OTHER CONTENDERS MAN G90 8.150 Mercedes 814D
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We didn't encounter any completely new 7.5-tonners in 1993, but the three we looked at displayed an interesting range of approaches to the same market. Two were well-established models from MAN and Mercedes-Benz; the other a variant of Iveco Ford's New Cargo.
The MAN we tested was a comprehensively equipped G90 tipper— fitted with a hydraulic crane and its own generator and compressor—operated by Sheffield Auto Hire. The G90's chassis is unmistakably that of a truck, constructed of straight sections riveted together, but its cab is a modified Volkswagen unit, as seen on VW's own LT van.
This is less daunting for inexperienced drivers, and MAN's installation provides reasonable comfort and sound insulation. The 107kW (143hp) six-cylinder engine gave good fuel economy, and MAN's contract maintenance deal looks like good value. But the G90 is showing its age, and many operators will welcome the new L2000, with its larger cab and new range of engines.
M-B's contender looks like an overgrown panel van which is no bad thing as it behaves much like one on the road: there is nothing to deter van drivers looking for a 7.5tonner apart from so-so fuel economy and a slight vagueness on the motorway. But the 814D's performance is very good and it's nimble enough for town work, It is up against M-B's own, more truck-like 814 LN2, but its initial price and lack of standard features (there is no rev-counter, for instance) might attract some operators to the less expensive competition.
Iveco has won many plaudits for its New Cargo, including our own Testers' Choice last year, so we approached the six-cylinder model with a particularly critical eye. We tried the 105kW (141hp) 5.86-litre directinjection turbo-diesel in a tipper and found it to be slightly ill-matched to its purpose. However the engine would be ideal for motorway trunking, given the right gearing, and its wastegate-equipped turbo provides considerable torque at low revs.
The vehicle handles extremely well, with progressive steering, and its front disc brakes are a worthwhile safety innovation that should find its way into many trucks soon.
The New Cargo's really strong suit is its cab, which is built to heavy truck standards, using a large amount of SMC to reduce corrosion and weight. The interior is flexible and attractive, visibility is good and the controls are OK too. Our only quibbles were with the control stalks and with noise levels at speed.
The New Cargo still has to fend off the challenge of Leyland Daf's 45-Series, but Iveco has the pan-European appeal that earns it our vote for 1994.