Isuzu Commercial Truck of America has introduced its 2016 NPR Diesel as a Class 3 cabover with a 13,000-pound GVWR and 33.5-inch frame that expands the capability of Isuzu's entry-level truck, according to the company.

"With a 13,000-lb. GVWR, the new NPR Diesel approaches the capacity of a Class 4 truck, but at a Class 3 price," said Shaun Skinner, Isuzu's executive vice president and general manager. "This truck is the latest example of how Isuzu is committed to lowering the cost of truck ownership without sacrificing performance, practicality, long-term reliability or fuel efficiency."

The truck offers almost the payload capacity of a Class 4 truck at a lower entry price. With its longer length, the truck will help fleets who need cubic space rather than higher GVW, according to Isuzu.

The NPR Diesel offers a 30-gallon rear-mounted in-rail fuel tank and frame width that accepts bodies up to 102 inches wide and 91 inches high. The truck will be offered in four wheelbases including 109, 132.5, 150, and 176 for body lengths of up to 20 feet.

The NPR Diesel is powered by Isuzu's 3.0-liter 4JJ1-TC turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine that produces 150 hp and 282 lb.-ft. of torque in a band of 1,600 to 2,800 rpm. The engine offers a B-10 diesel engine life rating of 310,000 miles and can run on B-20 biodiesel fuel.

The powerplant is mated to an Aisin A460 6-speed automatic transmission with double overdrive, lock-up torque converter that operates in second through sixth gears, and available PTO.

Production of the 2016 NPR Diesel will begin in Japan in November, and the truck will be available at Isuzu’s network of nearly 300 dealers in North America shortly after, according to the company.