ROADTEST AWD TL 6x4
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The cab is trimmed predominantly in grey which includes the mouldings, floor mats and carpet over the engine. Our test vehicle had perforated vinyl seat coverings practical for tipper use but cloth is a no-cost option. Since the engine hump is under the seats cross-cab access is good. A dual passenger seat is fitted as standard, but a single seat can be specified at no extra cost.
Instrumentation is effective but simple. A combination gauge contains air, fuel and coolant temperature meters in the same housing as the warning lights.
Our biggest criticism of the AWD dash is that the tacho glass reflects badly in sunlight, which can be distracting.
Column stalks control most major electrical functions. We don't like the wiper control; selecting intermittent is unnecessarily fussy involving pushing the stalk forward and releasing it, To switch intermittent off the wipers must be switched on then off again. It would be far simpler to have a separate detent for the intermittent setting.
By contrast, the heating and ventilation is simple and effective, controlled by three vertical slides in the centre of the dash, Two fresh-air vents below provide plenty of throughput, supplemented by opening quarterlights.
Visibility is generally good. Standard heated door mirrors help with the view behind, but the kerb mirror is virtually useless on two counts: it is in direct line with a passenger's head and it is positioned too high to see anything in it.
The AWD dealer network includes 39 distributors and 45 service operators in the UK and the Cummins/Eaton/Rockwell driveline is a well proven combination; access to regular service items is good too. The AWD TL24-27 is clearly a big improvement over its Bedford-powered predecessor. It's both faster and more economical around our tipper route Cummins' CSeries engine has closed the gap with other six-wheelers in both respects.
Fuel consumption is slightly disappointing, particularly when compared with the ERF ES8, but there are other factors to consider. Firstly, there's price. At £44,290 (ex-VAT) it's a mere E40 more expensive than the ERF, and the two lightest trucks also happen to be the cheapest in our comparisons: the Leyland Daf costing nearly £3,000 more at £47,025 (ex-VAT), the Scania nearly £4,000 more at £48,200 (exVAT) and the Cargo more than £6,000 more at £50,370 (ex-VAT).
Add to that its potential for heavier loads over a tonne more than the Scania P93 in tested form and the 24-27's fuel consumption penalty starts to look like a reasonable price to pay.
Mind you, take away the advantage gained from alloy wheels and there's virtually nothing to choose between the AWD, ERF, Cargo and Constructor.
Under those circumstances price will play a big part in purchasing decisions, and the combination of an old familiar face and proven driveline could yet weigh heavily in AWD's favour.
El by John Kendall