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MERCEDES•BENZ 2544 6x2

17th March 1994, Page 30
17th March 1994
Page 30
Page 30, 17th March 1994 — MERCEDES•BENZ 2544 6x2
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Mercedes was a late-comer to high-roof cabs, launching the Eurocab late last year as standard on the 1850 and 2550 and as an option on lesser models. As might be expected from Mercedes, there is more to the Eurocab conversion than just cutting off the standard roof and grafting on a high-top replacement. Both bunks have been raised to provide extra under-bunk storage space and there are extra overhead lockers in the roof section. Side windows with curtains and an electrically operated sun-roof are fitted in the roof extension, while a remote control Webasto night heater comes as standard.

For those used to the compact dimensions of the standard-roof Mercedes cabs, the Eurocab comes as something of a shock. There's space to move about standing upright with stowage space to match. The raised bottom bunk leaves room for a deep full-width compartment beneath; overhead are three lockers above the windscreen. The outer two are lockable; the cen tre locker has a roller-shutter front without a lock. The left hand locker is deeper and wider than that on the driver's side. The centre locker is not big enough to house a microwave but a shelf helps to make the best use of the space. Above this locker is a shelf deep enough for a large-scale atlas.

There's no shortage of oddment stowage under the windows in the roof extension, by the bottom bunk light and in the door pockets. Yet another locking locker can be found over the top bunk and a zip up wardrobe at the nearside end of both bunks has space for a suit or two.

Long distance drivers would probably not want the document box between the front seats as its in the way for dressing, although it is just possible to stand around it. Both bunks were long enough for our 6ft lin tester to stretch out and the cushions were deep enough to guarantee a comfortable night's sleep. Access to the bottom bunk is hampered by the netting and restraining bar, but at least you're not likely to fall out.

Only the bunk reading light can be controlled from the bunk; it's a pity there isn't a lighting master switch. What's more, the lights are set up so the driver sleeps with his head behind the passenger seat. That might be OK for left-hand drive but it's no good for UK vehicles where the radio is impossible to reach from behind bars in the bottom bunk. At least the night heater can be fired up from the control panel over the bottom bunk.

Firing it up from cold on the test may be unrealistic but it showed that the heater, which heats coolant in the Merc's own heater circuit, has a limited output. It failed to raise the temperature above 17.5°C after 90 minutes, earning itself the award for coolest cab on the test.

At least it's possible to de-mist in the mornings, because the heat is distributed from the standard heater outlets.

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