TESTERS' CHOKE Sonia R144 530
Page 37
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
FOR ONCE, OUR 1996 artic tests split conveniently into those with more than 500hp (373kW) and those with considerably less, which proved to be no handicap. As we have repeated over the years, much more than 400hp at 38-tonnes is not really necessary. On congested UK roads, there is no appreciable gain in journey times on most operations, just more fuel burnt in the process.
So much for logic and reason. Most drivers wouldn't turn down a 500hp drive if the transport manager thrust the keys into their hands. Three such beasties came our way last year and we'd be lying if we said we didn't enjoy all that effortless power. Scania's R143 500 was a bit of an oddball. The 3-series had already been superseded when we tested it in January. The real purpose of the test was to try Scania's Opticruise semi-automated gearshift, fitted as a prototype to the Jordan Racing team livened truck and trailer. So this particular Scania was too much of a one-off to be a serious contender. Seddon Atkinson's StratoCruiser was also a one-off when we tested it in August. Launched at Truckfest South West in 1995, the StratoCrusier mated the flagship Iveco EuroStar cab to a range of proprietary drivel i ne components. Our test vehicle, the one seen at the Shepton Mallet Truckfest in BWOC livery, was the sole 'Cruiser in existence at the time. We were no stranger to its Euro-2 Cummins 14-litre engine, pumping out 517hp (386kW). The same engine had powered an ERF EC14.52 to a class-leading fuel consumption figure (7.93mpg) in September 1995. Unfortunately the Seddon wasn't in the same league. Honours go to the Scania R144,530 in Bird's Express livery. With its Topline cab and "upstairs" bunk, it tipped the scales at the same 8.1 tonnes as the Seddon. The 14.2-litre vee-eight managed a much more respectable figure of 7.70mpg (32.81it/100km) overall, which is not bad for a 523hp (390kW) engine. Our test vehicle's options included the Topline cab,
Scania's integrated retarder and air conditioning. Boosting the price to a theoretical £94,097 (ex-VAT( dented its fleet appeal somewhat, but with 523hp on tap, it's unlikely to head many fleet managers' lists.