0 °tested the TO-A 460 XXL as
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recently as last month (CM 7-13 Dec), so here we'll concentrate on our experiences with this specific example. Despite having the lowest power rating of the group—it gives away 16hp to the Merc and 20hp to the Scania— the MAN certainly didn't feel slow, thanks to the fact that peak torque is available from just 900rpm.
An otherwise impressive driveline was slightly marred by vibration through the steering wheel at 1,1001,40Orpm. Over poorly surfaced roads the throttle pedal proved oversensitive and difficult to hold steady. Although not a priority according to the weighting of this test, the MAN's costs gave it a comprehensive advantage in terms of fuel economy and productivity.
The other area of excellence demonstrated by the TG-A was the XXL cab which is a driver's delight, although the passenger-side kerb mirror's presence in the main rearview mirror was an irritant. The handbook and the doormounted switch panel both feature a facility to move the main mirror lens out by 10' to follow the rear of a cornering semi-trailer for 10 seconds, but MAN hasn't confirmed when this will become available.
Cab features that we did like were the extra side windows (useful when manoeuvring in tight spots), the clear, simple instrumentation and the wiper delay, which is infinitely variable up to one minute. The simple switch to swap from cruise control to programmable limiter is useful in speed-restricted urban traffic.
MAN's press office spared no expense on the information and entertainment kit In this XXL: a satellite navigation unit occupies one of the dash DIN slots, next to a fivedisc CD changer.
The one area where this vehicle earns its place in the not tried before" category is TipMatic, the latest in automated transmissions from 1F. MAN has joined the growing band of manufacturers confident enough to throw away the clutch pedal. In place of the gearstick is a large, round, six-position knob. Turning the knob anti-clockwise from the N position there are four choices, marked D1,133, D5 and DM. The first three are used to select the initial starting ratio, depending on gradient and load; subsequent gears are chosen by the electronics. The OM position gives fine control of the clutchless transmission during lowspeed manoeuvring (in the clockwise direction, the R1 and RM positions offer similar choices for going backwards).
Once under way, you can leave the electronics to make the decisions, or you can use the column stalk to take manual control. Nudging the lever quickly in an upward direction will force a single up-shift, while a more leisurely nudge will change two ratios (the electronics will intervene if the driver tries something stupid). The same stalk controls the powerful engine brake, which is linked to the transmission to provide optimum retardation.
TipMatic is now available for UK TOAs, at a premium of 11,088 on this 460. As with lveco's earlier EuroTronic deal, MAN has sole rights to the product for the first year after which it will become available to all. On the road TipMatic simply does what it should, and, afthough the change might be slightly more leisurely than what a good driver could achieve, its beauty lies in its consistency.