DRIVERS' VERDICTS
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Iveco Ford supplied us with a left hooker—an air-suspended 4x2 440E52FP with the double bunk high roof cab—which we used to get some British driver feedback to the EuroStar. It's the same as the UK model apart from the ZF box; British 520s will get Eaton's SAMas standard. At South Mimms services we were soon surrounded by interested drivers— it's the first time we've had them queuing up for a go.
Victor Child drives a Volvo F10 for MacFarlane out of Leeds. "It's easy to get into and it's a lovely high cab with a lot of room. I spend three to four nights out a week so for me that bunk needs to be a bit thicker but the second bunk means I can take the wife. There's plenty of stowage space, especially up there above the screen. The hanging space means that you can keep your change of clothes decent." On the road he asked, "Is it loaded? There's plenty of power and the gearbox is nice to use even though it is on the wrong side. The shift is so light. You can push it through with your finger tips. I'd like to see the trailer brake come back again. The park broke is near but the run up plate on the floor getsin the way of the exhaust broke button. I like this wrap-around dash and the plastic mouldings look stronger than on the TurboStar but the cab is what you make it yourself."
Owner-driver Mark Mitchell, up from Falmouth, drives a Volvo F12. While he looked around he adjusted the steering wheel and seat heights and used the switches to set the mirrors. He took off in fourth gear. "It's just like mine—when its empty. What is maximum power?" We told him 514hp at 1,900rpm but suggested taking it just to the top of the green band and then see what he thought. "I see it comes in at maximum torque in the next gear and there is so much of it," he said. "The gearbox is a bit rubbery, like the TurboTech, but the steering is light and I like it. I don't like the beep that goes with the indicator but at least you won't leave it flashing. I can read all of the instruments, no problem. i spend five nights out a week so space is very important to me. I am more impressed with this than with the Renault 420 Magnum I tried out a
Victor C It's easy to get into and it's a
lovely high cab with a lot of room. The bottom bunk could be thicker, though.
of weeks ago. There is stowage space under the bunk I like the colour scheme and the fridge. I don't eat much in the cab but there are times when:Hwy isn't a lot of choke. The cab is plenty wide enough and the mattress looks quite sturdy and not too hard. It's higher and wider than the EuroTech—I would have one."
Paul King drives a Pegaso 360 for Harry Mason out of
Milton Keynes down to Spain every week. "The overhead lockers are fine for stowage," he said, "but they could be a bit further forward. They encroach into standing space as they are. Nets are a good idea and the bottom bunk is soft. The top one looks well padded and just as comfortable. I love the curtains for the front screen and the way they tuck away. The colour scheme looks OK; it will be easier to keep dean than the older ones but the trim around the gear lever is a bit flimsy. The seats are easy to adust3dviit's got that extra bit of support for the lower back. Air suspension is fine although over rough European roads you would have to lock it out. Vision is very good and having electric mirrors means that you can widen the angle on the nearside to cover the blind spot you get at some road junctions. it rides very smoothly," he added, "and I'm well impressed with the power. It just doesn't seem like it's pulling 38 tonnes. The gearbox gives a goad direct shift. I can see all of the instruments and reach the controls, except for the exhaust button which is just to for away for me. I don't like the ash tray though. it's blind, if you dropped your fag you wouldn't know where it had gone. It's got plenty of