New Mid liners from RhI • As predicted by Commercial Motor
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(16-22 February). Renault Truck Industries has finally replaced its long-serving Commando with a new line-up of Midliner rigids, with which the company hopes to regain some much-needed volume in the middleweight market.
The UK Midliner range comprises models from 6.5-13 tonnes, with three basic 'S' models at six, 7.5 and 10 tonnes GVW, and 'M' models at 11.5, 12, 12.5 and 13 tonnes GVW.
The Midliner is aimed at urban and inter-urban distribution operators and uses the much-modified old 'Club-ofFour' cab. S range buyers get the choice of either a 5.99-litre naturally-aspirated Perkins Phaser engine developing 87kW (118hp), or a turbocharged Renault MIDS 06.02.12 six-cylinder engine rated at 103 or 117kW (140 or 159hp) coupled to a five-speed ZF gearbox The M-range gets the same driveline choice, but with the option of a six-speed ZF box in place of the standard fivespeeder. Later next year, RI! will also be offering a chargecooled version of the MIDR engine rated at 144kW (196hp) on all Midliner chassis from 11.5 tonnes upwards.
To suit a variety of operating needs, the Midliner S-range is further divided into A and B class vehicles with varying front axle ratings. According to RTI, loading tolerances of up to 1.5 tonnes will reduce the risk of inadvertently overloading axles. RTI quotes a typical kerbweight for a 3.8mwheelbase day-cab S160. 08/B 7.5-tormer as 3,142kg, while a 3.7m-wheelbase day-cabbed M160.13/C-P 13-tormer tips the scales at 3,391kg.
Parabolic springs are standard, along with front and rear anti-roll bars, power steering and a battery isolation switch. An exhaust brake is fitted on all Renault-engined chassis.
To withstand corrosion the Midliner cab features a lot of glass-reinforced plastic, including its SMC grille, bumper, wings, steps and air deflectors.
Typical prices range from 217,010 for the Perkinspowered S120.07 6.5-tonner, to 224,190 for the 13-tonne M160.13/C-P chassis.