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This French fancy gives Daf and Iveco cause for concern
Page 78
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Each month CM looks at a mainstay of the used market — please put your hands together for the Renault Midlum 7.5-tonner.
When you look for 7.5-tonners the chances are you'll think of Iveco and Daf They might be the market leaders, but there is stiff competition from the other manufacturers looking to make inroads into the Italians and Paccar's sales volume.
Take the Renault Midlum. It was launched in 2000 with a 4.1-litre engine producing 150 and 180hp, replacing the Midliner and breathing new life into a market where the French had been haemorrhaging sales virtually to the point of zero in the UK.
The cab frame is shared with Daf's LF range, but that's where the similarity ends because the rest is pure Renault.Volume has increased year on year and the Midium has taken on the extra responsibility in the used market from the Premium tractor. Its success is based on a functional approach.It lacks the in-cab finesse of the Daf but can more than match offerings from Germany or Italy.These days the dCi four and six-litre common rail engines, offering 150 to 270hp,lead the market in performance.
Impressions
Handling is market leading.The Midlum is easy to drive despite the five-speed box suffering from the odd gaps here and there,but that's an industry issue rather than simply a French shortcoming.
As with the rest of the market the better horsepow ered versions are becoming more popular. So what should you be looking for? Apart from the usual things like service history and air management kit, make sure your chosen vehicle meets your criteria. A six-speed box is preferred as it will improve drivability but it isn't a necessity. Fleet and rental will be the main first time customers for this type of vehicle so specification might be spartan.
Most drivelines are pretty standard; it's the body that might add a few extra quid if it comes with extras such as a tail-lift (about £250 more). Sleeper cabs are rare; dropsiders and tippers always go quickly. •