SML Isuzu Cosmo BS-III

August 11, 2016: SML Isuzu Cosmo BS-III is a cargo truck from the company available in CAB and Half Deck body type with 2,815 mm wheelbase and from starting price of INR 7.3 lakh. Powered with engine specifications of SLT3 3.5 Litre 4-Cylinder TCIC diesel, it churns out 100.5 bhp power and 270 Nm torque. With GVW of 5,740 kg and payload of 3,220 kg, it’s fit for market loads, grocery, agri goods and more. It has optional power steering option with 33% gradeability for high steeps. Parking brakes and seat belts are there for safety along with standard seats and sufficient leg room.

SML Isuzu Cosmo BS III – Truck Review

Overview

SML Isuzu is known to manufacture handy Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) for general usage and the Cosmo BS III truck is its one of the best products. The truck is a multi-purpose LCV with a decent load carrying capacity for transporting general goods, light machine parts or manufactured parts or the construction material.

This truck is powered by the company's 3.5 Litre 3455cc inline 4-Cylinder CRDi diesel engine with turbocharger and intercooler. It could produce a maximum power of nearly 100 bhp and maximum torque of 270 Nm. Well, these numbers are definitely good for a LCV. The gearbox has Synchromesh manual transmission system with 5-Forward and 1-Reverse gears and single plate diaphragm type clutch with 260 mm diameter.

Semi-Elliptical Multi Type leaf spring suspension system with hydraulic vacuum assisted brakes provide a better driving experience and safety. The load body dimensions of 3740 mm long, 2080 mm wide and 570 mm high could offer a decent loading capacity of up to the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 5740 kg with front axle load capacity of 2580 kg, rear axle load capacity of 3160 kg and kerb weight of 2520 kg. Well, this much capacity seems fine to help transporters at small scales with a variety of goods transport.

Talking about the features, there are plenty of them in SML Isuzu Cosmo BS III, which help the drivers to stay safe, drive fatigue-free and enjoy the drives. Some of the features include fuel-efficient drive lines to make sure the economy is on the mark, cargo box lights to support the loading in dark, spray suspension system for shock-free drive, enlarged rear view mirror to help driver and co-driver, head lamp leveling device for better view on highways among other amazing features.

Other perks include low maintenance cost, effective fuel efficiency and easy driving with both power and manual steering. Overall, SML Isuzu Cosmo BS III is one good truck with all the driving amenities like powerful engine, comfortable interiors, quality shock absorbers and suspension, fine exteriors, standard safety provisions with vacuum brakes. Also, the transporter can use it for a number of purposes ranging from construction material to light machinery, general goods to manufactured small components and others too.

Engine and Performance

The SML Isuzu Cosmo BS III is powered by the company's SLT3 & Numeral 3.5 Litre diesel engine. The total engine displacement of its 4 inline cylinders is 3455cc. It also uses the famous Common Rail Direct Injection system for injecting the fuel inside the combustion chambers.

Mentioning the performance, the truck's powerhouse is capable of producing nearly 100 bhp power @ 3000 rpm and 270 Nm of peak torque @ 1750 – 2000 rpm. Well, the numbers are quite good for a LCV used for decent loading for not so long trips.

Load Carrying Capacity and Application

Being a LCV, the load carrying capacity of this truck is not very huge, but quite enough to serve small transporters. With the load body of dimensions 3740 mm long, 2080 mm wide and 570 mm high, it could be stuffed up to the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 5740 kg. The unladen weight of this truck is 2520 kg with front axle weight of 2580 kg and rear axle weight of 3160 kg.

Talking about the applications, well it has many like carrying general goods within different part of

cities, transporting construction material, light machinery, small manufactured parts and many others depending on the nature of business of the transporter.

Braking, Suspension and Handling

The company SML Isuzu has offered Hydraulic Vacuum brakes in Cosmo BS III truck, which are quite sufficient for LCV type of truck with not very huge loading capacities. However, features like ABS, EBD should get included to ensure the safety with minimum chances of an injury to the occupants.

For suspension, the truck has Semi-Elliptical type Multi Leaf Spring system to offer a bump-free drive and hence minimum damage to the goods while transporting. The scope of improvement is available here too with the couple of additional shock absorbers on the axles.

To make sure that driver gets all the ease while moving the truck around with a minimum turning circle diameter of 5.5 meters, there are both mechanical and power steering options available in the vehicle. Its single plate diaphragm type clutch with 260 mm diameter with Synchromesh manual 5-Forward and 1-Reverse gearbox transmission system also support the vehicle in moving around with ease.

Exteriors and Interiors

The truck is quite regular with everything in its usual place with no extra innovation. However, in this class this very design is preferred as it doesn't cost much and is perfect for short trips and not so intense use. Although, a few tweaks here and there with cargo box lights and head lamp leveling device with enhancement in graphics tried to cover up the lack of good looks.

Inside the cabin, there are all features available which one expects in LCV like comfortable seats, some basic controls, easy to sit and drive posture, control available within the reach of driver and others as well.

Comfort and Safety

SML Isuzu Cosmo BS III truck is not meant for long journeys on difficult roads. So, there are not much comfortable features available in it. Basic features like standard seats, enough space to sit properly and entertainment systems are available though. And, it is up to the standards of BS III emissions as well, which allows it to emit less smoke and contributes to better engine life.

If we talk about the safety, the truck comes with hydraulic vacuum brakes, which are not that effective on difficult terrains. There is an enlarged rear view mirror to offer the maximum view of the following vehicle. Well, with SML Cosmo BS III there are not enough safety features compared to similar variants from other brands, which counts to its drawbacks.