B-Series hits the UK
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IN Renault's long awaited new contender in the 3.6-7.4 tonne market, the B-Series, will go on sale in the UK from the new year. Two basic models — a van and a chassis-cab at five tonnes and a six-tonne chassis-cab — will be sold alongside the Dunstable-built 50 Series which is currently offered in van and chassis-cab form from 3.5 to 7.5 tonnes.
The B-Series has been sold in France since 1980. In the UK it will be targeted at the retail and small business sectors in a bid to restore Renault's flagging market share.
Body styling is based on the lighter and more familiar 3.5tonne Renault Master which is marketed by the passenger car side of the company. Body options include a full bulkhead closing off the cargo area to reduce noise and help keep the cab warm.
Doors can be specified on both sides of the load area (a nearside door is standard). The rear doors open to 270° and clip against the sides of the body to aid kerbside deliveries.
The five-tonner's two wheelbase options of 3.2 and 3.8m provide for panel van load volumes of 12.8m3 and 14.2m3
(slightly larger than for the 50 Series), and a bed length of up to 4.25m. An extra wheelbase of 9.25m is also offered on the six-tonne chassis-cab, allowing for a 4.73m body length of various designs from curtainsiders to tippers.
Chassis-cab models include a factory-built crew-cab which will seat seven.
The upgraded 1108 model was introduced earlier this year equipped with the fourcylinder, turbocharged, 2.5litre Sofim 8140 engine rated at 78kW (106hp) at 3,800rpm and developing 235Nm (17511bft) of torque at 2,000rpm to give 10% more power and 7% more torque than earlier models.
Its ZF S5-24 five-speed gearbox has a direct top and synchromesh on all gears. A left-hand side PTO comes as standard. Multileaf parabolic springs and anti-roll bars are fitted front and rear with loading tolerances of 430 and 560kg. Integral power-assisted steering is standard.
Prices are quoted as 215,300 for the B110.50 chassis cab, £18,070 for the 3.2m wheelbase van, and £18,870 for the 3.84 version. The B110.60 chassis cab costs 26,025.