Sep 1, 2005 12:00 PM

Completely redesigned for 2005, Mitsubishi Fuso's Class 3-5 cabover trucks provide spacious interiors with environmentally friendly and comfortable cabs and car-like controls used wherever possible.

The result, in the FE120, FE145, and FE180 medium-duty trucks — plus the FG140 four-wheel-drive model — is a cabin with plenty of room for a 6-foot-tall driver, plus two helpers. Both driver and assistant seats recline, both have generous forward-aft adjustment, and the seatback on the assistant seat folds forward to provide a flat work surface when not occupied.

The transmission shifter has been moved to the dash, and the parking brake lever has been placed between the seats, so the floor area is clear. This enhances legroom for passengers, and makes it easier for the driver to exit the vehicle on the curb side in heavy-traffic, urban environments.

Engineers even added an oversize cup holder that can handle 32-ounce cups to supplement the two standard, pull-out cup holders in the dash.

When even more passenger room is required, Mitsubishi Fuso offers its FE 145 Crew Cab, which will comfortably seat seven. This model offers plenty of leg room, along with four full-access doors, vinyl seating surfaces, and storage areas under the rear bench seat.

To reduce driver fatigue, all these models are equipped with one-touch tilt/telescoping steering wheel adjustment, high-mount HVAC vents, easy-to-reach storage slots for toll tickets and receipts, adjustable driver's armrest, noise-reducing door seals and high-mount air intake, tinted windshield glass, and power windows and door locks. More information is available at local Mitsubishi Fuso commercial truck dealers.