Mitsubishi Fuso’s new generation forward control 2012 Canter, complete with redesigned front-end, is due to start rolling off the production line at its plant in Tramagal, Portugal, in September. And it will be the first truck to offer a dual clutch semi-auto transmission as an option.

Called Duonic the six-speed direct-shift transmission — a familiar bit of tech from passenger cars and Volkswagen’s Caddy and Transporter (DSG) — combines the convenience of an automatic ’box with the fuel economy of a manual. Gearchanges will be super-slick, if our previous experiences of twin clutch gearboxes are anything to go by, and it can be used as a full auto or shifted manually. As standard the new Canter comes with a five-speed manual ’box and additional power take-off points have been provided.

Carried over from the current models, the 3-litre Euro 5 turbodiesel is available at power outputs of 130hp, 150hp and 175hp. For the first time, however, they can be mated to a Start/Stop system to further reduce fuel consumption. It can be specified as an option with both transmissions. Service intervals have been increased from 18,600 miles to 24,850 miles.

Now available at three gross vehicle weights — 3.5t, 6.0t (new) and 7.5t — the light truck of the Canter line-up, the 3.5-tonner, features independent front suspension, can be had with the most powerful engine variant and there’s a narrow body option, the 3S, with a maximum width of 1,700mm. The 6.0- and 7.5-tonners can be specified with ESP as an option, but alas not the 3.5-tonner.

Back at the business end the permissible axle loads and chassis frame layouts have been redefined, accompanied by increases in payload of between 85kg and 500kg. The 7.5-tonner can now be had with a rear axle load capacity of 6.0 tonne. An extra long 4,750mm wheelbase has also been added which can accommodate a body length of 7,000mm. The body-mounting ability has been enhanced thanks to new mounts and a uniform hole pattern on the frame.

Canter’s cab has also been updated. As well as improved cross-cab access there are new instruments which include a multifunctional display, redesigned seats with adjustable lumbar support — suspension seats are optional — a new heating and optional automatic air conditioning system, as well as improved storage facilities. Driver and passenger air bags feature on the options list.

The exact UK line-up, specifications, pricing and on-sale date were not available at the time of writing, but there is no doubt that Mitsubishi Fuso is getting really serious with the new generation Canter.