Scenic but demanding, State Highway 60 between Richmond and Golden Bay is an ideal venue for a short, sharp test run.

A little semi-urban running, some easy highway stretches and that steep and narrow hill. The Takaka Hill Saddle twists and climbs to a 791-metre summit that will highlight any lack of horsepower, less than ideal gear ratios and reveal any shortcomings related to steering a modern 50-MAX unit in tight and slow terrain.

New Zealand Truck & Driver got to enjoy the very best of “Top of the South” summer sunshine in February with the Sollys crew and their new VC67 model Isuzu Giga EXY 530 equipped with 16-speed automated transmission.

The new 6x4 unit driven by Mike Stewart typically runs between Nelson and Christchurch, but we met Mike at Sollys’ Richmond depot where the Isuzu and a Roadmaster six-axle B-Train were being loaded for a general freight run across to Takaka. 

The background to this Giti Tyres Big Test lies with the VC67 changes introduced mid-2022 for Isuzu’s Giga C (8x4) and Giga E (6x4) models.

It has been a long time coming. The Isuzu Giga updated with a new cab design is something I have been waiting for. And with the other Japanese brands launching new cabs and drivelines over the last few years, it’s about time we saw a new version of Isuzu’s flagship heavy-duty model.

It’s not a full new drive train but Isuzu has updated the software in the 16-speed automated transmission which we are here to test on arguably one of the most challenging roads in New Zealand. But the biggest benefit on this new Giga is the new cab that has jumped forward a full decade to keep pace with its rivals. 

We meet up with Sollys’ new Isuzu Giga EXY 530 at their yard in Richmond on a nice sunny day in February. The NZ Truck & Driver team is excited to experience some nice dry warm weather after experiencing our wet summer up north.

Our trip today will be to take the new Giga and its 6-axle Roadmaster B-train over the Takaka Saddle Hill to the Sollys yard on the other side.

With trailers loaded with 29.2 tonnes of general freight it’s time for regular driver Mike Stewart to head off towards Golden Bay over the 791m Takaka hill and its narrow, twisty corners and changeable surfaces.