1996
Page 28
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ERF EC14 Olympic This year's Olympic cab is updated in terms of trim and colouring, but is basically the same as the model introduced in 1994. It's not the biggest cab, but it's tall, airy and well put together, with some very practical details.
Tall drivers may need to turn the passenger's seat round to stand up when undressing, but many will have enough room when standing on the engine hump. That swivelling seat is nicely matched to a pull-out writing shelf under the bottom bunk.
Two over-screen lockers and an external locker provide ample storage space for most trips, though it may get a little tight with two on-board. The bottom bunk has a wardrobe at one end and a small shelf for spectacles, while the top has a small locker and a pocket covered by a net.
Light, radio and roof vent switches over both doors and a credit-card-sized remote control for the radio makes it easy to operate everything from either bunk. There is an alarm clock mounted in the control panel above the driver's seat. A couple of blinds cover the transparent roof vent and both bunks have reading lights.
Getting into the bottom bunk is easy enough, and there is a swing-down step to climb into the top. Both mattresses are sprung—and the thickest on test—but firm enough to keep anyone's back happy. The drinks holder could be reached from the bottom bunk, though top bunk occupants may go thirsty.
The Webasto night heater runs quietly at night, the pitch picking up when it is warming the cab. And once it was properly set up, it was possible to make the cab quite uncomfortably hot.
Overall, the Olympic cab makes good use of a limited space.