TESTERS" CHOKE '91
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3.5-7.5 TONNERS
SHORTLIST Iveco Ford TurboDaily 49.10 Mercedes-Benz 410D Renault Midliner 5120.08/A Voile-bodied Mercedes-Benz 814 Testers' Choice: Vaile-bodied Mercedes-Benz 814
AT ehicles in the 3.5-7.5 tonne category in the UK are in something of a no-man's land. At the bottom end, 3.5-five-tonners tend to be scaled-up panel vans; 7.5-tonners tend to be scaled-down trucks. The vehicles we tested in this category divide neatly into the two types.
The lighter vehicles were the Mercedes 410D and Iveco Ford TurboDaily 49.10. Like the 31013 we tested, the larger Mercedes van benefits from the new five-cylinder, 2.9-litre EDI diesel which provides a good performance/economy mix.
This gave it increased driver appeal, although it is not as refined as some competitors. Build quality of the high roof body is to Mercedes' usual standards. Our principal dislikes were the noise levels at motorway speeds and the number of extras needed to improve the driver's lot.
The Iveco Ford TurboDaily 49.10 is one of the 41013's direct competitors. With a greater payload, higher volume and better fuel consumption than the Mercedes, it's no surprise that it has the edge in productivity.
We tested the revised Renault S120 Midliner in dropside form at 7.5 tonnes. We rated it highly for its good productivity combining a competitive price, good payload and modest fuel consumption.
The naturally-aspirated Perkins Phaser six-litre engine is the lowest power option available on the Midliner and as a result, the good economy figure was achieved at the expense of performance. We also had reservations about the cab, first developed in the 1970s, which looks dated now, while inside the fascia is cheap looking and untidy.
Testers' Choice for 1990 goes instead to the Vaile-bodied Mercedes 814. Although the vehicle itself is not new, the combination of the Mere chassis and Valle box body with 'Stylemaster' aerodynamic kit proved to be a winning package.
We felt that the advantage of the body kit easily eclipsed the weight penalty, particularly for a parcel van which rarely runs at maximum GVW. The 814 has a thoroughly competent chassis, offering fine roadholding and handling with good performance. The quality of the Stylernaster kit easily matches the finish of the Mercedes. It looks good and offers significant fuel savings over a conventional box body; a welcome benefit with the continuing uncertainty over fuel costs.