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GOING FOR GOLD Bobadopoulos the Builder may struggle to get
Page 64
Page 65
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Athens ready for the Olympic Games, but at least one new Olympic venue is up
and running.
The ERF brand is currently on a roll, making a significant contribution to the fortunes of the MAN/ERF Group in the UK. In the first quarter of 2004 just over 25% of the group's product carried an ERF badge. The attraction is plain to see, with around 95% of ERF tractors now powered by Cummins.
When we tested the ERF ECT (CM10 July 2003), the only significant gap in the line-up was a high-roof, flat-floor cab to match MAN's )0CL. Now this gap has been plugged with the return of the Olympic cab, available on 4x2 and 6x2 tractors and drawbar units. Previously you could have the high-roof or the flat floor but not both together.
The Olympic's trim level is closer to that of the basic MAN TGA XXL than the leatherand-walnut Five-Star luxury version, but it's unlikely to disappoint a long-distance driver's need for a comfortable home-from-home.
Once the four steps up to the 1,520mm high cab floor have been negotiated, the 2,100mm of headroom inside should accommodate 99% of the driver pool without ruffling a hair. The floor is as near flat as makes no difference, with the space between the seats normally completely uninterrupted.This makes room for the pull-out cool box, which can be optionally upgraded to a refrigerator.
Bunks have recently been modified to feature slatted bases with light alloy frames to keep the mattresses in place.The lower bunk is the right height for sitting on, although the folding guard rail and pull-out storage box do get in the way a bit.
Upstairs sleepers are kept in place by a net, replacing the folding rail.The top bunk now has a simplified gas strut and strap stowing system instead of the rather over-complicated remote cable device.
The Olympic's standard spec includes automatic air-con, electric windows, sun blinds and roof hatch.The driver's seat is fully adjustable and heated, while the passenger's is also air-suspended.
Since our last drive the instrument panel has been updated with chrome-edged black dials replacing the previous blue-grey design, adding a touch of Audi-like class. Otherwise the cockpit trim is unchanged, but it's none the worse for that. Storage
Main storage spaces are provided by two large lockers under the bunks, the one on the passenger side being accessed from inside or out. There are also three large lockers above the windscreen. Like the rest of the ECT range the Olympic comes with a choice of the 10.8-litre Cununins ISMe or 13-litre MAN D20, nominally rated at 420 and 480hp respectively. Currently the TipMatic automated gearbox is only available with the MAN engine; the ZF 16-speeder with the ComfortShift thumb-operated clutch button comes as standard on both. •
Badge engineering?
When we visited Middlewich to try out the Olympic we noticed that the latest production vehicles have a modified badge. The
blue stripes vanished some time ago; now the red and white ones have followed, apparently in the name of corporate conformity. Only a small point, but one that marks the severing of another link with ERF's proud heritage.
Do you care? Let us, or new MD Des Evans, know what you think. ERF ECT Olympic °
What's new? • Olympic combines the best of the existing flat-floor and high-roof sleeper cabs • Sensible spec is practical and comfortable II Benefits from the latest mods across MAN/ ERF range
High risk? II The only question mark is the brand's future
Worth a punt? • Exclusivity and technical strength should ensure good residuals • Olympic cab and Cummins engine create probably the best product in the MAN/ERF Group THE VERDICT
In the same way that Bentleys and Daimlers used to be Rolls Royces and Jaguars with that extra something, ERF adds a touch of exclusivity to the MAN range — ideal for the operator who wants something that little bit different. Fleet buyers, from general hauliers to specialist sectors such as the petrochemical industry, are already well catered for. The return of the Olympic cab to the ERF line-up gives added strength to the brand and a reason for even more buyers to join up. While the very future of ERF depends on UK buyers continuing to insist on Cummins power, the signs are looking good at the moment.