Fuso Canter: Same reliability, a great new look.

In-depth

6 Dec

At the smaller end of the truck market, the Fuso Canter has been a mainstay for many operators looking for a Pantech for last mile delivery, tippers that will fit up a driveway or a tray truck to haul around the tools for the job.

Now, Fuso have released upgrades to the range, taking plenty of design cues from the 2nd generation eCanter, which freshen up the exterior, and have added a new multi-media head unit to the interior. These are the first major changes to the brand since 2018, which indicates just how good the previous models were.

You don’t have to be a ‘Canter nerd’ to pick up the exterior changes. Have a look at the accompanying photo of a 2018 Canter 515 and you’ll see how extensive the changes are.

**The 2018 Canter 515 - compare with the new model below**

**The updated 2024 model 515 with lots of incremental changes to the exterior**

The Fuso name, sitting on a black background, stretching across the body and flowing into the headlight clusters, stands loud and proud. This styling element is referred to as the Black Belt design that matches the recently introduced new generation all-electric eCanter. We’d also suggest that it is an effective advertising tool for people to notice the brand.

Another black strip has been added below the windscreen giving it the appearance of being deeper and the A pillars now flow down past the screen and curve inwards, doing away with the sharp creases as seen on the old model.

Below this, a body coloured grill replaces the old black insert, and the bumper has also received attention, with more curvature and black corner over riders angled up and inwards. The registration plate has been moved towards the off-side to accommodate the centrally mounted radar unit which works in conjunction with the dash mounted camera for the Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS).

**The welcome addition of radar necessitates moving the rego plate to one side.**

The tray models feature handy steps built into the side framework at both the front and rear whereas the old model only had them at the front.

Doors remain the same, with the addition of side LED repeater lamps. Importantly the LED headlights now throw out a 30% brighter beam. The old ones were no slouch in lighting up the road but more light is always welcome in avoiding our native fauna. Does anyone else notice the ever increasing number of roo carcases on our roads?

The overall effect is to give a more streamlined and ‘wider’ look to the body – although dimensions are identical.

**The 615 range delivers higher payloads and different suspension**

On the inside the changes are more minimal, the main feature being an upgraded 8” multi-function media screen which sits proud of the dashboard, is compatible with wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto connectivity, and has physical buttons that are much easier to use in accessing the various functions of the unit.

The multimedia unit also has upgraded processing and memory performance and integrated accessory capabilities. It displays the footage from the reversing camera that comes standard with all Canter models, while footage from up to five additional cameras can also be shown on the screen.

**The major interior change - and for the better - is to the multi-media screenchange. Shame they didn’t add the ‘jet exhaust’ air vents from the eCanter (Below).**

It would have been nice to see the red highlighted ‘jet exhaust – like’ air vents (above) and coloured door pockets from the eCanter which add a bit of flare to the interior but, that said, it is a pleasant environment in which to spend one’s work days.

On the test day we got to play with four Canter variants; 515 and 615 Wide Cabs with a steel tray, a 515 Wide Cab with a Pantech body and a 615 City Cab (narrow body) Tipper which sits on a 2500mm wheelbase as against the others 3400mm.

The difference between the 515 and 615 is that the former has a GVM of 4500kg, while the 615’s are rated to 6000kg – although there is the option to reduce them to a car-licence rated 41/2 tons. All our drives were loaded to the maximum GVM.

**The 615 City Cab Tipper will fit into squeezy places.**

In all cases power is supplied by the venerable 3 litre, four cylinder turbo diesel engine with 110kW power and 370Nm of torque. I say venerable because this engine has been in use for many years by Fuso and has proven to be a robust and reliable unit. Some minor internal revisions and a slightly larger sump on some models are the only changes made.

Service intervals are now 30,000km or 12 months which is decent, but as with any engine, more frequent oil changes can only be of benefit at little cost outlay. My old Territory recommends 15,000km servicing but I do it every 10K and at well over 300,000 on the clock the old Barra motor runs just like that – a clock.

Warranty is 5 years or 200,000km on all models and safety features include the aforementioned AEBS, plus Lane Departure Warning and Electronic Stability Control.

Suspension differs between the two models with the 515 sporting double wishbone Independent Front Suspension (IFS) with coil springs and steel rear suspension with parabolic leaf springs, whereas the 615’s have multi-leaf front suspension with stabiliser bar and steel rear suspension with semi-elliptical leaf rear springs with stabiliser bar.

Don’t go looking for manual versions of these Canters because you won’t find them. It’s the way of the world these days and the fact is, why would you bother stirring a stick constantly all day in the urban environments in which many of these trucks will spend their working lives?

**No manuals, no worries. This is a top 'box.**

The six-speed dual-clutch Automated Manual Transmissions fitted to these trucks works a treat, changing up and down gears quickly and smoothly. Touch the brake on a downhill slope and the ‘box will drop back a gear to help save on brake wear. If you do like to swap cogs it’s a simple flick of the lever, so you can play to your heart’s content.

I spent the day driving the four models supplied around the Bellarine Peninsula, south of Geelong, taking in the beautiful countryside with its hills and dales, jealously passing homes of my dreams with their ocean vistas, and the usual stop/start driving through the various townships.

I really couldn’t differentiate between the pulling power of the 41/2 or 6 tonners, a testament to the engine and gearbox. Similarly, there was no discernable difference in the ride of the different suspensions. The trucks all did what was asked of them – and I asked a bit – without complaint. Steering is light and precise, the new multi-media screen is much more intuitive and easy to use and, most importantly I could sit in the seats all day without getting a numb backside. Wind noise is negligible and the air-con works a treat.

The trucks now have a thoroughly ‘new age’ look about them which will appeal to buyers. Fuso’s only problem I suspect, is that the trucks have proven so reliable that there will be owners out there that will think, “I’ll get another couple of years out of the old girl and then I’ll change up.”

Well, when the time comes you won’t be disappointed.