The large screen in the centre of the Fuso Canter dashboard is unfussy, easy to use, as well as being large enough to display all of the different systems available.
It can show up to five camera views as well as the image from the main reversing camera. Surely enough for even the most safety conscious driver.
Once out on the road the performance of the engine and transmission come into their own. This three litre diesel has proved its worth over the years and this latest Euro 6 version is no different.
Although there is a five speed manual gearbox available, the six speed Duonic AMT is now showing some maturity and makes well timed, seamless changes and reacts swiftly to the pressure or lack of pressure from the driver’s right foot.
The aim, in this kind of truck, is to make the driver experience one which gives them the confidence in the vehicle to enable them to concentrate on the actual job in hand, of navigating from A to B without incident in the safest and most timely manner.
Couple that with the excellent visibility around the cabin, afforded by the low set windows and you have a driver able to keep an eye out for any issues, knowing full well that the truck is capable of looking after itself, if there is one.
Driver comfort is also enhanced by the use of an independent front suspension system on the narrow and low variants. This finally dispels past memories of short parabolic springs on the front axles of Japanese trucks and their bone jarring ride.
These latest models show a poise and balance which was unimaginable 25 years ago on a small urban distribution truck.
Article With Thanks to Tim Giles at Power Torque