Isuzu celebrates 60 years with two special edition models

In celebration of their 60th anniversary Isuzu Trucks SA has announced the re launch of the legendary SBR 500 and JCR 800 Special Edition trucks. Both these models are synonymous with durability, reliability and affordability and promise to deliver the same trusted performance along with a modern twist.

SBR500

When launched in the 1970s, the original Isuzu SBR500 quickly became one of the cornerstone products of South Africa’s trucking landscape and a vital partner for a variety of industries ranging from logistics and agriculture to construction and recovery.

The relaunched SBR 500 Special Edition honours this rich history while incorporating modern-day performance enhancements. Offering a unique balance between light-duty and medium-duty capabilities, this truck continues to deliver exceptional value along with practical features designed to meet today’s business demands.

With a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 8 999kg, the SBR 500 Special Edition strikes the perfect balance between size and functionality. Being operable with a Code 10 (C1) driver’s licence makes it accessible to a wider range of operators, while also making it exempt from the 80km/h speed restriction, enabling it to travel at speeds of up to 100km/h where permissible.

The SBR 500 Special Edition is capable of serving a wide range of industries with ease including logistics and distribution, construction, refrigerated transport, municipal services and vehicle recovery.

The SBR 500 boasts a permissible body and payload of 5 639kg, a GCM of 14 000kg while measuring 7 705mm in length. The powertrain offers 176kW at 2 400rpm and 706Nm from 1 450rpm and is mated to a manual transmission.

JCR 800

The Isuzu JCR800 is an enduring symbol of dependability in South Africa’s industrial growth story. This medium-duty truck earned its reputation as a trusted workhorse for businesses and municipalities, solidifying its place on SAs roads for decades.

During the 1980s, South Africa experienced a wave of industrial and economic expansion, creating a surge in demand for reliable transport solutions. The Isuzu JCR 800 rose to the challenge with its remarkable combination of durability, efficiency and adaptability. Designed to balance affordability with functionality, it became an essential asset for small and medium sized enterprises.

The JCR 800 remains a symbol of Isuzu’s enduring commitment to quality and innovation. Many of these trucks are still operational today, which is a testament to their robust design and versatility.

The Isuzu JCR 800’s flexibility continues to make it an indispensable tool across various sectors including logistics and distribution, construction, agriculture, refrigerated transport, municipal services and specialised transport.

The Isuzu JCR 800 Special Edition boasts a variety of features that make it a sound investment, including the fact that it is an 8-ton truck with excellent fuel economy which ensures lower ownership costs.  Larger tyres (315/80 R22.5) offer improved clearance for loading bays and navigating in rural or construction environments.

The Isuzu JCR 800 remains an icon of reliability and practicality, embodying Isuzu’s dedication to supporting industries and connecting communities. As South Africa looks to the future, the legacy of the JCR 800 serves as a reminder of the pivotal role that transportation plays in driving economic progress and that the JCR 800 is more than a truck, but rather testament to what is possible when innovation meets real world needs.

The JCR 800 boasts a permissible body and payload of 10 070kg, a GVM of 15 000kg and a GCM of 23 500kg while measuring 9 255mm in length. The powertrain offers 175kW at 2 400rpm and 706Nm from 1450rpm and is paired to a manual transmission.

Isuzu remains a trusted business partner

The launch of the Special Edition SBR 500 and JCR 800 reaffirms Isuzu’s commitment as a trusted business partner by blending the nostalgia of their predecessors with the performance and practicality required in today’s dynamic industries.