AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

In their own words...

17th July 2003, Page 34
17th July 2003
Page 34
Page 34, 17th July 2003 — In their own words...
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Steve 0. ,41: This was the most truck-like of the group with its wide cab. It has good seat space fore and aft, but with a low roof line—the sun visor is too low to be of any use. It feels short of low-down torque, but you really feel the power coming in at 1,400rpm. I'm not impressed by the gear change. The steering is too light with no feel, it understeers too easily and has a bouncy ride, It has a simple, clear dash and almost all of the controls are visible through the steering wheel. Good storage, with two glove boxes, bin, drop-down seat and cupholders. The suspension seat is comfortable, but the relationship between pedals and gear lever doesn't feel right. You'd know you've done a day's work in this. Doug Simmons: I thought it was going to be spacious but I have long legs, and although the controls are to hand, it feels a bit tight on space. The drive is very bouncy and the gearbox is clumsy. Visibility is really good and the mirrors allow you to see the back corners, which gives a good perspective. And the brakes are very responsive. Overall I am happy with the vehicle, the seat is comfortable and I like the handbrake, but it's the gearbox that would put me off—it's not very driver-friendly Colin Sowman: The Mitsubishi's wide cab affords good all-round visibility but it is filled with a plastic dash, a skinny steering wheel, an umbrella-style handbrake and, having adjusted the seat, shorter drivers are trapped by the steering column. Electric windows proved useful for ventilation. Although large, the single-view mirrors lacked some coverage. On the road, the vehicle is hard work with its engine constantly rushing up to the 3,500rpm red line due to the transmission characteristics. Many drivers would elect to miss first altogether and there is a massive jump between third and fourth, so if decent acceleration is to be maintained, the red line has to be reached before the shift is made. There is little or no feedback through the steering, the foundation brakes were too sharp and the handbrake struggled to hold the vehicle on inclines. The silver lining is that the low first gear, the hard ride and the automatic exhaust brake make for a far more competent vehicle once off the road.

Tags


comments powered by Disqus