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RENAULT PREMIUM C , M.c -7-• THE IVIEi - RE COMMERCIAL MOTOR comes into
Page 50
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contact with the new Renault Prentpm the nibre we're convinced it's a much under-rated machine.That feelingEstrengthened by the latest SCR-equipped Euro4 4500Xi high-of Privilege tractor iyjth the 'Excellence'trim package.
What does it for us is the cab layourIsomeone has really thought about the needs of the dr-lo long-Optance driver and delivered a cab layout to suit the job, partiatiarly when it comes to storaged
living space.
The high-mounted single bunk and big overhead lockerg ensufflthere's plenty of stowage space; though having havingtipled for a raised siiFigle bunk its a
-4.4.oity the French rricilLfactiPer hasn't fitted some Extra storagt loCkers high upxon the rear wall, Whichwolild really set it apart from its rivals.
.Sonething for the future perhaps? We really like The pull-out fridgeonder th_ 'bunk a nd the open platform in the-Readr;.- lining oyer the passenger seat for portablemplete with power socket
and tie-down points.
While we're still not 100% convinced by the choice of seat trim (it's too light for our tastes) the rest of the high-roof Privilege cabin is fine and we note that Renault has made the dash a touch darker so it won't show the dirt so much.
The Premium 450DXi's driveline comes courtesy of the Volvo/Renault Group Powertrain Division.The 10,8litre lump is based on a bored and stroked Volvo D9 diesel but with Renault's own fuelling kitand electronics. It's offered at 370,410 and 450hp; the top power rating is matched by a full 2,14011m of torque.
Our test tractor also came with the optional Optidrive 2 (Renault's version of the Volvo I-Shift two-pedal auto) which is well matched to the DXi engine and has a farsimpler control programme. Most shifts were taken around 1,600rpm and the smoothness of shift has to be experienced to be believed.
With Optidriver 2 you also get Optibrake which automatically dials in
the exhaust and engine brake when you start to creep over your cruise control set speed and will drop a gear for optimum back-pressure if necessary, It worked well although the exhaust brake was noisy and rather buzzy, so clearly something was not quite right.
Our Renault tractor also featured 'hill-hold', which means you can set the truck upon the footbrake, then switch your right foot to the throttle without fear of roiling back. When the clutch is engaged enough you pull away without any fuss or bother, and with none of the delay you often get when using a park brake on a slope.
The large, brightly-lit digital speedo in the centre of the dash was a real boon to Mrs test observers who had to make sure that each driver kept to the speed limits.
Last, but riot least, we were struck by how well the Renault Premiun 4500Xi rode for a 4x2. We found no reason to go back on the commeni we made in 2005: the new Premium outclasses its rivals in many key areas.