More power, less effort, Canter Autos arrive
Fuso has announced the arrival of its much anticipated automatic Canters, which include a passenger side airbag and class-leading power and torque.
“We’re thrilled with the new specifications,” Fuso sales manager Roger White said of the seven new models with the Aisin MY600 6-speed automatic transmission.
“The transmission has been very well received in our buses. Not having to change gears reduces the stress of operating in high traffic areas, which makes the transition to driving with loads more straight forward for inexperienced operators.”
The proven electronically controlled hydraulic transmission has a wide ratio spread, from 3.74 – 0.63, which includes two fuel-saving overdrive gears. When selected, overdrive helps decrease fuel consumption by placing less demand on the engine. During descents overdrive can be switched off, which helps control the vehicle’s speed and reduce brake wear. Second and third gears can be selected and held for maximum engine braking.
All automatic Canters are powered by the class leading 190ps 4M50-3AT8 engine, which outputs 530Nm. Already present in the FE190G2 and J2 4.5t manual variants, the power plant “has a great track record and delivers excellent fuel economy, particularly in hillier areas”, said Mr White.
“We are also pleased to provide passenger airbags in all of our automatic light trucks, these vehicles will regularly have more than one occupant who needs safety protection,” he said. “Combined with the existing driver’s airbag, pre-tensioning seatbelts and dual-caliper disc brakes, the auto Canter has one of the highest levels of safety specification in this country.”
While the warranty and service intervals for the auto Canters remain the same, a new instrument panel displaying gear selection and a new seat trim have been added to the spacious cab.
Mr White is confident that the new range will be well received and will help boost Canter’s market dominance. “This is a competitively priced range which offers excellent value,” he said. “Canter is already the best selling light truck in and the addition of the autos will offer even more versatility for customers.”