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How it stacks up...
Page 19
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In the UK the Maxity is set to go head-to-head with the lsuzu NKR and Mitsubishi Fuso Canter 35 so that's how it has to be evaluated. Compared with the contenders from Renault, lveco, Ford, Mercedes and Volkswagen, the Maxity isn't at the races. It's too noisy, the ride is too hard and the cab far too compact for most tastes. However, if payload, price and ease of manoeuvrability are key factors, caloover 3.5-tanners offer the best solution.
On the evidence of our brief acquaintance, the Maxity has a lot going for it. The 2.9m-wheelbase chassis-cab with its 2.5-litre engine weighs in at ust 1,683kg —the equivalent Canter tips the scales at 2,000kg, while the lsuzu NKR weighs in at 1 ;825kg (on a 2.5m wheelbase). Renault reckons that at 1.87m the cab is wider than either of these two maor competitors, though according to the technical spec sheets from Mitsubishi. the Canter has the edge at a little over 1.9m. The equivalent isuzu is a good deal narrower.
All three are much of a muchness when it comes to on-road handling. If anything the Maxity is the quietest, though the steering of Canter is arguably the best and the lsuzu has the benefit of the automated transmission — not the best auto we've ever driven but it does relieve the driver of the effort of changing gear.
In reality it will all come down to price. Jean-Marc Lange, Renault vice-president for the light delivery range, reckons the Maxity will undercut its two rivals. We'll be surprised if that is the case, particularly in the ultra-competitive UK sector.
The Maxity will be available through Renault's 19 UK truck dealers from the end of March, making its UK show debut at the CV Show in April.