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I n some ways the Actros, resplendent in German Racing Silver,
Page 45
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was the least interesting of the group. Not because there was anything wrong with it,just that it was effectively an absolutely standard version with no major options or innovations to distract from its basic purpose.The Megaspace cab, with its truly flat floor remains an object lesson in packaging, with enough room for any driver's living needs, however long the journey. The fit and finish of the cab interior was also on a noticeably higher level than the rest Once on the move, however, the refinement slipped a little. Some of the German road surfaces — admittedly not the best in the world these days — caused the cab to buck; on a couple of occasions the front suspension crashed out.The engine brake, although the most effective of the bunch, took its pound of flesh by way of being three decibels noisier than the others.
The service brakes were equally impressive in operation, earning top marks.At 429hp, the Merc's 11.9-litre V6 was the most powerful engine in the group. This was reflected in its standing-start acceleration, but at higher speeds it didn't shine so well, having the slowest top gear acceleration and the slowest hill climb times. Overall fuel consumption was just below average for the pack.
But while performance and fuel economy were middling, the Actros' overall productivity was hit by its porkiness, only just scraping in below the 7.3 tonne mark. Despite repair and maintenance costs on a par with the MAN, the Actros scored less well in other areas to gain the highest overall running costs.
Surprisingly, perhaps,given that it was up against two trucks from Sweden, the spiritual home of safe vehicles, safety was the only section in which the Actros scored highest marks, This was largely due to its powerful engine brake,which was able to keep the service brakes cold and ready for action that much longer.