Isuzu Commercial Truck of America unveiled the 2018 Isuzu FTR, the company’s all-new entry in the Class 6 medium-duty truck segment at the 2016 Work Truck Show in Indianapolis.

The FTR will be powered by Isuzu’s renowned 4HK1-TC 5.2L turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine — a first in the segment. The powerplant will be mated to an Allison 2000 Series automatic transmission.

“As fuel economy and emissions regulations become stricter, you’re going to see more and more competitors in this class turning to four-cylinder engines,” said Shaun Skinner, president of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America. “Make no mistake, this is what’s coming for medium-duty trucks. We believe others will follow in this arena.”

The four-cylinder engine carries a B10 durability of 310,000 miles — meaning that 90% of engines should reach that mileage before requiring an overhaul.

Flexibility and Capability

As with all Isuzu trucks, the FTR will feature a low-cab-forward design that increases visibility and markedly improves maneuverability — especially important in the crowded city centers where the FTR is expected to be in greatest demand. The truck will have a tight turning radius with a 50-degree wheel cut.

The FTR will feature eight wheelbase configurations to accommodate bodies from 16 to 30 feet, allowing for a variety of body applications. It was designed with a clean back-of-cab to provide more space for body applications compared to the previous F-Series truck.

The 2018 FTR features a dock-height stance, which may make it even more popular than the company’s other medium-duty trucks.

“This truck represents our vision of the future of the medium-duty truck industry,” Skinner said. “As the adult population grows and as people move to urban centers, there will be an increasing need for delivery trucks that can carry a lot of cargo, but, at the same time, be fuel-efficient, maneuverable, environmentally friendly, and offer a low cost of ownership.”

Spacious Interior Design

The FTR cab’s wide step and wide-opening, 90-degree doors allow easy entry to the spacious interior, which features three-across seating and extra space for storage behind the seats.

When the center front seat is folded forward, a shallow storage console is revealed on the back of the seat, which is accessed by lifting up the hinged lid.