Moscow: where
Page 36
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
East meets West
CM travelled to Moscow to visit Comtrans, the international exhibition for commercial vehicles, and run the rule over the latest launches By Andy Salter and Will Shiers
THE NEW HYUNDAI Xcient was one of the most notable and stylish new launches at Comtrans last month as the Korean truck builder seeks new sales for its heavy truck line-up.
The Xcient was first launched at the Seoul motor show in March, but the company used the giant Moscow truck exhibition to signal its European intentions. Hyundai has set a global volume target of 60,000 units a year for the range and while it would seem unlikely the product will find its way onto UK shores, the Russian and other eastern European markets are firmly in Hyundai's sights, along with South American and Asian markets. The Xcient range consists of a tractor, tipper and rigid distribution chassis, and Hyundai claims best in class fuel economy and in-cab living space for the product. Power comes from a 10-litre Hyundai diesel engine offering a
choice of 420hp or 520hp, and torque of 2,000Nm and 2,250Nm respectively, offered in Euro-4 format only.
ZF supplies transmissions, with the once ubiquitous 16-speed manual providing the cogs to transfer the drive to the back axle.
Competent machine
In-cab, the Xcient has a smart wraparound dash, and while the build quality doesn't quite match that of the current generation of European trucks, this is a thoroughly competent machine for long-haul operation. There are two roof heights available in the tractor range, the taller of which offers 1,895mm of standing height, while the bunk dimensions of 800mm wide by 2,180mm long indicate the designers have done their homework for the long-haul driver.
Umpteen storage lockers and cubbies ensure bags of storage space, while generous mirrors and good deep windows to the front and side provide excellent sight lines.
While the lack of a Euro-5 or -6 emissions solution handicaps the Hyundai's entry into the western European market, the new Xcient would not look out of place on the M6.
It's an indication of the changing nature of the global truck market, however, that a western European launch of a new truck model by a non-European manufacturer is no longer on the agenda. Better spoils are to be had by battling in the emerging markets than in the sunset European market where legislative barriers are high and the market is flat. Hyundai cites Russia and Peru as two key target markets and in light of what we've seen of this product it seems the established European makes will be given a run for their money. •