Driving impressions
Page 14
Page 15
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
.f As a venue for the introduction to its new engine, Scania chose Benidarm's mountainous hinterland on Spain's Costa Pension.
With an extensive network of duallane highways and numerous challenging climbs, this terrain gave the 470s a thorough workout in real-world conditions. A number of 420s were also on hand for comparison, with all trucks loaded to 40 tonnes.
True to Scania's predictions, the immediate impression was the silence. One tester has apparently recorded an impressive in.-cab B2dti(A) at 70km/h up a slight gradient; a figure we wouldn't disbelieve from a subjective viewpoint.
Some of the test trucks destined for colder climes were equipped with dualglass door windows, leading to some unkind thoughts from the ever cynical press. But in a comparative test (we opened a window during a hard climb) impressively, there was virtually no increase in perceived noise.
The more gradual onset of injection given by the BPI system really does seem to pay dividends in noise reduction.
Not surprisingly, the 470 handled the hilly bits more easily than the 420; more impressive was the torque plateau. At least 1,700W is available from 9001,90Orpm, allowing Scania to offer the 470 with the 011900 gearbox with its eight forward ratios and one crawler. For this test drive, however, our trucks were fit ted with the 12+2 GRS900R, which gave a 300rpm drop between splits allowing permanent residence in the engine's "sweet spot".
The on-board Casio Pocket PC display of the Infotronic system graphically illustrated the combined effects of driving an unfamiliar vehicle and following a predominantly uphill route.
The 105km drive from the coast to the 4,000ft-high test base gave a trip figure of 6.3mpg, while the still undulating return trip was at a satisfying 10.1mpg.
The 470 seems to have considerable potential—we look forward to giving it the full CM roadtest treatment.