Simple hard worker Isuzu Elf

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Isuzu Elf trucks have a long and glorious history. This is one of the oldest models of the first Japanese truck manufacturer (and the only one that remains independent of transnational concerns at the moment). In Russia, these machines are well-deservedly popular for their traditional Japanese quality, reliability and unpretentiousness.

Model history

The first generation of "Elf" went into production in 1959, becoming a pioneer among Japanese cabovers.

The car was equipped with a 60-horsepower gasoline engine, and soon the Isuzu Elf received a two-liter 52-horsepower diesel engine, becoming the first small Japanese truck with a diesel engine. The second generation went into production in 1968. Three types of machines were produced with a carrying capacity of 1, 5, 2, 5 and 3.5 tons. Versions with a wide cab appeared, as well as with a ground clearance increased to 450 mm. In 1972, a low-bed version with a loading height of 45 centimeters also appeared. The third generation Isuzu Elf went into production in 1975. Only 250 and 350 versions were produced withwith a carrying capacity of 2.5 and 3.5 tons. In 1980, the "Elves" received a folding cab. Trucks of the fourth generation began to be produced in 1984. This model was especially widely exported and produced in a number of countries under various names. Since 1993, the Japanese began to produce the fifth generation Isuzu Elf, which was distinguished by an updated design and strict compliance with environmental standards. The crown was the Elf KR model, which was positioned as particularly friendly to the environment. Since 2006, the production of the latest sixth generation of the machine has been started.

Elf in Russia

The widespread use of Isuzu Elf began in the 1990s, when a wave of used Japanese trucks poured into the Far East, a significant proportion of which were occupied by Elfs and their clones from Mazda and Nissan. And since 2006, assembly began in Ulyanovsk, which soon moved to Yelabuga, and in 2013 returned to Ulyanovsk.

Although by 2014 Sollers-Isuzu in Ulyanovsk opened a full-scale production with welding and painting, most of the components of the Russian Elfs are still produced in Japan. It should be noted that trucks produced in Russia are very seriously adjusted to Russian legislation. So, vehicles with a gross weight of 3.5 tons and a carrying capacity of around a ton and a half are actually designed for three tons of cargo. That is, Isuzu produces full-fledged light trucks that can be driven by drivers with category B.

Sixth generation

At the moment, Isuzu produces four main variants of the Elf. These are machines with a gross weight of 3500, 5200, 7500 and 9500 kg.

In order to make it easier for buyers to understand their diversity, the Japanese use a three-letter marking. The first letter is always N - denoting a light class of trucks. The second letter means a subclass, M up to 7.5 tons of gross weight, Q - over this figure. The third letter indicates the drive type. For most cars, this is R, that is, rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive versions of S are not officially delivered to Russia. Next in the index is a number indicating a specific model.

Engines and transmission

The characteristics of Isuzu Elf of different weight categories do not differ as much as it might seem. Suffice it to say that the entire line of "Elves" supplied to Russia costs only two motors. These are diesel engines with a volume of 3 and 5.2 liters, corresponding to the Euro-4 environmental standard. The first develops 124 liters. With. and 354 Nm and is installed on vehicles with a gross weight of 3500 and 5200 kg paired with a five-speed "mechanics". The second produces 155 liters. With. and 419 Nm and is installed on 7, 5 and 9, 5-ton cars paired with a six-speed manual transmission. All machines are equipped with hydraulic drum-type brakes with installed ABS, ASR and EBD systems. The technical characteristics of the Isuzu Elf immediately give out a typical Japanese car - a workhorse. A modest but reliable engine and great attention to safety issues. It's very Japanese.

Mass and overall characteristics

The Isuzu Elf 3.5 chassis is 4735mm long, 1855mm wide and 2185mm high. The curb weight is 2100 kg and the load capacity is 1400 kg.

The Isuzu Elf 5.2 chassis has two lengths of 4735mm and 6020mm. The width and height are the same as the younger version. The curb weight of the truck ranges from 2100 to 2200 kg, and the load capacity is from 3 to 3.1 tons.

The Isuzu Elf 7.5 chassis has several versions with a length of 5985 to 7805 mm, a width of 2115 mm and a height of 2265 mm. The curb weight, depending on the length, is 2800-2870 kg, and the load capacity is 4630-4700 kg.

The largest "Elf" of the 9.5 series in the chassis version has a length of 6040 to 7870 mm. Width 2040 mm and height 2275 mm. With a curb weight of 3 to 3.1 tons, the carrying capacity is 6.4-6.5 tons.

Options

Elves supplied to Russia have a number of options pre-installed by the manufacturer. There are heated rear-view mirrors and a sun visor, fog lights and adjustable windshield wipers. The cabin is equipped with shelves above the heads of passengers and soft fabric upholstery, as well as a plastic footboard. The bumper is painted in the color of the cab. There is basic audio training and an adjustable steering column. But in general, the equipment is quite modest and corresponds to the utilitarian purpose of the machine.

Driver reviews of the Isuzu Elf confirm this positioning of the model. Elf is a simple but reliable car. driving licensethe place is comfortable with good visibility and clear controls. The car is equipped with a powerful heating system, and a fairly comfortable bed can be folded out of three seats. Among the minuses, many note modest equipment and not the best adaptability to cold weather. But these shortcomings are not critical for a working light truck. Thus, the impressive niche that Elf has occupied in the Russian market can be considered quite deserved.