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Testers' choice: MAN TGA D20
Page 44
Page 45
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Highly commended: Iveco Stralis AT
Shortlisted: Oaf 0F85.480F1P Volvo FH16 610 To be perfectly honest it wasn't difficult choosing the winner of our tractor group -we're not the only ones talking (OK, raving) about MANS new D20 diesel. Having steeled ourselves to debunk the myth that's fast growing up around the at-new 10.5-litre diesel, the 430hp TGA 6x2 went and spoilt it by sefting a new fuel economy record around our ate test route, becoming the first 441onner to break the magic 8.0mpg overall.
But what's really amazing about the D20 is how it refuses to behave like a 'small engine. Its overall performance, not to say luggability, is phenomenal; coupled with the standard ZF AS-Ironic box it offers a very productive drive. Add to that a 28.8-tonne-plus payload and it haste be in pole position.
Choosing the 'highly commended" challenger proved much more difficult, however. You can count on the fingers of both hands the operators who actually NEED Volvo's 610hp FH16 but that doesn't mean we weren't impressed by its stumppulling performance.
As we said at the time: "Nothing on sale today will beat it on any journey, not without tearing up the rule book."
Yet despite its undeniable "wow factor" the Fl-I16 is very much a niche product, which
leaves us with the Daf CF85.480II and Iveco's Stralis AT.
Taking the Dutchman first, its small-wheel mid-axle configuration contributes to a terrific payload potential at 44-tonnes, even if the folks from Thame rather spoiled it by speccing our test truck with a Space Cal)! We like comfort guys, but there's no need to pamper us every time.
We can't fault the Daf's 12.6-litre XF engine, however, especially when it's backed up by the AS-Tronic box. Throw in an optional ZF Intarcier and you have a vary driveable machine with strong fuel economy.
Bti not everyone wants a "small wheel" artic and in the end the 'highly commended" a ard went to the Stralis AT430. Why?
pause everything it did, it did well, from gaol d returns at the pump to brisk journey tir6es and a decent payload.
nd while others debate whether or not to fit an auto boxes the norm, its standard fare in tr4 fleet-spec Stralis AT.
'vow is no longer the poor relation of the traptor market, and for product improvement al ne it wins second place.