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Gear linkage has been known to work loose.
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steel suspension comes with anti-roll bars front and rear with two-bag air suspension as an option at the rear.
Axles rated at 3.0 and 5.c) tonnes do not give a lot of loading tolerance so a 3.8-tonne front axle is listed as an option. The U-section frame is new. A Z-section front sub-frame gives a low mounting location for the engine and gearbox, which contributes to the low cab height.
All four of the Atego cabs are wider than on the old LK models—even the S day cab has 25% more space, which is used to accommodate a third seat. The SE is extended to the rear by 18 omm to give more room for stowage; the sleeper comes with a r.95m-wide bunk and even more stowage; and the high-roof LR offers a ceiling of almost 2. om.
The one-step cab access is straightforward, light controls make the Atego about as easy to drive as a 7.5-tonner gets. Handling at speed and under heavy braking is stable; slightly low gearing makes the steering feel a bit light and slower than some The four-cylinder engine is smooth, and so responsive that the limitations of the short first gear are exaggerated.
Despite a claimed 6% improvement, fuel consumption is an area that needs further development. When we tested the 815 it was nearly 13% D
behind the Daf 45.16c). Weight is another area where some of the competition has the edge—the lighter Iveco and Daf 7.5-tanners both offer more payload.
However, there's no denying that the Atego scores well in several ways with that impressive list of options including electric windows, central locking and air conditioning. With its wide cab it also looks good.
• by Bill Brock