PERFORMANCE
Page 61
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
III the Sallie issue as we reported the Astramax launch (CM. August 31) we roadtested the live-speed. 1.6-litre diesel Astra Van 1.1) which returned an impressive 5.86 lirlItH/km (48.19mpg) fuel consumption with a 519kg payload. It made obvious sense then to find out how the same driveline combination would fire in the larger-bodied 1.72 tonne-UVW Astramax 56(11.1).
Around our Kent light van route it managed an equally useful 6.89 litilOOkin (4(1.97mpg) with an extra 116kg onboard.
The fuel consumption Figure is very close to that of the last big-volume van tested by CM — the 45k W (60hp) 1.7litre Citroen C151) van (CM, November 16, 1985). Ibis just bear the Bedford with 6.75 lit/100km (41.81mpg). Its maximum payload, however, was 125kg lighter than the Astramax's.
By far the strongest rival to the Astramax 560L1), however, will be the 1.6-litre diesel Escort. Tested last year (CM, July 28, 1984) it managed a noticeably better consumption of 6.13 lit/100km (46.Impg). But again its maximum payload was lighter by some 75kg.
Although AR's 13(t (cc petrol-engined Maestro 700L van does have a greater payload and load volume as our comparison charts show, there is still no diesel option, and there will not be one until at least the middle of next year.
The 560LD's extra payload means that the 40kW (54hp) indirect-injection engine has to work a lot harder than when fitted in the lighter Astra Van. The power loss is particularly noticeable on hills where the diesel Astramax tends
to run out of puff and requires one, sometimes two, down changes. •Ite two deep over-drive ratios on fourth and fifth clearly aid fuel economy, but they do not always help gradeability.
Overall, the five-speed box is flexible enough and the stubby lever allows quick positive changes. If journey times are important, however, then as with the diesel Astra Van, the 1.6-litre engine's revs must be kept well up.