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ACROSS THE TRADES Summer 2017
H
ino is preparing to launch a 4x4 version of its 300
Series light truck.
The Japanese manufacturer says the 4x4 version
was specifically developed for the Australian market, with
several engineering prototypes undergoing testing here over
the past three years to ensure it meets customer expectations
in tough operating conditions – not least of which is the ability
for tradies to access difficult jobsites.
Initial Australian specifications were subsequently
released just in time for our publication, with Hino confirming
the 4x4 will be available in both single and (seven-seat) crew
cab configuration.
Power comes from the familiar Euro 5-compliant ‘N04C’
4L four-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel engine (with
particulate filter) that produces 121kW of power (or 165hp)
and 464Nm of torque from just 1,400rpm, driving through a
six-speed manual overdrive transmission and selectable 4x4
system with dual range transfer case.
Hino says the 300 Series 4x4 has the widest spread of ratios
and the lowest crawl speed in its class – pointing to low-range
gearing of 2.2:1 – and that the driveline combination improves
fuel economy and refinement over long distances by lowering
the engine revs at highway speeds.
Drive is delivered 50:50 front/rear when 4x4 is engaged
via the transfer case. The standard free-wheeling hubs are
manually locked; once engaged, 4x4 can be selected on the fly
by the driver via a button on the dashboard. Moving between
high and low range is also made via a dash switch (when the
vehicle is stationary).
Based on a new 817 model designation, the 300 Series 4x4 is
fitted standard with vehicle stability control – billed as a first
for a Japanese-built truck in this (7,500kg GVM) category – as
well as four-wheel disc brakes, a reversing camera and dual
front airbags, among other safety features.
HINO 300 SERIES
817 4X4
LDV G10 ANCAP
RESULT
T
he Australasian New Car Assessment Program
(ANCAP) has handed down a three-star safety rating –
described as ‘a disappointing result’ – for the LDV G10
light-commercial van.
Applying to all petrol and diesel variants sold in both
Australia and New Zealand from mid-2015, the three-star
rating for the Chinese-built van is the same ‘below-par’ level,
as ANCAP describes it, reached by LDV’s larger V80 van (that
is, short-wheelbase low-roof models built from September
2015), which have electronic stability control fitted standard.
A separate two-star rating applies to earlier V80 models
that do not come with ESC.
ANCAP chief executive James Goodwin says commercial
buyers such as tradespeople – who are a key target audience
for the G10 – were being “let down” by LDV’s vans in terms of
both structural integrity and safety equipment specification.
“There were a number of serious concerns with the G10’s
structural performance, with the driver footwell rupturing and
excessive pedal movement,” he says.
“Steering column and dash components were also a
potential source of knee injury for the driver and passenger.
“The G10 also lacks important safety features such as head-
and chest-protecting side airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners
which consumers today expect to be provided as standard.”
Safety equipment fitted standard to the G10 includes
dual front airbags, ABS brakes (with electronic brake-
force distribution and emergency brake assist), ESC, a ‘roll
movement intervention’ system, a tyre pressure monitoring
system, rear camera with park assist feature, and separate
parking sensors.
A rival for the Toyota HiAce, Hyundai iLoad and other
mid-size vans, the G10 is pitched as a value-oriented package
priced from $25,990 drive-away for ABN holders.
TRANSPORT