and visit places, safe in the knowledge that you’re in good hands. Check out the website at www.iventureclub. com.au for details of where you can go, and make sure you book early. You don’t even have to worry about what food to take with you – everything you need for a great day out is provided, with breakfast and lunch, along with expert instruction, so you get the ultimate offroad experience without having to worry about the logistics surrounding your trip. During the day you will learn how your Isuzu can climb and descend steep hills safely, tackle water crossings, drive in sand and how not to get bogged by picking the right line. Of course, there are times when you might get bogged, so your instructor will also be showing you techniques on how to recover your vehicle safely, without damage, and continue on your way. You will also learn what exactly is happening in your Isuzu when you select 4WD low and high range, how to get the best traction and maintain safety at all times. Everything you need on the day will be provided. You may of course find that once bitten by the adventure bug you want to spend more time exploring, and that’s when you’ll need to add some specialist recovery gear to your Isuzu. An electric winch mounted on the front of the vehicle gives you the ability to recover your own car or give a hand to somebody else who has got themselves bogged. This should be mounted on a solid bull bar. With all winching and recovery techniques, you should only use the equipment when you have been shown how to use it safely, by a professional instructor.

If you are heading into dusty conditions or considering driving through water crossings then another good idea is to fit a snorkel system. Mounted on your Isuzu on the front right-hand-side A-pillar, a snorkel keeps your air intake for the engine high off the ground. It’s obviously a great addition if you intend to drive through water crossings, but it is also really sensible in dusty conditions as it keeps the air intake above the dust that is circulating at ground level, keeping your air filter cleaner. The sales team at Gilbert and Roach are well equipped to give you all the advice you need to personalise your new Isuzu, and, remember, you have already made the first step to adventure when you bought your D-MAX or MU-X. G&R News has been out testing a black Isuzu D-MAX 4x4 LS-Terrain crew-cab model, and it came with a black moulded hard cover over the tub area, which itself featured a full polycarbonate liner. Sports bars are also mounted on either side of the tub, together with full-length side steps, making it easier for the more compact members of your family to clamber on board. The interior trim in its black leather adds an air of opulence. When carrying loads or equipment in the rear of the cabin, the rear seat moves in two directions, with the seat base folding upwards to secure flush against the seat back, or the backrest folding forwards to protect the seat squab and provide an elevated flat floor. The underside of both the backrest and the seat squab is covered in black carpet. The powerhouse benefit of the ISUZU is of course its 3.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine.

How to have even more fun after you’ve bought your D-MAX or MU-X

r I-Ve ture? GILBERT & ROACH JUNE 2015

GILBERT & ROACH

With 130 kW of power at 3,600 rpm, and peak torque of 380 Nm rated through from 1,800 rpm to 2,800 rpm, it’s one of the strongest and most impressive engines on the market. It owes its origins to the Isuzu Truck division, which this year achieved 26 consecutive years of market leadership in the Australian truck industry. It’s powerful, reliable and does its job easily, and you’ll find it’s highly capable of powering on when others start to cough and wheeze. There is a move by some ute manufacturers to fit smaller displacement engines, such as 2.3 litres and 2.4 litres, or even down to 2.0 litres. A smaller displacement engine cannot provide the same degree of engine braking or retardation as the larger capacity engine. Consequently, steep hill descents, especially for those towing trailers, caravans or horse floats, will require a more cautious approach in selecting lower gears manually and the use of the braking system to prevent overheating of brake components. This is another area where the Isuzu D-MAX and its close relative the MU-X perform superbly. With their 3.0-litre diesel engines, there’s plenty of engine braking assistance when you head downhill, plus of course there’s plenty of torque on tap for when you head uphill.

The snorkel (above) protects your engine against water ingress and can also reduce the amount of dust entering the air filter element as it accepts cleaner air from a higher intake point. The reverse camera (on left) is the ideal safety feature when reversing and is really useful when positioning the tow ball under a tow hitch, making coupling up a one person operation.

18 GILBERT & ROACH JUNE 2015

CLEAN LIVING UTE

If you’ve got the horses under the bonnet, the matching of a five-speed auto, especially one as good as the Aisin unit used in the D-MAX, works well and efficiently. With adaptive logic it assists your safety by downshifting on steep hills, holding the lower ratio without having to preselect manually, once the driver comes off the throttle and touches the brake pedal lightly. The interior of the D-MAX is also much more user friendly than some of its competitors, thanks to the height of the top of the dashboard being set lower, as this improves forward vision especially for a shorter driver. A quick word about the reverse camera that Isuzu has teamed with rear parking sensors. The clear full-colour display screen provides high definition images of the area behind the ute, backing up the vision by including audible reverse park sensors.

This is a safety feature that is really important to avoid the human tragedy that still occurs when a vehicle reverses over a toddler. Five-star safety ANCAP ratings apply to the vehicle, but peripheral active safety features such as the camera and rear parking sensors take surround safety to a new higher level. The reverse camera image also shows the position of the towball so clearly that a driver can reverse and position the towball precisely under the tow hitch of a trailer. It’s a completely safe manoeuvre, ending the feel-and-bump parking experience that some find to be the only alternative. Finally, we look at service and warranty support. Isuzu UTE’s five-year ‘bumper to bumper’ warranty and five-year Roadside Assistance is joined by a new Capped Price Servicing (CPS) programme. This certainly removes some of the decision making associated with when, where and how much you’ll be paying for the life of the vehicle. GILBERT & ROACH JUNE 2015

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