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Model: Midlum 180.08/B Testeesimpression: Renault's Midlum 180083 typical of the
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kind of 7.5-tonner rental fleets are buying. Simple, no-nonsense and fit for the job, which explains why our Tipper Light test truck proudly sported the colours of Global Self-Drive.
Like the Daf LF and Iveco Eurocargo, the Midlum is the classic light-truck tipper with a big cab. Despite having a slightly higherthan-normal first step (thanks to the fitment of 9.5R17.5 tyres in place of 215s to get a bit more ground clearance) access into the cab is excellent, helped by a nice wide door aperture, although the left hand door handle needs to be longer.
Don't expect too many frills inside as this is pure working tipper spec. There's a standard fixed seat, a steering wheel that adjusts for rake but not height, a tough interior trim and floor covering, manual window winders_ you get the picture. Nonetheless it's a comfortable environment, although we'd question the choice of light grey for the seat material.
Build quality seems OK —the dash survived CM:s traditional push-it, pull-it, prod-it test. However, we're not convinced by the position of the tactic down near the right-hand footwell. The pop-out tray is fiddly to get to and just asking to be broken. Better to shove the whole unit up into the dash or headlining. However, the Midlum scores good safety points for having remote radio controls on the steering wheel so you don't have to take your eyes off the road.
While you might netlike the choice of blue for all the major dials (it's a Renault thing and common to both Premium and Magnum) the rev counter is nice and big and the green sweet spot is clearly marked.
Storage space is noticeably superior to that found in smallercabbed rivals, with a decent rack on the rear wall, a tray in the fold-down centre seat and a big lockable bin under the nearside passenger seat. The coat hooks look ready to support a side of beef.
On the road the Midlum 180 proved a competent performer, good in most departments if not outstanding. Its steering is light and precise, with a good turning circle. The dCi diesel pulls well around 1,800rpm and is well-matched to the slick five-speed ZF box; we had no trouble keeping up with the out and thrust traffic on the A419 dual carriageway heading into Swindon. Unfortunately, the cruise contral wasn't playing so we had to revert to the manual right foot for holding a steady Oomph.
Visibility from the driver's seat is good.
We've no problems with the stopping power of Renautt's disc brakes; they just need to be more progressive. Likewise, the ride is a bit on the firm side, which probably has more to do with the springing than the damping. That said, the Midlum holds the road well and overall we're left with the Impression of a good jobbing tool that suits the tough rental world to a T.
However, the advent of more 'fancy' 7.5-tonners such as the TGL may well force manufacturers to think again about basic tipper specifications. We're not saying Renault has got it wrong with the Midlum many operators will welcome its no-nonsense base specification—it's just that in the battle to woo drivers' hearts and minds it may have to add a few extras in order to stay among the front runners.