2024 Mitsubishi Fuso Canter TF in Malaysia – Euro 5, B30 biodiesel compatible; airbag, ESP standard

Aside from the new Mercedes-Benz Actros and Arocs, Hap Seng Trucks Distribution (HSTD) has also launched the latest Mitsubishi Fuso Canter in Malaysia, again fitted with Euro 5-compliant diesel engines. With this, the company has reduced emissions at both ends of its lineup.

Now in its eighth generation (codenamed TF), the light-duty lorry is available in a four original frame and propshaft lengths direct from Japan, with wheelbase lengths ranging from 3,400 to 4,750 mm. This prevents owners from having to make any modifications to suit their needs.

All are powered by the same 4P10 3.0 litre four-cylinder turbodiesel that produces 150 PS at 2,839 rpm and 370 Nm of torque from 1,400 to 2,839 rpm. This is downsized from the 3.9 litre 4D34 mill and offers the same power and torque but at a lower rev range. Buyers can choose from two gearboxes – a five-speed manual or a Duonic six-speed automated manual transmission (AMT) with wet dual clutches, the latter being the first DCT for commercial use.

Unlike its Mercedes brethren, the Canter ditches the AdBlue selective catalytic reduction (SCR) in favour of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to achieve Euro 5 certification – a cheaper and less leceh solution. Again, this engine can be used with B30 biodiesel, which means it’s ready for the government’s B30 mandate several years ahead of its slated 2030 timeline.

All models have a gross vehicle weight (GVW) rating of 7.5 tonnes, with the exception of the manual-only 150 HRX, which has an uprated GVW of 8.55 tonnes. Suspension consists of leaf springs front and rear with double-acting telescopic dampers and an anti-roll bar at the front, plus single-acting dampers and a hypoid axle at the rear. There’s also recirculating ball steering with hydraulic power assistance, along with all-round disc brakes.

The eighth-generation Canter is differentiated from its predecessor through a revised front fascia, featuring a large V-shaped graphic, square reflector headlights and a split front grille. Inside, you still get a no-frills dashboard and a dash-mounted shifter that makes it easier for the occupants to move from one side of the cabin to the other, but the centre console is more car-like and houses the head unit, rotary air-con controls and a large storage compartment.

The Duonic AMT 150 GRP model (P for Premium) even comes with a digital rear-view mirror and a Blaupunkt touchscreen head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety-wise, all models come with a driver airbag, ABS, stability control (a segment first) and a brake override system that shuts the throttle when the accelerator and brake pedals are mistakenly applied.

Like the Mercedes Actros and Arocs, the Canter comes with Trac360 telematics as standard, which HSTD claims enables users and business to increase the utilisation of their vehicles. The system tracks the location of the lorry and past routes to understand driver behaviour and aid recovery if the vehicle has been stolen.

Hap Seng Trucks says the lower carbon emissions stemming from the Euro 5 engines in its lineup is crucial for its environment, social and governance (ESG) goals, helping to create a more sustainable future by cutting down on pollution from goods deliveries.

GALLERY: 2024 Mitsubishi Fuso Canter MT 150 HRX
GALLERY: 2024 Mitsubishi Fuso Canter Duonic AMT 150 GRP
GALLERY: Mitsubishi Fuso 4P10 engine