ON THE ROAD
Page 37
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
CM drove a box-bodied, 4,750mm wheelbase 7C18 with the Duonic box. Lower noise levels were apparent from the new cab, and a feeling of control came from the Duonic transmission. The exhaust brake needs a simple control stalk movement to engage and it then takes care of itself. When activated, the slightest touch on the footbrake will precipitate downshifting to aid braking.
The ‘Eco’ button influences shift patterns to save juice and the idling stop start (ISS) button under the main dash is disabled by indicator use, a safety feature to avoid being left stranded when waiting to turn across traffic. Other switches are for heated mirrors and DPF regeneration.
A little 3C13, 130hp tipper, part-loaded, was spritely enough and rode well with the new independent front suspension. Production started in October with a 4x4 variant scheduled in February 2012.
With the competition including the Nissan Cabstar, Isuzu Crafter and N-Series and Iveco Daily, these upgrades and innovations will increase the heat in that lightweight short-haul sector. The major issue for this truck is probably one of perception, but those operators who do choose to look closely enough will find a better truck than they are expecting.